Akihabara after dark is about game arcades, bright signs and streets of anime, game and electronics shops. Do your shopping in the afternoon, when most floors are open and staff can help you. Spend the evening in the game centres and on the lit streets. Follow the local manners, and the area is easy to enjoy.
Why go after dark
Akihabara is the main electronics and anime district of Tokyo. Most shops close early in the evening, but the game centres stay open later, and the signs light up the main streets. The mood changes after dark. There are fewer families and more fans, and the streets feel loud and colourful.
The area is part of the Akihabara and Kanda guide, which covers the streets around the station. For the rest of the city, see the Tokyo guide.
Start with the game centres
Game centres, also called arcades, are a central part of Akihabara at night. They have rhythm games, claw machines and old console games. Many machines take coins, and some take a card. Ask staff at the counter if you need change.
- Bring a few coins in case a machine needs them.
- Read the floor map at the entrance before you go up or down.
- Keep your bag in front of you in crowded rooms.
- Some arcades have a smoking area on one floor. Look for the sign at the door.
Check first: Check the opening times of each game centre on its own website, or on the sign at the door. Hours change, and some centres close for maintenance.
Shop in the afternoon
Many shops here have several floors. Figure shops, manga shops and capsule toy halls each fill a floor or a corner. Plan your shopping for the afternoon, when staff are on the floors and most shops are open. Most shops close early, so do not leave your purchases until the last hour of the day.
| What | Best time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-floor anime and game shops | Afternoon | Staff are on the floors and most shops are open |
| Game centres and arcades | Evening | The lights are on and many stay open later |
| Kanda Myojin shrine | Morning | It is quieter before the streets fill up |
Walk the streets after dark
After dark, the main streets are bright, and the crowds move slowly. Walk on the pavement, look at the signs and step aside when someone stops to take a photo. Delivery vans and cars use some of the roads, so keep close to the shop fronts and not in the road.
On some weekends and holidays, parts of the main street are closed to cars in the afternoon. Check the local rule before you go, because it changes.
Manners that matter
Akihabara has many visitors who come for games and anime. Most people are friendly, but a few rules keep the streets easy for all.
- Do not follow a costumed person down a lane to get a picture. Ask first, and accept a no.
- Do not photograph inside shops or game centres unless the sign allows it.
- Do not block a shop entrance while you read a map.
- Keep your voice low in arcades and on trains.
- Carry your rubbish until you find a bin. Bins are few on the streets.
Eat between the shops
Akihabara is close to Kanda, which has many small curry shops. A curry lunch in the afternoon is an easy choice. For dinner, use Tabelog to find a place near the station. Read recent reviews, and check the closing day on the listing before you walk there.
Safety and getting around
Akihabara is busy, and crowds gather near the station exits in the evening. Look at the exit you need on your map before you leave the station. Keep your phone charged, and save your hotel's address in Japanese so you can show it to a taxi driver or a station clerk.
Check first: Check the street rules for Chuo-dori and any holiday closures on the official local site before you visit on a weekend. Check the last train times with the operator of your line.
Who this suits
This evening plan suits friends and solo travellers who like games, anime and bright streets. Families with young children can enjoy the shops in the afternoon, but the evening crowds are loud.
What to do next
Akihabara works well with the rest of your trip. Use the planner to add it to your days, or read the other guides for the wider city.
