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Akihabara after dark: arcades, shops and manners

How to spend an evening in Akihabara: game arcades, lit streets and shops that close early, plus the manners that keep the area easy for everyone.

Updated Oct 10, 2026 · Guides · TokyoRead the post

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TypeAll Guides Festivals Seasons Practical

PlaceAll Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Fukuoka Sapporo

Guides5 min readAkihabara and Ikebukuro: anime, games and shopsAkihabara and Ikebukuro are Tokyo's two best places for anime, games and character goods. Here is how to plan a day in both, with food and rest breaks.

Guides5 min readArashiyama in a half day, away from the crowdsArashiyama is busy at midday. Go early for the bamboo grove, walk the river and choose one temple garden. Here is a half day that avoids the worst crowds.

Guides5 min readDazaifu from Fukuoka: a shrine, a plum tree and a sweet stopA calm day in Dazaifu from Fukuoka: the Tenmangu shrine, the plum trees, the old bridge and the sweet called umegae mochi.

Guides5 min readMount Fuji from Kawaguchiko: views without a climbHow to see Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko on a day trip from Tokyo, without climbing it. Routes, viewpoints and why the weather decides the day.

Guides5 min readFurano and Biei: fields, hills and slow roads from SapporoA day or two in Furano and Biei from Sapporo: the flower fields, the hills and the roads, and why a car or a tour helps.

Guides5 min readGinza and Tokyo Station: a base for a short stayA base near Ginza and Tokyo Station suits a short stay: walk to the shops at night, reach the shinkansen early, and rest in a calm, polished area.

Guides5 min readGion after dark: how to walk it respectfullyGion at night is beautiful, and people live and work there. Here is how to walk its lanes, take photos and eat with respect for the neighbourhood.

Guides5 min readHakone from Tokyo: onsen, ropeway and lakeA day or two in Hakone from Tokyo: the train, the ropeway, the lake and the onsen. Tips on tattoos, the volcano and the order of the day.

Guides5 min readHimeji Castle: a day trip from Osaka or KyotoHow to spend a day at Himeji Castle from Osaka or Kyoto: the castle, the garden next door, the route and what to check first.

Guides5 min readHiroshima from Fukuoka: Peace Park and MiyajimaA day from Fukuoka to Hiroshima: the Peace Memorial Park and museum, a ferry to Miyajima and the tide check for the floating torii.

Guides4 min readHonmachi and the Osaka history trailHonmachi is a calm business district beside Osaka Castle. Here is a half-day history walk past the castle moats, a city museum and a quiet garden.

Guides5 min readIkebukuro as a base: shops, anime and trains northIkebukuro is a busy station hub with big stores and many train lines. Here is how to decide if it is a good base, and how to pick the right exit.