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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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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 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 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 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.

Guides5 min readIkebukuro for fans: shops, cafes and fan cultureIkebukuro has anime store floors, a street of romance-story shops and character cafes. Here is how to plan a fan visit and shop with good manners.

Guides5 min readKamakura from Tokyo: temples, Great Buddha and coastA calm day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura: how to get there, which temples to pick, and what to check before you go.

Guides5 min readKawaramachi and Pontocho: a shopping and evening walkA walk from the afternoon arcades to the Kamo riverbank and the lanes of Pontocho at dusk, with dinner, respect for the district and a plan for late nights.

Guides5 min readKinkaku-ji and north-west Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion areaKinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, sits in a quiet north-west part of Kyoto. Here is how to plan a visit with other temples, and how to avoid the crowds.