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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 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.

Practical5 min readEarthquake safety for visitorsJapan has earthquakes often. Learn how to get alerts, what to do during shaking, and how to plan a meeting point with your family before you go.

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 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 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.

Practical5 min readSuica or ICOCA: which IC card to get on arrivalAn IC card lets you tap onto trains, subways and buses. Learn how Suica and ICOCA differ, where to buy one, and how to avoid gate problems.

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.

Practical5 min readA break-even test for the JR PassMost first-time visitors need a clear test before they buy a Japan Rail Pass. Use this method to compare the pass with single tickets for your own route.