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Japan 

Akihabara Otaku

Best shops, maid cafes and arcades

Selected by
@giannisimone
Selected by
@giannisimone

Showing 0 of 30 spots

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Japan - Tokyo

Comic Zin

Now that Comic Toranohana has moved elsewhere and K-Books, despite its name, doe...

Selected by @giannisimone
Japan - Tokyo

Comic Zin

Address: Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−11−７ 秋葉原ビル 高和

Now that Comic Toranohana has moved elsewhere and K-Books, despite its name, doesn’t carry books anymore, COMIC ZIN is a must-visit for manga connoisseurs and doujinshi hunters. This three-story specialty shop offers a curated selection of mainstream manga alongside a treasure trove of self-published works, technical books, and niche titles you won’t find elsewhere. Known for its quiet, library-like atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, COMIC ZIN also provides exclusive bonuses - like limited-edition postcards - with select releases. The steep, narrow stairs add to its hidden-gem charm, making each floor feel like a deeper dive into Tokyo’s indie publishing scene. Whether you're seeking rare cycling-themed manga or experimental doujinshi, COMIC ZIN is where Akihabara’s subcultural pulse beats strongest.
Other spots by giannisimone
Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby Tokyo / K-BOOKS
The popular figure and model maker’s only retail shop in Japan can be found on the fifth floor of the famed Radio Kaikan building. Kaiyodo is synonymous with beautifully crafted, highly detailed figures. Their works are so realistic that their dinosaur models, for instance, were reportedly used as material for the CG design of the monsters in Jurassic Park. Then there is the Revoltech series of figures featuring the company’s unique "Revolver Joint" articulation system. Last but not least, the garage kits displayed every year at the Wonder Showcase (see Wonder Festival) can be also bought here.
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Sofmap AKIBA PC and Digital Store
Tech-focused retail hub in Akihabara, offering a wide selection of electronics, gaming gear, and PC components across multiple floors. It caters to both casual shoppers and hardcore builders, with dedicated sections for laptops, peripherals, gaming consoles, and secondhand goods. The store also features a floor for anime and character merchandise, blending otaku culture with digital hardware. This is a reliable stop for upgrading gear, browsing retro games, or diving into Akihabara’s tech-meets-anime ecosystem.
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Super Potatoスーパーポテト
This is arguably the most famous of the retro game shops in Akiba. When the area is featured on TV, chances are they are going to show this place. They literally have EVERYTHING including Neo Geo and PC Engine games and very rare (i.e. very expensive) goods. They also sell game-related items (strategy guides, T-shirts, Super Mario glasses, etc.). The downside is that their prices are 25-30% higher than the competition. This said, they have 2-3-day bargain sales typically during holidays (the Golden Week in early May; Obon in mid-August; and New Year). There’s even a small game center on the top floor complete with glass-top cabinets for that old ‘70s feeling.
GiGO Akihabara Building 3
Multi-level arcade and entertainment hub offering one of the most immersive gaming experiences in the city. This six-floor venue features a dazzling array of claw machines, rhythm games, racing simulators, and retro arcade classics. The fifth floor is a haven for music game enthusiasts, with top-tier machines like beatmania IIDX, DanceDanceRevolution, and SOUND VOLTEX, while the sixth floor - branded as RETRO:G - celebrates vintage titles like OutRun, Typing of the Dead, and early beatmania mixes. It also hosts frequent anime-themed campaigns and exclusive merchandise drops, making it a dynamic stop for both casual visitors and hardcore gamers. With free Wi-Fi, electronic payment options, and a steady stream of limited-edition prizes.
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Taito HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard)
A four-floor arcade institution dedicated to retro and competitive gaming. It features legendary shoot-’em-ups like DoDonPachi and Gradius on the second floor, classic 2D fighters on the third, and rhythm and card-based games on the fourth. Known for its meticulously maintained vintage cabinets and no-frills atmosphere, HEY draws serious players and nostalgic fans alike. It’s a living museum of Japan’s arcade legacy and a must-visit for anyone chasing pixel-perfect memories.
Tokyo Leisureland
Another typical game arcade featuring crane games, purikura photo booths, rhythm games, and fighting titles, catering to both casual players and late-night wanderers. Known for its bright, accessible vibe and generous prize rotation, Leisure Land is a favorite for visitors looking to unwind after hours or dive into Akihabara’s playful side. With capsule toys, UFO catchers, and a steady stream of anime-themed campaigns, it’s a lively, all-hours stop for fans of Japan’s gaming culture.
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Volks Akihabara Hobby Paradise 2
Many tourists and first comers like this hobby shop because it’s close to the station and has a nice souvenir corner on the 1st floor. Also worth checking are the rental showcases where people can sell their goods on consignment. Hobby Tengoku belongs to Volks, famous for producing garage kits, mecha kits and the world-famous Dollfie line of dolls, so it’s no surprise that the 2nd floor is chockfull of robots, figurines, and pla-mo while the 3rd floor is a veritable Dollfie dreamland.
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Book Off
Purists may scoff at the idea of shopping at this used bookstore chain (and in Akiba, of all places) as they seem to be rather clueless about the stuff they handle, but it’s always worth a look, especially if you are after video games, as they are often cheaper than other retailers. This particular branch is six-stories high and it’s on the “wrong” (east) side of the station but only a one-minute walk from the Central Exit (中央口). They even carry secondhand consoles and accessories as well as books and manga.
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Game Bar A-Button
If you spent the whole day hunting for retro games, you’ll end up hungry, thirsty AND feeling like actually playing some of that stuff. So what better idea than paying a visit to this off-the-beaten-path bar? A favorite among both fans and game industry insiders, the place is full of games and consoles waiting for you. They even have an impressive collection of classic controllers. The place is quite small so if you plan to go with a big group of people you’d better call in advance. Ah, and of course you must be over 20.
Cafe Mai:lish
This small cute cafe provided the inspiration for the May Queen Nyan-nyan café in the Steins;Gate visual novel (i.e. interactive-fiction game), and is therefore a favorite destination for otaku pilgrims.. Even though it’s a typical maid café, it has a diverse clientele (office workers, students, etc.) and it features “cosplay time” and other events (usually on Wednesday). You can’t take pictures of the maids, but you can photograph the food on your table (ask the staff first). When the place is particularly crowded there’s a 90-minute time limit. Otherwise you can stay as long as you want but you have to place an order at least once every 90 minutes. They even sell maid-related good (e.g. cups, towels, etc.).
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Colorful shopping hub with street stalls and big department stores like Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba. Whole neighborhood for anime, gaming, figurines, retro consoles, and gadgets. There are restaurants, maid cafes, and spots with fresh baked sweets worth a quick stop.
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About

@giannisimone

I’m a writer, teacher, and tour guide from Italy, based in Japan since 1992. I help travelers make sense of Tokyo, Yokohama, and the rest of Japan with practical insights on culture, neighborhoods, walking routes, and slow travel. I also cover otaku culture, and you’ll often find me scouting cemeteries, backstreets, and local eats so your trip runs smoothly and stays curious.

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