【4K】Japan Walk – Tokyo ,Akihabara ,秋葉原,February 2021,#Japan #Tokyo #Akihabara#秋葉原

【4K】Japan Walk – Tokyo ,Akihabara ,秋葉原,February 2021,#Japan #Tokyo #Akihabara#秋葉原

【4K】Japan Walk – Tokyo ,Akihabara ,秋葉原,February 2021,#Japan #Tokyo #Akihabara#秋葉原
Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).

Akihabara has been undergoing major redevelopment over the years, including the renovation and expansion of Akihabara Station and the construction of new buildings in its proximity. Among these newly opened buildings were a huge Yodobashi electronics store and the Akihabara Crossfield, a business complex with the aim of promoting Akihabara as a center for global electronics technology and trade.

Side streets lined by electronics shops and maid cafes
Electronics
Hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one-man stalls specializing in a particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori street and the crowded side streets around Akihabara. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, electronics parts and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk.

A few chain stores such as Sofmap and Laox each operate multiple specialized branches along the main roads, while small independent shops can be found in the side streets. The only mega sized store is the Yodobashi Camera complex on the east side of the station.

Note that some of the electronics on sale are only intended for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences, Japanese language documentation and limited warranties. However, several stores also feature a selection of international models intended for overseas use, and most also offer tax free shopping to foreign tourists.

Game center and vending machines selling soft drinks and canned oden
Otaku Goods
The character of Akihabara has constantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. In the last decade Akihabara has emerged as a center of Japanese otaku and anime culture, and dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, retro video games, figurines, card games and other collectibles have filled the spaces between the electronics retailers.

In addition to shops, various other animation-related establishments have become popular in the area, particularly maid cafes where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters, and manga cafes (manga kissa), a type of internet cafe where customers can read comics and watch DVDs in addition to having access to the internet.

Major Electronics Stores

Sofmap
Hours: 11:00 to 20:00 (some branches open from 10:00)
Closed: No closing days
Sofmap operates five shops around Akihabara. Most of the shops are specialized in one type of product, such as mobile devices, computers, Mac products, used electronics and anime-related goods.

Laox
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
Closed: No closing days
The Laox Main Store in Akiba offers the largest number of tax free items of all the branches in Tokyo. Hobby and game related products are available in addition to electronics, souvenirs and lifestyle goods.

Akky
Hours: 9:00 to 20:00
Closed: No closing days
Akky specializes in tax free goods and operates three shops around Akihabara Station. Akky sells a variety of electronic equipment for overseas use, including cameras, computers, televisions, DVD players and software. Some branches carry used or refurbished items.

Yodobashi Camera
Hours: 9:30 to 22:00 (restaurants from 11:00)
Closed: No closing days
The Shinjuku based discount electronic store giant Yodobashi Camera opened its huge Akihabara branch in September 2005. Unlike most other electronic shops, it is located on the east side of Akihabara Station. This branch offers one stop shopping for computers, games, watches and cameras, and sells tax free and international models.
Otaku Attractions

Maid Cafes
Maid cafes are cosplay themed restaurants where guests are served by waitresses that are typically dressed as French maids. In addition to serving food, the maids engage in conversation and games with the customers and treat them with the care and respectful language due to the master of a house. Maid cafes are popular with both men and women, and some cafes, like the @Home Cafe, offer English speaking maids.

Don Quijote is a discount store chain that carries everything from groceries and toys to electronics and high end fashion goods. The Akihabara branch is home to the girl pop group AKB48, who perform daily shows at their theater on the 8th floor of the store (typically 2400 or 3400 yen). There is also a branch of the @Home Cafe maid cafe on the 5th floor of the store.