Best Anime Shops in Akihabara
The Otaku’s Guide to Akihabara’s Must-Visit Anime Stores
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Akihabara is a legend in the world of anime and otaku culture. Known as the electric town of Tokyo, it’s the ultimate destination for fans chasing their favorite series, characters, or just the thrill of discovery. From towering multi-floor stores brimming with exclusive merchandise to hidden gems offering rare collectibles, Akihabara has a way of making your wallet tremble in anticipation.
This bustling district serves as a living shrine to anime fandom, buzzing with themed cafes, life-sized statues, and endless Gachapon machines. For those who dream of stepping into a world where 2D feels real, Akihabara delivers. If you’re hunting for the latest figures or reminiscing over retro classics, the sheer variety will keep you entertained for hours. Grab your most comfortable shoes and some extra luggage space, Akihabara is calling!
1. Animate Akihabara
Animate Akihabara is an experience that anime fan can’t afford to pass. With eight floors packed with anime treasures, this mega-complex is a dreamland for fans. Opened in 2023, the revamped Building 1 and its companion, Building 2, create a two-building paradise brimming with merchandise. Each floor has its specialty, from DVDs and Blu-rays to character goods and trending series.
Feeling social? Head to the 7th floor’s Event Space, where autograph sessions and talk shows bring fans closer to their favorite creators. Hungry after all that shopping? The newly relocated Animate Café is ready to refuel you with themed treats. Whether you’re on a buying spree or soaking in the atmosphere, Animate Akihabara guarantees an unforgettable day.
 Access |
4-min walk from Akihabara Station |
|---|---|
 Official Website |
https://www.animate.co.jp/shop/akihabara/ |
2. Suruga-ya Akihabara Shop Anime Hobby Pavilion
If treasure hunting is your thing, Suruga-ya Akihabara Shop Anime Hobby Pavilion is a goldmine, cherished by collectors all over Japan thanks to its incredible selection of pre-loved and vintage anime goods. From hard-to-find figurines to rare doujinshi, every corner seems to hold a hidden gem.
Prices here range from wallet-friendly deals to splurge-worthy exclusives, so both if you’re on a budget or feeling like a big spender, you’ll leave with something memorable. Got an itch for nostalgia? Suruga-ya has you covered with retro games and classic anime merch you didn’t know you needed.
| Access |
6-min walk from Akihabara Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://www.suruga-ya.jp/feature/akihabara_animehobby/index.html |
3. Akihabara Gachapon Hall
Think of Gachapon machines as tiny portals of joy, and Akihabara Gachapon Hall is their capital. With walls lined with colorful machines, each holding mini figures, keychains, or quirky trinkets, it’s impossible to resist the urge to try your luck. For just a couple of hundred yen, you might score a character from your favorite anime—or discover something hilariously random.
It’s chaos, it’s fun, and it’s oh-so-Akihabara. Pro tip: bring plenty of coins, because one spin is never enough! Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just love surprises, this spot is a guaranteed good time.
4. Akihabara Radio Kaikan
Akihabara Radio Kaikan is a landmark that needs no introduction. Just steps from the station, this multi-floor shopping complex is an absolute treasure trove for anime, gaming, and hobby enthusiasts. Each level is packed with specialty stores offering everything from exclusive figurines to rare trading cards. Radio Kaikan also houses niche shops for model kits, retro games, and even obscure collectibles you didn’t know existed.
The building’s iconic yellow sign has guided fans for decades, and stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule of Akihabara’s rich otaku culture. If you’re browsing or on a mission to find something specific, Radio Kaikan won’t disappoint.
More info: Akihabara Radio Center: The Old-School OTAKU Paradise in Tokyo
5. amiami Akihabara
Amiami Akihabara takes collecting to the next level, literally, with its towering structure packed to the brim with jaw-dropping figures. This store is the go-to spot for figure enthusiasts as it houses anything you can think of, from the latest releases to coveted limited editions. You’ll find everything from intricately detailed anime characters to video game icons, all displayed with museum-like care.
The shop is suitable for a wide range of budgets, so there’s something here for everyone, either if you’re simply window-shopping or going all in on a grail item. Keep an eye out for special sales and events; scoring a deal is half the fun. It’s a paradise for those who value craftsmanship as much as fandom.
| Access |
1-min walk from Akihabar a JR Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://www.amiami.com/eng/store/ |
6. Mandarake Complex
Mandarake Complex is where anime dreams, and maybe your savings, go to live their best lives. This iconic eight-story building is a mecca for rare and vintage finds, from hard-to-find manga and figurines to retro video games. Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual fan, the thrill of discovery keeps visitors coming back.
The store’s unique vibe, with shelves overflowing like treasure chests, makes it easy to lose track of time (and budget). And don’t miss the Lawson convenience store nearby, decked out in a “Dragon Quest” theme—it’s the perfect quirky pit stop before you dive back into the hunt!
More info: What to buy at Mandarake Akihabara
7. Akihabara Gamers
Akihabara Gamers is a one-stop shop for anyone who lives and breathes anime. This flagship store spans multiple floors and offers a staggering variety of goods, from manga and Blu-rays to merchandise showcasing your favorite characters. The shop’s organization is a lifesaver—each floor is dedicated to a specific type of product, making it easy to find exactly what you’re after.
Gamers is also known for its exclusive collaborations, featuring limited-edition goods you won’t see anywhere else. Keep an eye on their event schedule, as autograph signings and themed campaigns often bring in loyal fans. It’s a must-visit for anyone ready to dive headfirst into Akihabara’s anime universe.
| Access |
1-min walk from Akihabara JR Station |
|---|
8. Akiba Cultures Zone
Akiba Cultures Zone feels like an amusement park for otaku. This multi-level complex caters to fans of all stripes, offering everything from trading cards and idol merchandise to rare doujinshi and figurines. For those nostalgic for the classics, there are sections filled with retro toys and vintage collectibles.
The highlight? The 5th floor features one of Akihabara’s iconic maid cafés, offering a quirky break from shopping. Each floor is a different adventure, so don’t be surprised if you spend hours here exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the world of Akihabara, this spot has you covered.
| Access |
4-min walk from Akihabara JR Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://akibacultureszone.com/ |
9. Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo
Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo is where anime fandom meets fine art. This flagship shop from Bandai showcases premium collectible figures that blur the line between toys and masterpieces, like meticulously detailed Gundam models or stunning Dragon Ball figurines. Every piece feels like a labor of love and dedication.
The New Item Zone offers sneak peeks of upcoming releases, while the Event Zone hosts exhibitions and limited-time displays that make each visit unique. If you’re a fan of craftsmanship or just want to see what’s hot in the world of figures, this store delivers in spades. It’s eye candy for the collector in all of us.
| Access |
1-min walk from Akihabara JR Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://tamashiiweb.com/store/tokyo/ |
10. Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby Tokyo
Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby Tokyo is a must-visit for figure aficionados and casual fans alike. Nestled on the 5th floor of Akihabara Radio Kaikan, this store is a shrine to finely crafted models and collectibles. Known for their incredible attention to detail, Kaiyodo’s figurines range from anime icons to lifelike recreations of Buddhist statues, making it easy to lose yourself in the artistry. Want to take the experience further?
Some products are DIY kits, letting you assemble and paint your own masterpiece. From compact Gachapon figures to towering Godzilla collectibles, there’s something for everyone. Just remember: luggage space is precious, so shop wisely—or figure out how to smuggle a life-sized sculpture through airport security.
| Access |
1-min walk from Akihabara JR Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://kaiyodo.co.jp/kaiyodo_HB/TK_topics/ |
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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