Akihabara has long been a popular destination for international tourists, known for its vibrant neon streets, electronics stores, and anime culture.

Now, there’s a unique new experience for visitors to enjoy at night—cosplaying in a cyberpunk-inspired setting with a photo shoot right in the heart of Akihabara.

I recently had the opportunity to take part in this activity, and in this article, I’ll introduce you to “Cyberpunk Tokyo” and share my personal experience of stepping into this futuristic world.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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What is Cyberpunk Tokyo?

Cyberpunk Tokyo is a cosplay and photoshoot activity created by Cosplay9, designed to immerse you in Akihabara’s vibrant, futuristic world at night. This unique experience allows you and your friends to transform into cyberpunk-inspired characters with full cosplay, including costumes, makeup, wigs, and accessories, before embarking on a photoshoot in Akihabara’s neon-lit streets.

The cyberpunk theme fits perfectly with Akihabara’s nighttime atmosphere, evoking the sci-fi aesthetic that makes the area feel like Japan’s most cyberpunk-like city.

Japan’s safety makes nighttime activities like this photoshoot incredibly enjoyable. The professional staff, including experts in makeup, costume, and photography, carefully select the best time and locations to enhance the cyberpunk atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Costumes range from customized pre-made items to original, handmade pieces by Japanese cosplayers, with the designs varying based on your size and preferences.

Booking is accessible through the website, where you’ll provide the date, number of participants (up to four), and your clothing sizes. You can also discuss specific requests, like costume or makeup preferences, in advance. The activity lasts around 4-5 hours, depending on the group size, and everything from costumes and wigs to makeup is provided, so you don’t need to bring anything. After the session, you’ll receive dozens of professionally retouched photos via email about a week later.

About Akihabara

Akihabara is a must-visit destination for most international tourists coming to Japan. Its brightly lit neon signs and high-tech vibe create an unmistakable cyberpunk atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for a cosplay photoshoot. Although many people are interested in cosplay, few have the chance to experience it thoroughly, and casually doing a photoshoot in public streets can be challenging.

In addition, Akihabara’s nightlife is relatively quiet compared to other major cities in Tokyo, offering a calm backdrop for nighttime activities. There are fewer night activities in the area compared to its daytime energy, so this photoshoot experience stands out as a great option for something fun to do after dark.

My Experience at Cyberpunk Tokyo

As I mentioned initially, I had the opportunity to experience this activity. Here is my experience!

1. Arriving at Akihabara Station

The meeting point was just outside the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station, where the staff was waiting with a sign at 6:00 PM. We were greeted warmly and made our way to the studio, a 10-minute walk from the station.

Along the way, we chatted about the activity, our cosplay experiences, and the look we hoped to achieve.

For the entire experience, we had a translator to assist us.

2. At the Cyberpunk Tokyo Studio

The studio had a cozy atmosphere and was equipped with a makeup station, wardrobe, accessories, photoshoot gear, and changing rooms.

First, we changed into black innerwear (a black T-shirt and black pants) to prepare for the costume and makeup.

The makeup process took about an hour per person, with two people able to get ready simultaneously, so the total time depends on the group size.

While waiting, participants not getting makeup done could browse costumes, pick accessories like swords or masks, or practice posing. There were also couches to relax on, and the staff kindly brought us drinks and light snacks, which were included as part of the activity.

The makeup artists were highly experienced in cosplay, and they tailored the look to each person’s preferences. You could make very specific requests, and they did their best to accommodate them. The process felt like being pampered, almost like a Hollywood star.

Once the makeup was done, we selected costumes. If you have a specific look in mind, it’s best to discuss it with the staff before the activity, but if not, there are plenty of options to choose from on the day.

Though they cannot replicate copyrighted characters exactly, they can create similar looks inspired by popular characters.

Before heading out, we practiced posing with guidance from the staff and referred to a posing book for inspiration. With some quick practice, we were ready to hit the neon-lit streets of Akihabara.

3. The Photoshoot

At around 9:00 PM, we left the studio and headed towards Akihabara Station, a short 10-minute walk away.

The photoshoot took place in several scenic locations, including spots near the station, under bridges, and in front of neon signs—each with a perfect cyberpunk feel.

The photographer gave helpful pose suggestions and took shots from various angles to capture the best looks.

Though we initially felt a little shy, we soon got into the swing of things, enjoying the experience as passersby curiously looked on.

We took a wide variety of shots: solo photos, photos in couples, and group photos.

The photoshoot lasted about an hour, and we returned to the studio around 10:00 PM.

4. After the Photoshoot

Back at the studio, we removed our makeup, changed out of the costumes, and relaxed with some light snacks while reflecting on the photoshoot.

We shared our thoughts and highlights of the night before the staff kindly escorted us back to Akihabara Station, where we parted ways around 11:00 PM.

5. The Finished Photos

After about one week from the photo shoot, the edited photos were emailed to me.

As you can see, the photos were edited to amplify the Cyberpunk feel, making this experience unforgettable.

One interesting thing is that even if you pose the same way, it looks completely different depending on the background and shooting angle.

You’ll want to tell everyone about it after returning home from your Japan trip!

My Thoughts

Having the opportunity to cosplay and do a photoshoot in Akihabara at night was a truly unique and memorable experience.

The staff was incredibly friendly, and their makeup skills were impressive. This created a great atmosphere that made the photo shoot fun for both cosplay veterans and beginners. Even though the activity ends at 11:00 PM, there’s no need to worry, as trains are still running, and getting back to a hotel in Tokyo is hassle-free.

While kimono photoshoots have become popular, this cyberpunk cosplay photoshoot offers something different—an exciting, futuristic experience in one of Tokyo’s most iconic areas. If you’re planning to visit Akihabara, this is an activity you definitely don’t want to miss, especially if you’re a fan of cosplay!

View InformationHide

Information

Access	Meet up location is just outside the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station
Official Website	https://cosplay9.jp/

Price List

• 1 person: $600
• 2 people: $950 ($425/person)
• 3 people: $1155 ($385/person)
• 4 people: $1400 ($350/person)

Participating with a group is recommended, as the more participants you have, the better the value. Booking with multiple people offers a significantly better deal than going solo!

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