From Dragon Ball to Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen, Japanese anime continues to expand its influence across the world.
Akihabara — known around the world as the heart of Japanese pop culture — is a dream for anime lovers. Whether you’re hunting for rare figures, model kits, doujinshi, or just want to soak up the otaku atmosphere, here are five must-visit shops in the area you shouldn’t miss.
1. Animate Akihabara
Why visit: Animate is arguably the most iconic anime goods chain in Japan, and their Akihabara branch is a true flagship. With 8 floors packed to the brim, it’s a one-stop shop for manga, games, CDs & Blu-rays, figurines, and more — plus a dedicated event space.
Highlights:
- The basement (B1) has audio-visual goods and games.
- Floors 1–6: character goods, keychains, plushes, trending anime merchandise.
- 7th floor: event space for signings, talk shows, and limited-edition pop-up merchandise.
Address: 4-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 daily for Buildings 1 & 2.
Website: animate Akihabara
2. Akihabara Radio Kaikan
Why visit: Radio Kaikan is an otaku landmark — a towering 10-story building (plus basements) filled with a dense mix of hobby shops, figure specialists, model-kit stores, card shops, and more. Every floor is like stepping into a new world of subculture.
Highlights:
- AmiAmi Akihabara (in Radio Kaikan): a brick-and-mortar branch of the popular online model/figure store, especially good for Gunpla, character models, tools, and paints.
- Yellow Submarine (6F): a classic for hobbyists, with trading cards, figurines, board games, soft-vinyl models, etc.
- Volks Hobby Square (8F): dedicated to scale models and dolls, including exotic or sci-fi kits.
Address: 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Website: Akihabara Radio Kaikan
3. Kotobukiya Akihabara
Why visit: Kotobukiya is a godsend for figure collectors and model-kit fans. Their Akihabara flagship store is very well organized, with different floors dedicated to different genres (VTuber, classic anime, event space, etc.).
Highlights:
- 1st floor: merchandise from big-name franchises — Monster Hunter, Studio Ghibli, Nintendo, Godzilla, etc.
- 2nd floor: Kotobukiya’s own figure line and plastic models.
- 3rd & 4th: VTuber goods (Hololive, Nijisanji, etc.)
- 5th: an event space, often hosts pop-ups, limited edition drops, and signings.
Address: 1-8-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: Weekdays 12:00–20:00, Weekends/Holidays 11:00–20:00. - Website: Kotobukiya
4. Mandarake Complex (Akihabara)
Why visit: If you’re into rare or vintage anime goods, second-hand treasures, doujinshi, or retro video games, Mandarake is a must. Their Akihabara Complex is huge and legendary.
Highlights:
- Multistory layout: from dolls and cosplay gear to manga, doujinshi, BL (boys’ love), and even adult fan works.
- A “Figures” floor: rare figurines (Gundam, Evangelion, One Piece, etc.) in glass showcases.
- A treasure trove for second-hand goods: since it’s used, prices and condition vary a lot — but that’s the fun.
Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 12:00 – 20:00 daily.
Website: Mandarake
5. AmiAmi Akihabara (Radio Kaikan Branch)
Why visit: AmiAmi is one of Japan’s top hobby retailers, especially for plastic models, figures, and related tools. Their Akihabara physical store (in Radio Kaikan) is beloved because it’s an in-person version of their well-known online shop.
Highlights:
- Great selection of Gunpla, model kits, and niche goods you might not spot easily in larger big-box stores.
- Tools, paints, and accessories for building models, not just the finished figures.
- Staff who are knowledgeable, and the physical shop gives you a chance to actually handle items (vs buying purely online).
Address: Akihabara Radio Kaikan, 4F, 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 daily.
Website: AmiAmi Real Store Page
Bonus Tips for Your Akihabara Otaku Adventure
- Pace yourself: With so many floors and hidden corners, it’s easy to get lost (in a good way).
- Bring extra luggage or a big bag: If you’re planning to buy figures or boxed models, things can get heavy.
- Check for pop-up events: Anime shops often host limited-time events, signings, or collab merchandise — the 7th floor of Animate and the event space of Kotobukiya are good bets.
- Tax-free shopping: Many of these stores support tax-free shopping for foreign visitors, so bring your passport.
- Time of day matters: Weekends and evenings can be crowded. If possible, try visiting early to browse more comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Beyond these shops, Akihabara is full of other fascinating places to explore. You might even stumble upon a new discovery just by wandering into a random store. Enjoy your time in Akihabara, the ultimate city for anime fans, and have a wonderful trip!
Thanks for reading!
Klook.com