At a glance

  • Akihabara has a mix of electronics, games, and merchandise shops. Before buying electronics, check the voltage, warranty, language support, and tax-free conditions.
  • In Ikebukuro, group only stores that are in the same direction as your booked exhibit or café. Plan to visit both sides of the station only if you have plenty of time.
  • Nakano Broadway is home to shops selling anime, manga, and hobby goods. For secondhand items, check the actual condition, proof of authenticity, and exchange terms rather than relying on claims of rarity. Don’t pay for expensive items on the spot.
  • If you want to look at figures, cards, and collectibles first in Akihabara, save Radio Kaikan in front of JR Akihabara Station’s Electric Town Exit (電気街口) as your first stop. The address is 1-15-16 Sotokanda. Use the official floor-by-floor store guide to find the items you’re looking for. If electronics are your priority, head toward Yodobashi on the east side of the station instead. Choose one direction at the start rather than going back and forth between the two.
  • In Ikebukuro, Animate’s flagship store (1-20-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro) can serve as your starting point. According to the official directions, it’s about a 5-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station. With your back to PARCO, follow Sunshine Street and turn left at the third intersection. Store hours and entry for shows or café reservations are separate, so check your booked venue and group together only stores in the same eastern area.

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.

Electronics and games

JR Akihabara Station’s Electric Town Exit → check Radio Kaikan’s store directory by floor → visit two comparison shops in the same direction → return to the station. If electronics are your priority, start toward Yodobashi instead.

Mixed-use complex

Ikebukuro Station’s east exit → Animate’s flagship store (about a 5-minute walk, according to the official directions) → eastern-area shops near your booked exhibit or café → return while it’s still light

Secondhand collectibles

Nakano Station → shopping street and mixed-use complex → compare condition and prices → store your purchases

Places and meals

Akihabara

Shop with a specific goal for electronics, games, or merchandise at large stores.

Google Maps
Ikebukuro

Group mixed-use complexes and booked exhibits or cafés in the direction of the same station exit.

Google Maps
Nakano Broadway

For secondhand goods and collectibles, check the actual condition and exchange terms.

Google Maps

How to fit it in

Write down product names, your budget, and whether you want new or secondhand items, then spend 4–6 hours in one area. If an item is out of stock, check official online availability or consider buying it on your next trip instead of crossing town to another area.

Reality check

Transport

Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Nakano are on different rail lines. Don’t try to visit two or more in one day. Choose an area that’s easy to reach from your accommodation with few transfers, and avoid taking a crowded last train with large shopping bags.

Time

Allow 4–6 hours for one area, or 6–8 hours if you have a booked café or exhibit. Even if you spend only 20 minutes at each store, ten stores can fill a whole day, so keep your priority list to five or fewer.

Cost

Set separate budgets for transport, booked venues, meals, and purchases. Check tax-free thresholds, fees for foreign cards, and warranty, import, and shipping terms for secondhand goods. Don’t dip into your emergency fund because an item seems rare.

Safety

Watch out for aggressive sales pitches, unofficial tickets, counterfeit goods, and stores where photography is prohibited. Don’t carry large bags on narrow stairs or around display shelves. Keep adult entertainment areas separate from outings with minors.

If plans change

When your target item is out of stock

Ask staff about official restocking or checking other branches. Don’t rush to an unofficial shop with inflated resale prices. Move on to the next item on your list.

When the shopping district is too crowded

Visit only your booked venue and cut back on shopping, or scale down to one official large store that’s easy to reach from a major station, then head back early.

Small tip

Even the same item may differ by store in taxes, tax-free eligibility, condition, and included accessories. Don’t buy based on photos alone: check the seal, operation, warranty, and return policy. Keep the receipt for expensive purchases.

Final check before departure

  • Make a list of the items you want, whether you’ll buy new or secondhand, and your spending limit
  • Check the official terms for booked cafés, pop-ups, and exhibits
  • Save information about voltage, warranties, authenticity, tax-free shopping, and import rules

Stores, pop-ups, and stock change quickly. Check official area guides and same-day notices from stores and event organizers. Don’t use old store lists as stock maps. Check opening hours, and if an item is sold out, switch to waiting for an official restock. During your shopping trip, keep packaging in good condition and organize your receipts.

Information checked: 2026-07-29

Google Maps

Check the location on the map

Use Google Maps to review the location and nearby route. Recheck opening hours and prices with the official source before visiting.

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