The restaurant industry faces difficulty in hiring restaurant staff and training them due to many restaurant staff having to quit or having gotten laid off during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, food and drinks at some restaurants may be served late and the tour might last longer than originally scheduled. We kindly ask for your understanding
Because most Japanese restaurants are not fully ready for providing vegetarian menus, limited choices of vegetarian foods in our tour is available.
Anyone over 15 years old can join this tour but by Japanese law, only those who are 20 years or older are allowed to drink alcohol.
You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks.
This tour could possibly take you to places where smoking is not prohibited. Please note that we may not be able to change the tour venues in this case.
The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
Yes, Akihabara offers a unique glimpse into modern Japanese pop culture. It's a vibrant district known globally for its anime, manga, gaming, and electronics shops. First-time visitors can immerse themselves in themed cafes, explore multi-story arcades, and discover rare collectibles, making it a distinct and memorable part of a Tokyo itinerary.
Akihabara is packed with diverse anime and gaming experiences. Visitors can explore iconic stores like Animate and Gamers for manga, figures, and merchandise. Large arcades such as GiGO (formerly Sega Akihabara) offer a variety of games, from classic arcade machines to UFO catchers. There are also numerous themed cafes, including maid cafes and character cafes, providing immersive entertainment.
Akihabara earned its reputation as 'Electric Town' post-WWII, becoming a hub for electronics. Over time, it naturally evolved into the center for otaku culture, attracting fans of anime, manga, and video games. Its fame stems from the sheer concentration of specialty shops, arcades, and themed entertainment that cater comprehensively to these interests, making it a unique cultural landmark.
Akihabara is generally foreigner-friendly with signs often in English alongside Japanese. Major stores have English-speaking staff or translation apps available. The area is quite compact around Akihabara Station, making it highly walkable. Using online maps and understanding basic public transport routes will ensure smooth navigation for international visitors.
The most convenient way to reach Akihabara is by train. Akihabara Station is a major hub served by multiple lines, including the JR Yamanote Line, JR Chuo-Sobu Line, and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line. Additionally, the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Tsukuba Express also stop at Akihabara, offering extensive connections from various parts of Tokyo.
Akihabara's streets often feature vibrant street performances, cosplayers, and promotional events for new anime or game releases, especially on Sundays when the main street is pedestrian-only. Visitors can also explore electronic shops ranging from small component stores to multi-story department stores, or discover unique themed restaurants. The district's dynamic atmosphere provides a distinct cultural immersion.
For electronics, Yodobashi Akiba is a massive department store offering everything from cameras to home appliances. For anime, manga, and collectibles, Mandarake Complex and Radio Kaikan are iconic multi-story buildings housing numerous specialty stores with new and second-hand items. Don Quijote Akihabara also offers a unique mix of merchandise and souvenirs.
For an immersive gaming experience, head to the GiGO (formerly SEGA) arcades, which have multiple branches in Akihabara offering a wide array of games, from rhythm games to UFO catchers. Taito Station is another popular choice, known for its diverse selection and lively atmosphere across several floors. Both provide multi-floor experiences dedicated to various forms of arcade gaming.