Akihabara, or “Akiba,” is a bustling district in Tokyo that has become a global hotspot for electronics, anime, gaming, and otaku culture, blending cutting-edge technology with Japanese pop culture. Once famed primarily for its electronics stores, from sprawling retailers like Yodobashi Camera to niche gadget shops, Akihabara has evolved into a paradise for anime and manga enthusiasts, featuring collectible figurine shops, multi-story arcades like the iconic SEGA buildings, and whimsical maid cafés. The district also caters to gamers and retro enthusiasts with stores offering vintage games and consoles, alongside regular pop culture events and venues like the AKB48 Theater, dedicated to the idol group AKB48. With its vibrant nightlife, themed dining, and endless opportunities to explore Japan’s tech and subculture worlds, Akihabara is a must-visit destination that offers a unique and colorful slice of Tokyo’s modern urban life. Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
Kanda Myojin, a ~1,300-year-old shrine, has found a unique way to connect with modern culture while preserving tradition. Located near Akihabara, the shrine caters to the “gods of the geeks,” and this is most evident in its special ema. These small wooden plaques, typically used for writing wishes at shrines, are anything but ordinary here….
Kanda Myojin is one of the few shrines in Tokyo that survived the WWII bombings, preserving a rich history in the heart of the city. The current structure dates back to 1934, rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake’s fires. The shrine is dedicated to three deities: Daikokuten, the god of good harvest and matrimony; Ebisu,…
Deep underground in Yodobashi Camera Akihabara, I discovered a bicycle parking area. At a fixed price of ¥400, it’s no surprise the place is almost always empty. Convenient location, sure—but at that rate, it seems like most people would rather take their chances elsewhere!
Testing out the beastly Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH Power OIS Lens—arguably with a name as epic as its specs! The rain kept the session short, and Tokyo’s pricey parking didn’t help either. Still, those few initial shots hint at the lens’s potential. Tomorrow’s office trip should provide more chances to…
A lunchtime outing in Akihabara with your trusty camera in tow. After grabbing that much-needed ND filter, a pit stop on the 8th floor of Yodobashi Camera delivers surprisingly decent food and a relaxed atmosphere. The only downside? The ¥400-per-30-minute parking fee—Tokyo’s relentless price tag strikes again!
