Life in Japan: Akihabara

If you want to see Tokyo, I'm sure Akihabara (秋葉原) is on your list. This is an area where you can enjoy Japanese sub-culture (otaku). Also, if you are looking for some electric devices, gadgets, or PC parts, this is the place for you. In addition, anime, video games or maid cafés might particularly interest you too.

Chuo-dori , Akihabara's main street, and Denki-gai have everything I have mentioned above. For electric devices, big chains like Yodobashi-Akiba, Sofmap, LaOX, Ishimaru denki would be easier to find. Besides, there are used electric device shops, duty-free shops too. Sofmap has used and duty-free buildings and LaOX has a duty-free building. Because of the popularity among foreigners, a lot of shops in Akihabara have bilingual staff (mainly English, Chinese and Korean). Even some shops carry English operated electronic devices.

The word "otaku" (means someone who likes anime , manga, video games or idols) originated in Akihabara. You will get to experience "otaku culture" which is really intriguing by so many means for someone who is not really familiar with anime and such. On the other hand, it will be definitely a dream-come-true experience for someone who loves this culture.

For past 5 years or so, maid cafés have become sharply popular. This is a kind of café where you will be served by waitresses wearing a maid costume in a unique atomosphere. This costume may differ by cafés, but generally, this would be cutely laced French maid style dress. It seems like black, white or pink are common. Customers will be called "Goshujinsama" meaning master for guys, and " Ojosama" meaning mistress for girls. The typical menu would include spaghetti, omelette rice, ice cream, cakes as well as drinks including coffee, tea and soft drinks. Optionally, you can take a picture or play game with them, so you will interact more with staff compared to a normal café.