Strolling around Akihabara

Akihabara is internationally known for being a Mecca for otaku. But, it is not so well known that there is an interesting place unique to Japan, only 10-15 minutes walk away. You can enjoy both places in under few hours.

Main street “Chuo Street (中央通り)” at Akihabara, filled with otaku on weekends. Some maids and cosplayers who stand on the street luring customers can be seen here.

I usually buy dōjinshi in this store, “Comic Toranoana Akihabara Main Store B (コミックとらのあな秋葉原店B).” From 5 to 7th floors are for otaku girls including yaoi fans.

★Shop data
Comic Toranoana Akihabara Main Store B
TEL: +81-3-3526-5551
4-3-1 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0021 JAPAN
Official Website: www.toranoana.jp/shop/akihabara/

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One of my favorites in Akihabara, “Gachapon Kaikan (ガチャポン会館).” Have you ever enjoyed Gachapon? Gachapon is Japanese capsule toy machine. They are similar to the coin-operated toy vending machines seen outside of grocery stores and other retailers in other countries. Japanese gachapon can cost anywhere from ¥100 to ¥500. This Gachapon Kaikan is gathering many Gachapon from each companies.

There are many kinds of Gachapon. The capsule toys cannot be understood by most people who are not otaku.

I found the poster Gachapon of Uta no Prince-sama!

★Shop data
Gachapon Kaikan (ガチャポン会館)
TEL: +81-3-5209-6020
3-15-5 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0021 JAPAN
Official Website: www.akibagacha.com

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From Gachapon Kaikan, it is about 10 minutes on foot to Ueno area. What you first see is the department store “Matsuzakaya Ueno (松坂屋上野店).” Matsuzakaya Ueno still has a rooftop playground, which used to be around every department store in Japan. This is retro-flavored sight.

　　
There are many interesting places, but it is “Ameya Yokocho (アメヤ横町)” that is playing a leading role in cheerful atmosphere of Ueno. Ameya Yokocho, commonly known as Ameyoko (アメ横) is home to over 180 shops, which sell products ranging from fresh food and fish to clothing and time pieces.

Fresh coconut juice. Yummy!

P.S. Today’s catch in Akihabara
Mini Natsuki Shinomiya (Uta no Prince-sama). It is attached to my camera’s strap. Kawaii♡

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2 Responses to “Strolling around Akihabara”

1. Blitzwing より:

   2012/07/24 2:38 AM

   Another fascinating writeup! I like how you covered Ueno and Ameyoko too. The hotels in that area are cheap and close to Akiba which is always a plus. Props for shooting Nikon ;D

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   • Yohco より:

     2012/08/01 12:33 AM

     I’m sorry for my reply was late!
     I agree :) My friend from overseas uses a hotel in this area as well. Around Ueno, prices are cheap and the town is full of many kinds of delicious food and interesting places.
     Btw, is your camere Nikon? Mine is Nikon too♪

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