Akihabara is the Otaku Paradise and the very well known Electronic District of Tokyo. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).
Otaku Goods
In the last decade, Akihabara has emerged as a center of Japanese Otaku and Anime culture, and dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, video games, figurines, card games and collectibles have filled the spaces between the electronic stores. In addition, various other animation related establishments have become popular in the area, like maid cafes, where the waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters; and manga kissaten, internet cafes where you can read manga and watch DVDs and also have internet access.
Electronic Goods
As far as electronic goods is concerned, there's hundreds of electronic shops, from the smallest to the most popular stores. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, TVs, phones, electronic pats and also home appliances, to secon-hand goods and electronic junk.
Chain stores like Sofmap and Laox operate multiple specialized branches along the main roads, but you can also find smaller, independent stores in the side streets. Several stores feature a selection of international models, intended for overseas use, and most also offer tax free shopping to foreign tourists on purchases over 10,000 yen (passport required).
