The area experienced a boom beginning with 80s as consumer electronics went mainstream worldwide.
The boom in animeandmangain Akihabara is the other major shift in character that Akihabara has experienced.
Otakuis the Japanese word often associated with Akihabara, and it means geek- especially one obsessed with all thingsanimeandmanga.
Quirky shops full of toy dispensing machines
What to do in Akihabara
Shop for electronics, of course!
The two most popular electronics mega-stores areYodobashi CameraandLAOX.
These multi-level behemoths have English-speaking staff available and also offer duty free services.
Stores will sometimes carry a range of models designed for use in foreign countries.
Maid cafesare the other popular draw in the area.
Immediately south of Akihabara across the river is the Kanda residential area.
Quirky shops full of toy dispensing machines
RAMEN
Weve been coming toDaruma no Mefor years.
Weve never tried this, but will next time were here!
There are English menus to help you navigate the ticket machine.
Small electronic store in the back allies of Akihabara, Tokyo
Daruma no MeAddress: 1 Chome-9-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (MAP).
The higher floors serve yakiniku, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and teppanyaki on the top floor where we went.
Here we had what is hands down the best beef we have probably ever eaten.
Butonigiriare both a comfort and convenience food beloved by Japanese people.
They are to the Japanese what sandwiches are to Westerners.
English is given on the labels.
Sandaime-tokubeiAddress: 1 Chome-21, Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (MAP).
Choose what you want from the display and it will be grilled fresh in front of you.
Were yet to try all their offerings but are hooked on the wagyu, and black pepper beef!
Maruju Seiniku-tenAddress: 4 Chome-3-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (MAP).
Perfect for a cheap sushi lunch on the run.
GansozushiAddress: 1 Chome-15-1 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo (MAP).
No surprise then that the area is famous for its abundance of used bookstores.
Its also famous for its huge number of Japanese curry restaurants.
Rumour has it Jimbocho and nearby areas together boast over a hundred curry shops.
Bondyis one of the old-school curry restaurants in Jimbocho, and it still pulls a solid fan base.
But its easy to see why: Bondy does delicious curries, as good as any weve tasted.
BondyAddress:2F Kanda Kosho Center BLDG.,2 Chome-3 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (MAP).
The rich and crunchy tempura is the perfect counterpoint to the chilled noodles dipped in soba sauce.
Otherwise, be prepared to queue.
Kanda Yabu SobaAddress: 2 Chome-10 Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (MAP).
Then hit the restaurant for more information about that restaurant as well as highlighting the marker on the map.
Zoom in and outby clicking the + and on the bottom left.
Click a marker on the mapto reveal more information about the restaurant.
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