In-depth Must-Read Guide: Anime Pilgrimage Spot Almost Entirely Occupied by Western Tourists

There are so many countries suitable for travel around the world, yet many tourists still choose to visit Japan. Why?

The answer is safety.

Additionally, excellent infrastructure, beautiful natural scenery, and many world cultural heritage sites are also reasons it is liked.

Moreover, not a few tourists are drawn by Japanese anime and games.

So this time, we introduce AKIBA, a must-visit pilgrimage spot for fans of Japanese anime when they travel to Japan.

The birthplace of two-dimensional culture:

The sacred site - Akihabara is a famous anime culture center, with a vast number of anime merchandise stores, retail outlets, and anime cafés, making it one of the holy lands for anime fans to visit. After the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, a large influx of foreign tourists has arrived. Recently, more and more idol-type shops like maid cafés have appeared on the streets. Even if you don't understand Japanese, don't worry; most will hand you a promotional flyer in kind, slightly accented English. Also, many store staff now have extensive professional knowledge, and quite a few can serve customers in Chinese or English. Here, you could spend a whole day and still not have enough.

Must-Visit Pilgrimage Shop No. 1: [Japan's Super Popular Maid Café] Maidreamin Akihabara Main Store

Maidreamin boasts the highest visitor traffic in Japan and is a well-known local maid café in Akihabara. Not only are the maids cute, but it's also international; the menu alone is available in multiple languages, and there are maids who can communicate in English, allowing tourists who don't speak Japanese to have a great time! Inside the café, besides interacting with the maids and taking photos, there is also a small stage where you can enjoy songs and dance performances by the maids from time to time.

Must-Visit Pilgrimage Shop No. 2: [Recommended Second-hand Figures and Anime Specialty Store in Akihabara] MANDARAKE

MANDARAKE is Japan's largest second-hand figure and anime merchandise specialty store.

Out-of-print manga, figures, and original manuscripts can all be found here. Almost every day you can see unopened second-hand new items put on the shelf. Because of its vast inventory, there is a saying among otaku: "You can't find anything you want at MANDARAKE," but MANDARAKE is definitely a place you must not miss when you come to Akihabara!

MANDARAKE has 8 floors, each selling different items:

1F: Second-hand anime merchandise, CDs, game discs

2F: Hand-drawn animation scripts, cosplay costumes

3F: Early era manga, monthly magazines, etc.

4F-5F: Doujinshi, girls' manga

6F: Game strategy books, CDs, DVDs, voice actor merchandise

7F-8F: Toys, model kits, etc.

Must-Visit Pilgrimage Shop No. 3: [Akihabara's Iconic Complex Building] AKIBA Cultures Zone

A famous building often appearing in Japanese anime series.

This is a large anime shopping mall that gathers many anime merchandise vendors, including stores like LASHINBANG and Animate, which are only found in Akihabara. The "ACOS" located inside AKIBA Cultures Zone is a must-visit for cosplay fans! Various detailed cosplay hair and makeup, character costumes, colored contact lenses, etc., can all be found here.

Must-Visit Pilgrimage Shop No. 4: [Akihabara's Veteran Landmark] Radio Kaikan

As soon as you exit the station, you can see the landmark "Radio Kaikan." Initially selling electronics and electronic parts, it gradually transformed in the late 1990s and now mainly deals in anime, models, and games. Radio Kaikan houses many well-known anime-related stores and is considered a leading hub for anime merchandise in Akihabara. At the entrance of Radio Kaikan, there are food products designed and packaged for otaku. The 2nd floor has a large number of gacha machines where you can directly get the one you want without relying on luck. The 3rd floor has K-BOOKS Akihabara Main Store, where you can buy a large selection of popular voice actor goods. The 5th floor has a Kaiyodo flagship store, selling not only Japanese anime but also Marvel, Star Wars, etc. Note that these merchandise types are quite scattered, so browsing the entire building takes a long time and a spirit of dedicated exploration.

We recommend that you must visit these 4 shops. As long as you have a favorite anime character or related merchandise, you are sure to find it.

(I don't believe it) *heavenly voice*

You'll know when you come; you'll definitely find yourself unable to take a step away (laughs).