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Things to Do

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I-Link Town Ichikawa

Free observation deck offering spectactular views of Tokyo

Tokyo Imperial Palace Cycling Course

On Sundays, Uchibori Dori (the main road east of the palace) is partially closed to traffic to make way for a 3km cycle course.

Wadakura Fountain Park

A small park to the east of the Imperial Palace opened in 1961 to commemorate the wedding of the Emperor and Empress, and refurbished in 1995 to celebrate the wedding of the Crown Prince and Princess.

Gundam Cafe

The cafe dedicated to Japan’s famous robotic anime series: Gundam. Since airing in 1979 the Gundam franchise has snowballed into a household name, and now represents one of Namco Bandai’s main revenue streams.

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

Aki-Oka Artisan is a line of about 50 craft stores, galleries, and cafes located under the rail tracks. The unusual name refers to the fact that it is 2km and 540m from Tokyo Station.

Akiba Cultures Zone

This shopping complex opened in 2012 and is dedicated to anime and manga, including a floor dedicated to all manner of cartoon pornography (if that’s your thing…). On the 6th floor you can find Akihabara Backstage Pass Cafe, which is staffed by costume-adorned females.

mAAch ecute

The viaduct in which this shopping arcade is housed lay derelict for the best part of 60 years before re-opening following refurbishment in 2013. The interior arches of the old structure have been preserved, and these now act as dividers for the boutiques and coffee vendors inside.

Radio Kaikan

Iconic building near the JR Akihabara Station Electric Town exit that reopened in 2014 following the demolishing of the old building in 2011. When it first opened in 1962, it was the first “high-rise” building in Akihabara. Today, it has moved with the times and the focus has shifted away from electronics to manga, anime, and “otaku” goods.

Yodobashi Camera Akiba

A 9-floor shopping complex, the first six floors of which are occupied by the electronics chain Yodobashi Camera. This branch is the biggest consumer electronics store in Japan (and maybe the world). There is a tax-free counter and English speaking staff are on hand. Heaven for gadget-lovers.

Tokyo Midtown

Opened in 2007, the Tokyo Midtown complex contains offices, shops, restaurants, as well as the Suntory Museum of Art.

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills is one of the most famous commercial complexes in Tokyo. It opened in 2003 to much fanfare and is today the centrepiece of the wider Roppongi re-development housing shops, restaurants, a cinema, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Mori Art Museum, and the Tokyo City View observation deck.

Tokyu Hands Shibuya

Self-styled “Creative Life Store” chain. Shibuya is one larger branches, selling everything from outdoor camping equipment to animals and pet supplies. You can often find more gimmicky items in its toys and electronics department. Another good place for souvenirs.