The following day, we decided to maximize our time and visit two exciting places. Included on our list was Akihabara a.k.a. AKIBA, famously known as Tokyo’s “Electric City.” Located at Chiyoda City in northeast Tokyo, it is a paradise for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and otakus.
We hopped on the Metro and took a quick stop at Nihonbashi. The area is home to the Nihonbashi Takashimaya Shopping Center, where we headed straight to the Pokemon Center DX nestled on the 5th floor of their annex building. The store boasts an impressive array of Pokemon merchandise, from plushies to trading cards, making it a must-visit for any Pokemon fan. Hoshino-chan and I relished in the opportunity to leisurely explore the shop with our primary mission in mind which is to snag a Mimikyu plush to add to our growing collection. We weren’t able to resist picking up a few items for our friends as well. The atmosphere was bustling with excitement as fellow Pokemon enthusiasts, kids and adults alike, browsed the aisles, their faces lighting up with joy upon discovering their favorite Pokemons.
After a wonderful time spent at the Pokemon Center in Nihombashi, Hoshino-san and I decided to finally make our way to Akihabara. We were excited to explore the famous electronics district of Tokyo and immerse ourselves in the world of anime and otaku culture.
On our way out of JR Akihabara station, we stopped by a Beck’s Coffee branch located just beside the exit. We were feeling a little peckish and wanted to grab a quick snack before embarking on a full day of shopping and exploration.
As we strolled towards the seemingly endless stretch of shops that lined the streets of Akihabara, we were drawn towards Ginzo, a seemingly hidden sushi restaurant located under one of the district’s bridges. The moment we entered, we were warmly greeted by the attentive staff who immediately handed us an English menu for our convenience. The cozy ambiance of the place was accentuated by the lively chatter of the locals who were busy relishing their freshly-made sushi. The restaurant’s popularity among the locals was a testament to its excellent quality and authenticity, which we experienced firsthand with every bite of the their sushi.
As we entered the neighborhood, we were struck by the impressive towering buildings that surrounded us. The streets were bustling with activity, and we could see electronic shops like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera on every corner. For fans of anime and the otaku culture, there were plenty of options to choose from, including popular shops like Mandarake and Radio Center. There’s also a huge Don Quijote, a popular shop for tourists and travelers, for whatever you need.
But what truly caught our attention were the countless Gachapons and claw machines everywhere. We couldn’t resist the temptation to play, and we ended up spending a significant portion of our day trying our luck at these machines. In the end, we had spent almost 5,000 yen and had a lot of fun doing it!
“It’s okay to spend as long as you’re having fun!”
- Ejii-chan, 2023
The city of Tokyo boasts an intricate web of railways that interconnects each neighborhood. With a station located within reach of almost every corner of the city, navigating through the urban conglomerate is always convenient, regardless of distance. This remarkable railway system enabled us to hop from one neighborhood to another with ease.
It was another day in Tokyo but was definitely another day for keeps!
