Shopping and Anime in Tokyo

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Tokyo is the centre of anime, manga and games in Japan, and a big city for fashion. Each kind of shopping has its own area. Akihabara is for electronics, games and anime. Nakano Broadway is a quieter building full of collector shops. Harajuku is for street fashion and cute style. This guide explains what to find in each place, and how tax-free shopping works.

Akihabara

Akihabara, often called Akiba, is a few stops north of Tokyo Station on the JR Yamanote line. It started as an electronics market and is now the main area for anime, manga, games and figures. Big stores sell new games and cameras. Small shops on the side streets sell used games, retro consoles and rare cards. Game centres have crane games, rhythm games and photo booths. Some streets close to cars on Sunday afternoons, and walking is easy. Many shops open around 10 or 11 am. Prices for used items can vary a lot, so compare a few shops before you buy.

Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is an old shopping building next to Nakano Station, about five minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo line. It opened in 1966. Walk through the covered Sun Mall arcade from the station to reach it. The ground floor has normal shops and food. The second to fourth floors are full of small collector shops. Mandarake, a big second-hand manga and toy chain, has many small shops here. You can find old manga, figures, trading cards, vintage toys and watches. It is calmer and less touristy than Akihabara. Many shops open around noon, so do not come too early.

Harajuku

Harajuku is between Shibuya and Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote line. Takeshita Street, opposite the station, is a narrow street of cheap fashion, colourful sweets and crepe stands. It is very crowded on weekends. The side streets, called Ura-Harajuku, have smaller fashion and sneaker shops. Omotesando is the wide avenue next to it, with big brand stores and modern buildings by famous architects. The Meiji Jingu forest is next to the station, a green break from the shops. Come on a weekday morning if you want space to walk.

Anime stores and themed spots

Beyond Akihabara, Ikebukuro has a large group of anime shops on Otome Road and the Sunshine City complex, with a Pokemon Center. Shibuya Parco has shops for Nintendo, Pokemon and other games and anime brands. Lines can be long for new products, and some popular shops use timed tickets on busy days. Many stores have floors by series or by type, such as figures or cards. Check the store's own site for opening days. Small shops may not allow photos inside, so look for signs. Keep receipts in case you need to return a faulty item.

Tax-free shopping

Visitors on a short-stay status can buy many items tax-free in shops that show a tax-free sign. Bring your passport, because the shop needs to check it. There is a minimum amount you must spend in one shop on one day. Food, drinks and cosmetics are often sealed in a special bag, and you should not open them in Japan. Japan plans to change the system so that tax is paid first and refunded later, so ask the shop how it works when you visit. Big electronics stores and department stores have special tax-free counters.

Shopping and Anime at a glance

More in Tokyo

All 8 Tokyo guides·Where to stay in Tokyo·Japan tourist maps·Tokyo transit map

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