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Akihabara hobby stores are a collector’s paradise, packed with anime figures, retro games, and model kits that will tempt fans of every age and interest.

A store shelf in Akihabara Hobby Stores displays various Studio Ghibli merchandise, including figurines, music boxes, and themed collectibles from Totoro, Spirited Away, and other films. Shoppers are visible in the background.

Why Akihabara Is a Collector’s Paradise

Akihabara is more than just arcades and electronics. It’s a sprawling playground for collectors, where every floor, back alley, and glass display case hides a different world of fandom.

We planned to stop in for a quick look with the kids. Instead, we found ourselves surrounded by Pokemon plushies, Gundam model kits, Studio Ghibli souvenirs, and retro games from my own childhood. Their excitement was contagious, and I was just as wide-eyed as they were. Sometimes it’s me who didn’t want to leave the stores instead of the kids.

Here’s what you can find in Akihabara’s hobby shops:

  • Model trains and plastic model kits
  • Gachapon (capsule toys)
  • Anime and manga figures
  • Retro game cartridges and consoles
  • Trading cards
  • DIY robot kits

Best Figure Shops in Akihabara

Two One Piece anime character figurines are displayed in a shop, each with a yen price tag on their heads—a common sight in Akihabara Hobby Stores, where shelves are filled with more anime figures and merchandise.

If you love anime or manga, figure shopping here feels more like browsing an art gallery than a toy store.

AmiAmi Akihabara – Inside Radio Kaikan, this megastore is a must for collectors. Expect new releases, pre-owned items, and store exclusives.

Volks Hobby Paradise – Multiple floors of figures from popular series like One Piece, Demon Slayer, Evangelion, and Fate/Stay Night crafted with incredible detail.

Tip: In Akihabara, “second-hand” often means “opened once.” The condition is usually excellent.

Gunpla and Plastic Model Shops

Akihabara is a dream for Gundam fans and model builders.

Yodobashi Camera Akiba – 6th Floor – A full floor dedicated to hobby kits, from Bandai’s HG and MG Gunpla to paints, tools, and display parts.

Tamtam Hobby Shop – A quieter store with a wider range, including cars, planes, ships, and miniature dioramas. It’s also a great spot for picking up modeling supplies.

Even beginners can find starter kits with easy-to-follow instructions, sometimes in English.

Tips for Navigating Akihabara’s Hobby Stores

A busy street scene near Akihabara Station in Tokyo, with tall buildings covered in colorful anime and electronic store advertisements, people walking, and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
  • Carry cash: Many gachapon machines and small shops are cash-only.
  • Be respectful: Ask before touching displays as some figures are fragile.

How to Get to Akihabara Hobby Stores

Train

  • Take the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, or JR Sobu Line to Akihabara Station. The Electric Town Exit leads directly into the main shopping area.
  • Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Tsukuba Express also stop at Akihabara; follow station signs to the Electric Town area.
  • Total travel time: 5–15 minutes from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station.

Bus

  • Local Tokyo city buses stop on the Showa-dori side of Akihabara Station; check posted maps for routes serving the area.

Taxi

  • A taxi from Tokyo Station takes about 10 minutes and costs around ¥1,500–¥2,000, depending on traffic.

Pro Tip: Weekday mornings are quieter, making it easier to browse and take photos without crowds.

Is Akihabara Worth Visiting for Hobby Shopping?

Yes, especially if you’re a collector or a fan of Japanese pop culture. The variety of shops means there’s something for everyone, from kids discovering their first gachapon to serious figure collectors hunting for rare finds. Even if you don’t buy anything, the atmosphere is fun and entertaining.

More to Explore Nearby

As a hub for collectors and anime fans, the area surrounding Akihabara’s hobby shops is filled with unique cultural and retail experiences, from classic gaming arcades to huge discount stores.

  • Akihabara Video Arcades – Experience the energetic, multi-story arcades just steps away, offering classic fighting games and modern Japanese gaming fun.
  • Akihabara Gachapon Hall – Dive into the colorful and chaotic world of capsule toys at this popular location nearby, featuring hundreds of machines for every niche interest.
  • Don Quijote – Explore the massive Akihabara location of this famous Japanese discount chain, known for its quirky souvenirs, cosplay items, and wide variety of goods.
  • Akihabara Station Guide – Learn how to navigate the main transportation hub of the Electric Town, providing essential information for exploring this dense, exciting neighborhood.

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