I swear, my legs were killing me by then, but what does it matter? From Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, also known as anime and electronics central, was the next stop for us.

I’ve been seeing the place on TV since I was in elementary and I was finally there.

Akihabara is Tokyo’s otaku hub with displays of recognizable anime characters and merchandise, video game shops, maid cafes, manga stores, and electronic goods everywhere.  Cosplayers can be seen and various anime cafes such as Gundam Cafe are all located in this area. Japanese girl group, AKB48, even has a shop there.

At the time, although I had outgrown Japanese anime and manga, my collection was still alive on my bookshelf and I was still somewhat very ecstatic to see my childhood anime characters on a different medium aside from a TV screen or comic books. I couldn’t recognize most of the popular characters anymore, but there were still traces of Naruto, Gundam, and Code Geass every now and then in the form of toys and posters.

Check out the trains. Tokyo has more than ten different railway lines for their subway system and the trains almost vary for each one. We’re on our way.

Stations can be pretty good shopping places too. Because life can be very busy in such a big city, major train stations also hold shops, restaurants, and convenient stores to cater to the needs of the busy commuters. Very convenient.

The public trains are squeaky clean. I love it.

The first place that we went into at Akihabara is Yodobashi Camera, which is THE electronic store for everything you need. It has nine floors which are loaded with everything from cameras to video games, from restaurants to home appliances. Although it might seem silly for a tourist to go to Yodobashi Camera, you can easily get amused with all the items available.

It’s located right outside the Tokyo Metro Akihabara Station and right behind the JR Akihabara Station so it’s very easy to find.

Floor Guide:

• 1F Cell Phones, Computers, Tablet Accessories, Memory Counter, Apple Store
• 2F PC Parts, PC Software, PC Accessories, PC Books, Printers, Fax Machines and Phones, Digital Writing Goods, Suitcases
• 3F Film Cameras, Digital Cameras, Video Cameras, Watches, Brand Goods, Film, Camera Accessories, Cosmetics, Watch Repair, Souvenir Corner, Tourist Corner
• 4F Audio Visual Goods
• 5F Heating and Cooling, Kitchen Appliances, Appliances, Emergency Lighting/Goods, Hearing Aids
• 6F Games, Toys, Instruments, Bicycles, Music, Adult Software
• 7F Various Shops (Bookstore, Music Store, Glasses, Formal Wear, Handbags, etc)
• 8F Food Court and Game Corner
•  9F Golf Store, Driving Range, Batting Café

Of course, we went to the toys on the 6th floor.

I didn’t know Tamagotchi was still available.

“Tamagotchi” comes from the Japanese words for “friend” and “egg” and they’ve certainly been a virtual little friend to some.

It’s Cardcaptor Sakura.

Athrun Zala and his Aegis Gundam for sale.

GOODNESS, IT’S AN ENTIRE FLOOR.

My bro and I went crazy.

Just kidding, but the entire family split ways to explore. And wow, there was just row after row after row of Japanese toys.

It’s Sailor Moon and the gang!

Sanrio goodies.

Found them! Goods from Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli! ❤

I see Howl’s Moving Castle over there *squeals*

Gashapons.

More gashapons.

And even more gashapons.

After an hour or more of making our way through Yodobashi Camera,

Dinner time!

The lady has an eyepatch 😮

It would be better to find a restaurant with an English menu, but we were already very exhausted to look for one that we settled for this place. At least it had pictures on the menu so we could choose from there.

Authentic yakiudon!

It’s the restaurant located on the first floor of the building on the left.

It’s the iconic red SEGA building behind me.

The night isn’t over yet.

To read the previous posts about Tokyo, please refer to the links below:

For Day 1 (Arrival): click here.
For Day 2 (Ueno Zoo and Park): click here.
For Day 2 (Sensoji Temple): click here.
For Day 2 (Tokyo Skytree): click here.

…

faith

Tokyo 2015