Akihabara Electric Town

If one is a "computer geek" or just love electronics in general, the place to go to in Tokyo is Akihabara.

Akihabara (more famously known as Akihabara Electric Town) is the main shopping center for electronic, computer, anime and otaku goods. Akihabara Station is a stop for the JR Yamanote Line (this is the train line that circles around central Tokyo).



According to Japan-Guide.com:

Hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one man stalls specializing in a particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori street and the crowded side streets around Akihabara. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, electronics parts and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk.

Note that some of the electronics on sale are only intended for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences, Japanese language documentation and limited warranties. However, several stores also feature a selection of international models intended for overseas use, and most also offer duty free shopping to foreign tourists on purchases of over 10,000 yen (passport required).

I first visited Akihabara in April 2007 and found it easy to lose track of time while just browsing around the stores. It is a very colorful section of Tokyo which makes Akihabara a photographer's paradise.

When visiting Tokyo, be sure to pay a visit to Akihabara Electric Town.