15 Best Anime Stores to Visit in Akihabara (2025 Shopping Guide)

Where to Shop Anime in Akihabara 2025 – Figures, Manga & Merch Galore!

If Heaven had a neighborhood for anime fans, it would absolutely be Akihabara. No, seriously—this place is like stepping inside your favorite anime OP. The moment you exit the Electric Town South Gate, it’s sensory overload in the best possible way: massive anime billboards, theme songs drifting from shop speakers, and cosplayers casually walking by like it’s just another Tuesday. Whether you’re a die-hard figure collector, manga junkie, or someone who just wants to win a chibi Rem keychain from a crane game—you’ve arrived at the mecca of otaku dreams.

Akihabara in 2025 is a chaotic blend of old-school fandom, next-gen merch drops, and niche gems hiding in plain sight. I spent a full day (and emptied my wallet) exploring 15 anime stores, and let me tell you—it wasn’t enough. From pop-up collabs to surprise gachapon wins, every store had something magical. So, grab your comfiest shoes, charge your Suica card, and get ready to level up your anime collection. Welcome to your anime adventure.

1. Yostar Official Store

If you're a fan of Arknights or Blue Archive, this spot near Akihabara Station is a fantastic first stop. The Yostar Official Store might be on the smaller side, but it’s packed with personality and a warm welcome. From the moment you exit the Electric Town South Gate, you're greeted by huge screens showcasing animated greetings from your favorite game characters. The storefront isn’t flashy, but if you’re familiar with Yostar’s mobile games, the nostalgia hits hard. Inside, you’ll find exclusive merch, limited-edition items, keychains, badges, and character goods that you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo. It’s not the place for big hauls, but it’s perfect for kicking off your Akihabara adventure with some focused fan service. Plus, the chill vibe makes it a great intro to the wild ride that is anime shopping in the district. Snap some pics at the entrance—those giant animated displays are a vibe all their own.

📍 Address: 1-8-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Right outside the Electric Town South Exit; look for the big screens with Blue Archive and Arknights characters.

2. atre Akihabara

atre Akihabara is way more than just a typical shopping mall—it’s a constantly changing anime experience. Located right at the station, it’s super convenient and often one of the first anime-themed spaces you’ll encounter. What makes atre special is its seasonal anime collaborations. During my visit, they had a full Is the Order a Rabbit? event running across multiple floors. You’ll find themed cafés, dessert collabs (yes, anime parfaits exist and they’re adorable), art book displays, and even exclusive merchandise bonuses. The glass walls of the building often change with every collab, creating an ever-shifting aesthetic that fans love. On top of that, the attached bookstore stocks tons of manga, light novels, and artbooks—with extras based on how much you spend. It’s an unexpectedly cozy blend of mainstream retail and otaku goodness. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking through and soaking in the theme of the month feels like a mini anime festival in itself.

📍 Address: 1-17-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Directly connected to Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit); you can’t miss the anime banners on the building.

3. Ichiban Kuji Lottery Shop

If you’ve never tried Ichiban Kuji before, Akihabara is the perfect place to roll your first ticket. This anime lottery shop sits right across from the station and, while small, it's jam-packed with high-stakes energy. Here’s how it works: you buy a ticket for a specific anime lottery (usually ¥600–¥800), and every ticket is guaranteed to win a prize—ranging from acrylic stands to high-end figures or wall scrolls. The rarer your pull, the bigger the prize. It’s addictive, and honestly, a little dangerous if you’re a completionist. The selection changes regularly, so you might find lotteries for My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, or something more niche like Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, don’t worry—there are Ichiban Kuji booths scattered across Tokyo. Still, there’s something thrilling about doing it right in the heart of Akihabara. Even if your luck’s not great, the excitement makes it totally worth it.

📍 Address: 1-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Across from the Electric Town Exit, tucked between small anime shops—look for the lottery signs!

4. Radio Kaikan

Ah, Radio Kaikan—this one’s legendary. If Akihabara had a beating heart, it’d be this 10-story anime wonderland. Located just steps from the station, Radio Kaikan is the iconic image you see in travel videos and Instagram reels about otaku culture. It’s absolutely stuffed with everything: figures (new and pre-owned), anime merch, plushies, rare trading cards, dolls, light novels, and even vintage collectibles. Inside, you’ll find AmiAmi’s satellite shop, second-hand anime figure shops, Hololive displays, and rotating pop-up corners like the one I saw for Steins;Gate. They even had a vending machine themed around it! The building is organized by category, but it’s easy to get lost (in the best way). I recommend setting aside at least two hours here—and even then, you might not see it all. Whether you're hunting for a first-edition Gundam kit or just want to see a life-sized Re:Zero statue, Radio Kaikan is an absolute must.

📍 Address: 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Right beside the station—massive yellow sign, multi-floor anime and figure wonderland.

5. Gamers

Gamers was way more impressive than I expected—and I went in with pretty high hopes. With seven full floors of anime and manga content, it rivals Animate in sheer scale. This place is all about variety and fan service. You'll find a Love Live! section that’s practically a shrine, a Classroom of the Elite event corner (yes, I bought too much), and even a massive BanG Dream! feature complete with music, merch, and one-to-one scale figures. Each floor has its own flavor: manga and light novels on one, CDs and Blu-rays on another, and rotating collabs and popup stores at the top. When I visited, there was a birthday display with exclusive goods you literally couldn’t get anywhere else. They also have artist-signed sketches and manga promo displays that make the store feel like an anime museum. It’s one of the most energetic, hype-filled stores in Akihabara—don’t skip it, especially if you love discovering series you haven’t seen before.

📍 Address: 1-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Around the corner from Radio Kaikan; 7 floors of anime heaven. Look for the Love Live! displays out front.

6. AmiAmi Figure Tower

The AmiAmi Figure Tower is every figure collector’s dream brought to life—and yes, it’s as overwhelming as it sounds. Opened in 2024, this eight-floor behemoth is the biggest figure-focused store in all of Akihabara. Seven floors are entirely dedicated to anime figures: Nendoroids, Figma, scale figures, prize figures—you name it, it’s here. The eighth floor often hosts rotating events and pop-up displays. Most of the inventory is pre-owned, but don’t let that fool you—everything is beautifully maintained, and there are plenty of brand-new figures, too. Each shelf is curated by series or theme, and you can spend hours browsing everything from Chainsaw Man to obscure mecha lines. The prices range wildly depending on rarity and condition, so whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, you’ll find something. This is where I saw a rare Saber Lily figure I didn’t even know existed—and yes, I walked out a little poorer. Totally worth it.

📍 Address: Inside Radio Kaikan, 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Radio Kaikan.

7. Volks Hobby Paradise 2

Volks Hobby Paradise 2 is one of Akihabara’s true hidden gems. If you’re walking up the main street, it’s easy to miss—but you absolutely shouldn’t. I didn’t even plan on visiting, but once inside, I was stunned by how packed and well-organized the store was. They carry everything from garage kits and model figures to exclusive anime merch and birthday goods. When I visited, they were celebrating Mio Akiyama’s birthday with themed merch I hadn’t seen anywhere else—possibly store-exclusive. Each floor has a vibe, grouped by fandoms or series, making it a joy to explore. Unlike some of the more chaotic stores, Volks felt more curated and collector-friendly. Their pop-up store on the ground floor was showcasing NieR: Automata merch, and I saw people snapping photos and buying out keychains like mad. If you want merch that’s a little harder to find, or you love discovering new fandom items, Volks Hobby Paradise 2 is absolutely worth adding to your route.

📍 Address: 1-15-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Just up Chuo-dori from Radio Kaikan; look for the blue “Volks” sign and entrance.

8. Animate Akihabara

Animate is the mothership of anime retail—and in Akihabara, they went all out. There are two towering buildings, each with seven full floors, and both are packed to the rafters with everything anime. We're talking the latest merch from currently airing shows, Blu-rays, drama CDs, manga, light novels, art books, cosplay gear, and more. Animate is my personal go-to because everything here is brand new. Their inventory is updated constantly, and they often have Animate-exclusive goods you won't find anywhere else in Japan. I spent a ridiculous amount of time here—and even more yen. Bonus: they offer special gifts with purchases based on how much you spend, including clear files, postcards, or even tiny character standees. When I visited, they were running a limited Squid Game-but-with-anime-girls style light novel promo that I need to turn into a video someday. This place is a paradise for fans who love the freshest content—and want to take a piece of it home.

📍 Address (Main Building): 4-3-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍📍 Address (Annex Building): 1-2-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Main building is about 5 minutes north of the station; follow signs or Google Maps—it’s huge and super popular.

9. Gachapon Hall

You can't walk ten steps in Akihabara without seeing a gachapon machine, but Gachapon Hall is where they all come together in glorious capsule chaos. This place is wall-to-wall gachapon—literally floor to ceiling. You could spend an hour just wandering the aisles, twisting knobs, and trying your luck on capsule toys from every anime genre and niche imaginable. From Demon Slayer and Spy x Family to the weirdly wonderful (hamster sushi chefs, anyone?), this place delivers. Pro tip: bring a ton of ¥100 coins or break your bills at the change machines near the entrance. They restock frequently, so even return visitors can find something new. While I’ve seen bigger gachapon spots in Japan, this one is still a classic Akihabara experience. I left with tiny cat keychains, a mini Gundam diorama, and something I think was a cursed magical girl rubber duck. Honestly? No regrets. Gachapon Hall is part luck, part obsession, all fun.

📍 Address: 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: A short walk north of the station, tucked behind Don Quijote Akihabara.

10. Akiba Night Gallery

Now this one’s for the culture connoisseurs. Akiba Night Gallery is a small but intriguing exhibition space nestled in Akihabara—and fair warning, much of the content here is R18. Think exclusive art showcases focused on creators like Kaede and Suu, with merchandise and displays tied directly to their work. It’s a rotating gallery, so depending on when you visit, the theme and content may vary. The room itself is fairly small, but it’s tastefully designed, and the atmosphere is definitely quieter than the more chaotic stores outside. If you’re into visual storytelling and illustration-heavy art, this is a fascinating spot to check out. They usually sell prints, limited-edition doujinshi, and some higher-end merch related to the featured artist. Just make sure you're of age before heading in. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s a cool space to explore for those interested in the artistic side of anime and manga. It’s low-key... but very memorable.

📍 Address: 1-7-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Look for "Kaido & Suu" on signage; this gallery space rotates themes often.

11. Surugaya

Surugaya is a secondhand store with a reputation for being both massive and treasure-filled. Although I didn’t get a chance to explore the inside on my trip, the outside alone was enough to impress. This place looks huge—and if you're hunting for something that hasn't been in circulation for a while, Surugaya is a top-tier bet. They carry everything: manga from the early 2000s, out-of-print light novels, hard-to-find CDs, used figures, and retro gaming merch. One of my friends found a mint-condition Inuyasha plush here for next to nothing. The layout might not be as polished as Animate or AmiAmi, but that's part of the charm—digging through the shelves here feels like a real otaku treasure hunt. Prices vary wildly depending on rarity and condition, but deals are definitely there if you’re willing to look. It’s a great spot for nostalgic fans who love the thrill of the find. Next time I go, I’m definitely making this a priority stop.

📍 Address: 3-14-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Just off Chuo-dori; recognizable by its teal sign and walls stacked with merch.

12. Mandarake Complex

The Mandarake Complex is like stepping into an alternate universe where anime, manga, and nostalgia rule the world. It’s housed inside a towering, all-black building that’s impossible to miss—and inside? A collector’s dream come true. There are eight massive floors, each stacked with secondhand treasures from every corner of otaku culture. One floor is a manga library with rare and out-of-print series dating back decades. Another is dedicated entirely to pre-owned figures—some unopened, some lightly loved, all at varying (often shocking) price points. You’ll find vintage magazines, original animation cels, rare CDs, cosplay props, doujinshi, and enough retro gaming merch to make your wallet scream. Honestly, it felt like a time machine for anime lovers. I picked up an old Shonen Jump issue from the '90s just for the cover art. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or hunting for something super specific, this is the place to get lost in for hours. Just don’t forget what floor you’re on.

📍 Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Look for the massive black building—8 floors tall, with clear Mandarake branding.

13. Melonbooks

Melonbooks is a must-visit if you’re into doujinshi, fan art, and indie manga, especially the kind that’s hard to find anywhere else. Located below a place called “HEY” (yes, really), Melonbooks lives in the basement—and it's way bigger than it looks. Their shelves are stacked with all kinds of self-published manga, including original works and parodies from Japan’s thriving doujin scene. They also stock light novels, art books, and some seriously gorgeous bonus items like bookmarks, clear files, and postcards—many of which are Melonbooks exclusives. Their attention to detail with packaging and bonus goods makes it feel like every purchase is special. For the more ahem cultured readers, there’s a hefty R18 section that’s discreet but expansive, so no judgment if you’re shopping for the spicier stuff. I grabbed a stunning Touhou Project fanbook with a bonus poster. This is a must-stop for those who love supporting indie artists and want to discover hidden gems that never leave Japan.

📍 Address: Basement Floor of “Hey” building, 1-10-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Just next to Club Sega (Hey Akihabara); entrance is downstairs.

14. GiGO (formerly SEGA) – Building 1

You cannot—I repeat, cannot—leave Akihabara without playing a few crane games, and GiGO Building 1 (formerly SEGA) is the perfect spot to end your shopping day with some fun. Spread across multiple levels, GiGO is packed with UFO catchers, prize machines, and mini arcades. From plushies and figures to keychains and exclusive seasonal prizes, there’s something for every kind of collector. The trick is knowing when to ask for help—pro tip: if you’ve tried a few times and can’t snag your prize, you can actually flag down a staff member to help “adjust” the machine (and they’re super chill about it). When I visited, there were themed prizes for Chainsaw Man, Re:Zero, and even Hatsune Miku winter editions. There's a kind of magic in winning a prize with your own skill—or at least pretending you did. It’s chaotic, loud, and pure arcade joy. Trust me, save this for the end of your Akihabara adventure—it’s the perfect final boss.

📍 Address: 1-15-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Across from Radio Kaikan—formerly SEGA Building 1, now labeled “GiGO” in bright blue.

15. Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya is a premium figure shop that’s perfect for collectors looking for quality over quantity. Everything here is made by Kotobukiya themselves—known in the industry for their chef’s kiss detail and craftsmanship. The store isn’t as big as AmiAmi or Mandarake, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style. The lower floors focus on mainstream anime franchises, while the third and fourth floors are dedicated to VTubers and indie creators. While the VTuber merch selection isn’t massive, the displays are clean and photogenic, which makes it a fun stop for fans of Hololive and Nijisanji. There are also occasional small exhibitions, with prototype figures and behind-the-scenes design breakdowns that figure fans will geek out over. I didn’t end up buying anything here (tempting, though!), but I took about a hundred photos. It’s a quieter, more curated experience, and definitely worth checking out if you appreciate high-end anime art in figure form.

📍 Address: 1-8-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

‍🗺️ Tip: Located on Chuo-dori, near Yodobashi Camera. Look for figure displays in the windows.

Pro Tips for Your Akihabara Anime Shopping Adventure

• 🏨 Stay nearby. Book a hotel in Akihabara. You’ll thank yourself when your arms are full of loot and your feet are done.
• ⏰ Plan for at least one full day. You cannot rush this. Two days is ideal.
• 💴 Bring cash. Some secondhand shops or gachapon machines don’t take cards.
• 🛍️ Bring a small suitcase. Seriously. Some stores even sell extra luggage for this exact reason.

Akihabara is more than just a shopping district—it’s a love letter to anime itself. Whether you left with rare figures, exclusive doujinshi, or a bag full of gachapon capsules, every item carries a story. Maybe you discovered a new series in a manga corner, or maybe you finally found that one elusive keychain you’ve been chasing for years. Either way, what matters is the joy—the kind that only comes from being surrounded by the world you love.

So as your shopping bags pile up and your feet start to ache, take a moment to soak it all in. You just walked through the beating heart of otaku culture. And whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, Akihabara always has something new waiting around the next corner.

Keep the anime adventure going with more otaku travel guides at Land of Geek Magazine!

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