Experience Akihabara Electric Town: Karaoke, Anime and Cosplay in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Rating: 
Trip Type: Cultural Tours
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
In Tokyo’s Akihabara Electric Town, you can dress up in fun, comic book–inspired
costumes, no matter what age you are. This private, family-friendly
tour immerses you in the world of ‘otaku,’ a Japanese subculture that
celebrates anime and manga (comics). Get outfitted for cosplay (costume
play), pose for a shoot in a ‘purikura’ photo booth, stop at shops
hawking video games, and enjoy a drink with karaoke. You'll also get to
order you choice of tea or coffee in one of the many playful maid cafés
that line the busy streets.
More About This Activity All Cultural Tours →
In Tokyo’s Akihabara Electric Town, you can dress up in fun, comic book–inspired
costumes, no matter what age you are. This private, family-friendly
tour immerses you in the world of ‘otaku,’ a Japanese subculture that
celebrates anime and manga (comics). Get outfitted for cosplay (costume
play), pose for a shoot in a ‘purikura’ photo booth, stop at shops
hawking video games, and enjoy a drink with karaoke. You'll also get to
order you choice of tea or coffee in one of the many playful maid cafés
that line the busy streets.
Comic-book and computer shops stand next to cosplay cafes, where people dress up as their favorite animated characters — fun for the entire family! Start your private walking tour of Akihabara belting out your favorite tunes with your friends (up to five people) in a decorated karaoke room. One complimentary drink is included during your hour of entertainment, but you’re welcome to order more beverages along with some snacks.
Meet your guide at your hotel and walk to the nearest station for public transport to Tokyo’s shopping district of Akihabara. Nicknamed Akihabara Electric Town for the electronic goods sold there after World War II, Akihabara (or Akiba) is now a cultural hub for fans of anime and manga who call themselves ‘otaku,’ or nerds.
Comic-book and computer shops stand next to cosplay cafes, where people dress up as their favorite animated characters — fun for the entire family! Start your private walking tour of Akihabara belting out your favorite tunes with your friends (up to five people) in a decorated karaoke room. One complimentary drink is included during your hour of entertainment, but you’re welcome to order more beverages along with some snacks.
Next, disguise yourself in a complimentary rental costume and makeup for a photo shoot in a purikura, aka photo booth. Step inside and choose your background, adding stamps, sparkles and a frame. Once you’re finished, your pictures are automatically printed for you — a perfect Tokyo souvenir!
After approximately 30 minutes of cosplay, your private guide accompanies you to one of the many popular Akihabara maid cafes. Here, waitresses dress in playful French maid costumes and treat patrons as if they’re being served in a private home rather than a restaurant. After your server politely greets you with ‘Welcome home, master (or mistress),' head to your table and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee (food and additional drinks at own expense). Spend an hour immersed in this entertaining slice of otaku culture; for an additional fee, your waitress may sing a song or join your party in a table game.
Finally, your guide takes you to Don Quijote, affectionately known to the locals as "Donkey," a vast one-stop store that carries everything from high-end luxury brand goods to groceries. The giant store packs every nook and cranny with goods, turning this shopping excursion into a full-blown treasure hunt. If you're game, enjoy plenty of time to peruse before returning, via public transport, to your hotel.
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