Akihabara Beyond Anime: Temples, Arcades and Old Tokyo

Akihabara is often reduced to anime, arcades, and neon lights.
In this video, I take you beyond that image to explore the many layers of Akihabara and its surrounding areas, from Ochanomizu to Ueno.

This day walk through Tokyo’s east side reveals a fascinating contrast between ancient temples, traditional tea houses, gaming culture, maid cafés, retro electronics, artisan workshops, and lively street markets.

Akihabara is not just otaku culture, it is also history, craftsmanship, and everyday Tokyo life.

From the calm atmosphere of Yushima Seido and Kanda Shrine, to ramen lunches, six floors of arcade games, figurine shops, and vintage electronic parts, this walk shows how old and modern Japan coexist within just a few streets.

We end the day in Ameyoko market and Ueno Park, where the city slows down again, surrounded by nature and local life.

• 📍 What you will see in this video
  ⛩️ Historic temples and shrines in Tokyo
  🍵 Traditional Japanese tea house
  🍜 Local ramen in Akihabara
  🎮 Arcades, retro games, and otaku culture
  🧸 Maid cafés and anime shops
  🔧 Old-school electronics district
  🎨 Tokyo artisan shops under the train tracks
  🥟 Street food and markets
  🌳 Ueno Park and peaceful city moments
  

Thanks for watching!

Mata ne. Sabrina