Akihabara Pop Culture Tour with Maid Café and UFO Catcher Fun

Tokyo , Japan

Akihabara Pop Culture Tour with Maid Café and UFO Catcher Fun

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(7 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the real Akihabara — beyond what you see on social media. This 3-hour walking tour takes you deep into Tokyo’s Electric Town, where anime, retro games, capsule toys, and Japanese subculture collide. With a local guide, you’ll explore figure shops filled with iconic characters, browse vintage electronics from Japan’s Showa era, and check out walls of colorful gachapon (capsule toy) machines. You’ll also stop by Super Potato, a legendary retro game shop packed with nostalgia. At Taito Station arcade, try your luck on a UFO catcher — ¥300 worth of game credit is included. The tour ends with a visit to a real maid café, where you’ll be greeted with cheerful service and enjoy one drink with your entry. From start to finish, this experience lets you walk, play, shop, and connect with Japan’s most playful and energetic neighborhood.

Available options

Akihabara Pop Culture Tour with Maid Café and UFO Catcher Fun

What's included

¥300 UFO catcher play credit

English-speaking local guide

Maid café admission fee and 1 soft drink

Detailed itinerary

At Radio Kaikan, participants can explore multiple floors filled with anime figures, character goods, and rare collectibles. You’ll have time to browse popular figure shops, discover limited-edition items, and experience the excitement of Akihabara’s otaku culture firsthand. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, it’s a fun and immersive stop for anyone interested in Japanese pop culture.

On the 4th floor of Onoden, participants can step into a nostalgic world of retro electronics and vintage gadgets. You’ll find shelves lined with classic radios, quirky appliances, and old-school tech from past decades. It’s a unique chance to experience a side of Akihabara that blends Japan’s Showa-era charm with pop culture history.

At Super Potato, participants can dive into a retro gaming paradise filled with classic consoles, pixelated games, and nostalgic memorabilia. You’ll have time to browse shelves of vintage cartridges, test out old-school arcade games, and enjoy the quirky atmosphere that brings Japan’s gaming history to life.

Participants will explore a floor-to-ceiling lineup of colorful gachapon machines, each filled with unique capsule toys. You’ll have the opportunity to turn the knob and see what surprise toy you get — a fun and addictive experience that offers a hands-on taste of Japan’s pop culture.

At Taito Station, participants can enjoy a hands-on experience with one of Japan’s most popular arcade games: the UFO catcher (claw machine). With ¥300 worth of play included in the tour, you’ll get to try your luck at grabbing a cute prize in a lively and colorful arcade setting. It’s a fun, interactive highlight that gives a true taste of Japanese gaming culture.

Participants will step into the playful world of a real Japanese maid café, where they’re greeted with smiles, cute decorations, and friendly service. This experience includes the entrance fee and one soft drink. You’ll have the chance to interact with the maids, enjoy the kawaii atmosphere, and take photos (when permitted) — a uniquely Japanese cultural experience that’s fun, lighthearted, and memorable.

What's not included

Extra food or drinks

Souvenirs or additional game play

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

After arriving at JR Akihabara Station, follow the signs for the “Electric Town Exit” (Denki-gai Exit). Once you exit through the ticket gates, you will see a wide open area with vending machines and signs for Akihabara Electric Town.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.