Electronic goods and animation goods! Eight sightseeing spots in Akihabara
Akihabara is known as the “town of hobbies.” Here you will find many electronic goods stores and “otaku”(obsessive interests) shops and it is the best town to find cheap and quality electronic goods or otaku souvenirs such as figures and toys. In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended sightseeing spots in Akihabara.
Yodobashi Camera Akihabara Store
Yodobashi Camera Akihabara Store is an electronic goods complex which sells many Japanese electronic goods which are popular among tourists from foreign countries such as rice cookers and facial massagers. The building contains many kinds of stores such as fashion brands and a restaurant floor in addition to 6 floors of electronic goods. It is a spot where you can stay for a long time.
■Information
Yodobashi Camera Akihabara Store
Address: 1-1, Hanaokacho, Kanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 9:30 to 22:00
TEL:03-5209-1010
AKIHABARA Gamers Main Store
This is a specialized store of goods related to “bishojo” (beautiful girl) animations and voice actors/actresses. They sell lots of magazines, CDs and other goods. Since they sell small souvenirs such as cookies and mug cups, it is a place where you can enjoy shopping.
■Information
AKIHABARA GAMERS Main Store
Address: Takarada Building, 1-14-7, Soto Kanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 1F:9:00~22:00 2~7F:10:00~21:00
TEL:03-5298-8720
Don QuiXote Akihabara Store
Don Quijote Akihabra Store is a very popular discount store which has branch stores throughout Japan and is very popular among tourists from foreign countries. This Akihabara Store sells many local products such as “costume play” related goods and animation goods. “AKB Gekijo” where one of the most famous idol groups in Japan, AKB 48 holds lives on a regular basis is located on the 8th floor. Also, they have a duty exemption counter inside the store and they accept various foreign currencies.
■Information
Don Quijote Akihabara Store
Address: 3-3, 4th Street, Sotokanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 9:00 to 5:00
Holidays: Not fixed
TEL:03-5298-5411
Gundam Café
This café is very close to Denkigai Exit of JR Akihabara Station and it is gaining popularity as a café representing the world of Gundam which is a popular animation series in Japan. Many gimmicks and objects including the Gundam statue are set up inside the café. For those of you who love Gundam this café is a “must check out” for their special food menu items.
■Information
Gundam Café
Address: 1-1, Hanaokacho, Kanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00-22:30
TEL:03-3251-0078
URL:http://g-cafe.jp
Akihabara UDX
A an “office complex” which introduces the cultures of Akihabara. This building includes restaurants, shops and theaters and you can check out the latest information regarding Japanese animations. Also, Tokyo Anime Center is located inside this building. Here, on the 4th floor they sell goods of Japanese animations. It is a famous spot which is gathering much attention from tourist from foreign countries.
Akihabara Gachapon (capsule toy machine) Kaikan
This store is a specialized store of capsule toys. Many gachapons are installed inside the store and it is a place where you can enjoy an extraordinary number of gachapons. Let’s get your favorite gachapon.
■Information
Akihabra Gachapon Kaikan
Address: 3-15-5, Sotokanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 11:00 to 2:00 (Mon. to Thurs.) 11:00 to 22:00 (Fri, Sat, one day before holidays) 11:00 to 19:00 (Sunday, holidays)
TEL:03-5209-6020
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN is a commercial facility located under the JR railway tracks. The facility includes many stores and you can buy traditional crafts of Japan and sundries. It is a good spot to buy souvenirs since they sell Japanese dishes and other goods related to Japanese culture.
■Information
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN
Address: 5-9, Ueno, Taitoku, Tokyo
Business hours: 11:00 to 19:00
Holidays: Tuesday
TEL:03-6806-0254
AKIBA Cultures ZONE
AKIBA Cultures Zone is a commercial facility which has many otaku shops. The shops include the cosplay specialized store “ACOS” and the animation goods specialized stores, “Rashinban” and “Animate.” “AKIBA Culture Gekijo (stage theater)” is located on the first floor so you can enjoy the lives of new idol groups.
■Information
AKIBA Cultures ZONE
Address: 7-6, Sotokanda, 1st Street, Chiyodaku, Tokyo
Why not enjoy the culture of Japan by visiting Akihabara.
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Naruto Anime Series Celebrates 20th Anniversary With New Gallery Featuring Collaborations With Five Animators
10.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the globally popular Naruto anime series, NARUTO THE GALLERY will be held at AKIBA_SQUARE inside Akihabara UDX from December 10, 2022 until January 31, 2023. The gallery will feature collaborations with five animators.
This will be the first Naruto exhibition held since 2015. The event will focus on the growth of the characters, the bonds they share with their friends, and the many fights that have taken place over the past two decades.
Iconic scenes from the Naruto anime series will be on display in collaboration with five up-and-coming animators: Ai Niina, Kohei Kadowaki, que, Kosuke Sugimoto, and Kohta Morie. This will give fans the chance to see an unprecedented and unique view of the world of Naruto which can only be seen at the event.
Admission Bonus: Gemaki-style Card
Goods
An original Gemaki-style Card featuring a newly-drawn visual will be handed out to those visiting the exhibition.
The first lineup of exclusive event-only merchandise has been revealed and longtime fans of the series won’t want to miss adding some of these goods to their collection.
Participating Artists / Episode
Ai Niina / Sasuke’s Ninja Way
Kohei Kadowaki / Naruto’s Path
que / The Land of Waves
Kosuke Sugimoto / Sasuke’s Vessel
Kohta Morie / Naruto and Kurama
©NARUTO THE GALLERY実行委員会
Information
NARUTO THE GALLERY (Naruto 20th Anniversary Project)
Running: December 10, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Venue: AKIBA_SQUARE (Inside Akihabara UDX)
Official Site: https://naruto-20th.jp -
Sana Natori and Sanrio Characters Open Second Collaboration Store in Akihabara
12.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
A new collaboration store is now open in Akihabara, bringing together the popular YouTuber Sana Natori and everyone’s favorite Sanrio characters. The shop will be open until October 19, and this second collaboration features Halloween-inspired goods.
This time around, seven new goods are available, with 21 designs available in total. The illustrations were drawn exclusively for the collaboration.
Goods at a Glance
Pin (3 varieties)
Acrylic Keychain (3 varieties)
Acrylic Card (7 varieties)
Acrylic Figure Plate (3 varieties)
Sana Natori x Kuromi
Sana Natori x Pompompurin
Sana Natori x Lloromannic
Sticker (Set of 3)
Clear Case
Long Sleeve T-shirt
Purchase Bonus – Postcard (2 varieties)
Sana Natori is a VTuber who has become popular with audiences of all ages. Her aim is to live a proper life online, and she’s known largely for her livestreams, gaming, and music.
Following the well-recieved first collaboration, these spooky designs are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Which goods are you after?
(C) Sana Natori (C) 2022 SANRIO CO.,LTD. APPROVAL NO. L634678Information
Sana Natori x Sanrio Characters
Running: October 6 – October 19, 2022
Venue: Akihabara Sukima Store, JR Akihabara Station Central Ticket Gate
Hours: 11:00-20:00
*Merchandise also available from Sanrio Anime Store Online
Sanrio Anime Store Online: https://sanrio-animestore-a3.jp/title/search/product?parent_title_id=111&utm_source=prt240 -
Cure Maid Cafe in Akihabara Starts Collab with Anime Series ‘Luminous Witches’
12.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Gee! Store, a popular series of shops specializing in anime character goods, has announced a collaboration with the series Luminous Witches! From September 9 until September 19, Cure Maid Cafe in Akihabara will be serving up tasty treats inspired by characters from the series.
Collaboration Menu
Exclusive Collaboration Character Cards (9 varieties)
Preorder Goods
The cafe will offer a number of snacks and drinks, including Eggplant Cheese Pasta, Aira & Eleonore’s Curry, and Moffy’s Parfait. A special drink will be available to order by posting with a special hashtag on social media, so be sure to check back for more information!
©2021 島田フミカネ・KADOKAWA/連盟空軍航空魔法音楽隊
©TABLIER MARKETING INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Information
Luminous Witches Cafe
Running: September 9 – September 19, 2022
Venue: Cure Maid Cafe (Gee! Store 4F, Onoden Main Store, Akihabara)
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The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Gets Pop-Up Store in Akihabara
21.August.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
To celebrate the second season of The Rising of the Shield Hero, a special pop-up store will open on August 19 inside GiGO Akihabara!
2L Chara Fine Mat (4 varieties): ¥1,980 (Tax Included)
Mini-Character Pin (6 varieties): ¥440 (Tax Included)
New items include character mats with newly-drawn illustrations and mini-character pins.
During the event period, for every purchase of ¥3,000 or more (including tax), customers will receive a random postcard as a bonus. Be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!
Information
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2 Pop-Up Store
Running: August 19 – August 28, 2022
Venue: Akib@ko 5F Collaboration Studio & Gallery
Event Details: https://tempo.gendagigo.jp/shieldhero-shop/2022.html -
Anime Series ‘Uncle from Another World’ to Get Take-Out Collab Cafe in Akihabara
16.August.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
A take-out collaboration cafe inspired by the anime series Uncle from Another World is now open at CURE MAID CAFE in Akihabara! The event is running until August 28, 2022.
Exclusive Collaboration Character Cards (6 varieties)
The take-out collaboration cafe features a lineup of collaboration drinks inspired by characters from the series. Special bonuses will be given to those who order from the collaboration menu, and photos from the series will be displayed at the eat-in space Entas Cure Terrace on the same floor.
Enjoy these otherwordly collab drinks that can only be found here!
(C)殆ど死んでいる・KADOKAWA刊/異世界おじさん製作委員会 (C)SEGA
(C)TABLIER MARKETING INC.,ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Information
Uncle from Another World Take-Out Collaboration Cafe
Venue: CURE MAID CAFE
Running: August 10 – August 28, 2022
Details: http://www.curemaid.jp/collab_cafe/isekaiojisan2022/
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BL Mystery Game Hashihime of the Old Book Town Inspires Collaboration Cafe at Akihabara Nagomido
24.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Starting on June 17, romantic Taisho-style cafe Akihabara Nagomido began a special collaboration with the BL mystery game Hashihime of the Old Book Town. The special event will run through July 4, 2022.
Collaboration Cafe Original Menu
Menu Order Bonus: Bookmark
Collab Goods
Acrylic Stand (6 varieties)
Clear Folder
Collaboration Castella
Pin Gacha (6 varieties, random)
Fortune Gacha (7 varieties, random)
Goods Available to Order
Canvas Art (6 varieties)
Large Panel
Goods Purchase Privilege: Original Postcard
During the event, fans of the series can enjoy dishes, desserts, and drinks inspired by the game. Special collaboration merchandise will only be available here, and special prizes can be won by playing the on-site gacha! A bookmark will be given to guests who order any original collaboration food or drink items, and an original postcard will be given to those spending at least ¥3,000 on merchandise. Those visiting between June 29 and July 4 will receive a limited-edition postcard.
Come enjoy this unique atmosphere while surrounded by your favorite characters!
What is Hashihime of the Old Book Town?
The location? Jinbocho, Tokyo, during the rainy season, 1922.
A young writer named Tamamori moves to Tokyo with the hopes of getting into a prestigious university–but he fails the exams and is kicked out of his place.In an amazing stroke of luck, Tamamori begins working at a bookstore with a mysterious owner who never shows his face. This stranger also lets him live there and pays for his necessities. Living at a bookstore with only a few customers leaves Tamamori tons of time to work on writing.
Suddenly, a series of suicides and mysterious deaths begin. Tamamori’s best friend dies–and no one knows why.
Tamamori notices that the same three rainy days are repeating over and over. Yes, he can time travel–but only three days into the past.
What is real and what is an illusion?
A pop-occult Taisho BL mystery is waiting for you. (From the game’s homepage)
Information
Hashihime of the Old Book Town x Akihabara Nagomido
Running: June 17 – July 3, 18:00
Hours: 12:00-21:00 (Last order at 20:30)
Venue: Akihabara NagomidoAddress: Sakai Suehiro Building B1F (6-14-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Online Store: https://akiba753do.theshop.jp/ (Orders now open)
Official Site: https://www.nagomi-cafe.com/
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CulZone in Akihabara Begins Limited-Time Anime T-Shirt Festival
18.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
CulZone, inside ACZ and operated by Ichigo Animation, has expanded and reopened! To commemorate, the Anime T-Shirt Festival will be running from June 17 until July 10. Dozens of shirts will be on sale featuring both new and old anime titles.
Lineup
©Negi Haruba, Kodansha /The Quintessential Quintuplets ∬ Production Team ®KODANSHA
©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable
©2016 Natsume Akatsuki, Kurone Mishima / KADOKAWA / Konosuba Production Committee
©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
©Tappei Nagatsuki, KADOKAWA / Re: Zero Production Committee
©Sotsu / Sunrise
©1995 Masamune Shirow / Kodansha, Bandai Visual, MANGA ENTERTAINMENT
Character shirts and logo shirts will be available and every fan will find something perfect! Items will be changed regularly throughout the event, so be sure to stop by and find something perfect for your summer wardrobe.Information
Anime T-Shirt Festival
Running: June 17 – July 10, 2022
Venue: AKIBA Cultures ZONE 4F ‘CulZone’Official Site: https://www.ichigo.gr.jp/
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Experience Japanese Culture from Anywhere with Kanda Myojin Shrine’s Virtual Space
09.June.2022 | SPOT
Kanda Myojin Shrine dates back over 1,270 years, making it one of the most well-known religious sites in Tokyo. Dai Nippon Printing is now making it possible for interested visitors to experience the site from anywhere in the world, unveiling the Kanda Myojin CG Space this week. Developed with approval from the shrine, the virtual space faithfully reproduces the structure and design of the location using 3D laser measurement technology and CG techniques developed by DNP over many years. The space will be open online to all audiences.
A portion of the work from the Masayuki Kojo 10th Anniversary Exhibition currently behind held on-site at Kanda Myojin from June 4 until July 10 will also be available to view in the CG space. The space will also be linked to ‘Virtual Akihabara,’ developed by DNP in conjunction with the AKIBA Tourism Council. Using XR (Extended Reality), the company hopes to develop a wide variety of new communication styles.
The Kanda Myojin CG Space was created by using DNP’s laser measurement technology to recreate three-dimensional objects. By using high-definition photography and photogrammetry technology, images of objects are taken from many angles, creating a realistic 3DCG space to explore. The structure of the shrine, which was rebuilt in 1934 after being damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake, has been faithfully reproduced in every way.
In conjunction with events held at the Kanda Myojin Museum, the Kanda Myojin CG Space will make the history of Kanda Myojin and its collection of materials, including rare ukiyo-e prints, available online for anyone to access. Through these exhibits, people both in Japan and abroad can experience Edo culture through their web browsers!
Information
Kanda Myojin CG Space
https://virtual-akihabara-web.com/kandamyoujin-kojomasayuki10th/
Masayuki Kojo 10th Anniversary Exhibition
Running: June 4 – July 10, 2022
Hours: 9:00-16:00 *Last entry at 15:45, open daily
Address: Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Center 1F (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
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Felissimo Nekobu Teams Up with Akihabara Nagomido for Limited Time Cat-themed Cafe
Romantic Taisho-style cafe Akihabara Nagomido and Felissimo’s Nekobe, a company that loves all things to do with cats, are teaming up for a collaboration cafe! Open until March 20, guests will be greeted at the door by an original cat illustration by Arisa Shimoda, a popular illustrator for Nekobe. Enjoy a special photo spot and a collaboration coffee shop menu complete with cat-themed dishes. Exclusive merchandise will be on sale at the goods corner and online, and 1% of all proceeds will be donated to a charity finding forever homes for cats and dogs.
Collaboration Menu
Swordfish Tuna Steak Cutlet
Catwalk Tiramisu
Hide and Seek with Fluffy Cream! Mini Cat Parfait
Flying Fish?! Kitty Soda
Cafe Latte with Cat Design
Yoshino-chan’s Anmitsu with Marshmallows
Akihabara Nagomido Limited-Edition Collaboration Merchandise
Chocolate Rusk
Sweets in Tin
Sugar Cats
Japanese-style Marshmallow
Yoshino-chan, a tortoiseshell cat wearing a lovely kimono against a backdrop of Taisho-era stained glass, was created by Arisa Shimoda, a well-known illustrator.
Which of these dishes would you order?
Information
Akihabara Nagomido x Nekobu Parlor
Running until March 20, 2022
Open 24 HoursFood Available from 11:00 – 20:00 (Last Food Order at 19:00 / Last Drink Order at 19:30) *Seating limited to 90 minutes when busy.
Address: Akihabara Nagomido, Sakai Suehiro Building B1F (6-14-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: https://nagomi-cafe.com/ -
Akihabara Maid Cafe Idol Group Maidin! to Release Major Debut Single
03.November.2021 | MUSIC
One of the most popular maid cafes in Akihabara, @home cafe is celebrating 17 successful years. With eight stores in both Tokyo and Osaka, a collection of maids have come together to form a new idol group, Maidin! The girls have announced that they will make their major music debut under the Purple One Star label on December 22, 2021.
First Edition
Regular Edition
Archived Livestream
Maidin! Debut Single – Kimi to Hareruya!
The group’s first track Kimi to Hareruya is available on streaming platforms now, and the girls announced their major debut during a live stream on October 23. They also let fans know that the CD will include three songs, and a huge 51-day release event will also be taking place!
Kimi to Hareruya is a bright and cheerful song, and the music video features the members dancing in their maid outfits while showing off their skills. The First Edition single will include a Blu-ray featuring the making-of video for the music video, as well as one random trading card (17 varieties) featuring one of the members.
Information
Maidin! Major Debut
Debut Date: December 22, 2021
Preorder Kimi to Hareruya!: https://lnk.to/LAPS-4005
Official Site: https://maidin17.jp/
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Snow White with the Red Hair Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Akihabara Cafe
11.October.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
The popular manga series Snow White with the Red Hair is celebrating 15 years with its first-ever collaboration cafe, opening October 22, 2021. The series began serialization in 2006 and has sold over 5.4 million copies to date, also inspiring a two-season anime series released in 2015 and 2016.
Reservations will be open on October 8 at 19:00, and visitors can expect a fully-themed menu and a number of original items only available at the cafe during the event period!
Cafe Bonuses
For each food or dessert order, guests will receive a random original postcard (3 varieties)
15th Anniversary Snow White with the Red Hair Collaboration Cafe Original Postcard
15th Anniversary Snow White with the Red Hair Collaboration Cafe Original Postcard
15th Anniversary Snow White with the Red Hair Collaboration Cafe Original Postcard
For each drink order, guests will receive a random original coaster (5 varieties)
15th Anniversary Snow White with the Red Hair Collaboration Cafe Original Coasters
*All bonuses will be given at random.
*Available while supplies last.
Menu at a Glance
Fancy Briouat: ¥650 (Tax Included)
Meat Dumplings and Mochi Soup from Lilias: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Shirayuki’s Special Quiche: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Lilias-style Grilled Tomatoes on Bread: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)
Crepes from Lilias: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Apple Parfait: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Delicious-looking Sweets from Lata: ¥850 (Tax Included)
Snow White’s Apple Pie: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Original Merchandise
Clear Folders, Set of 2: ¥880 (Tax Included)
Framed Magnets (5 varieties): ¥880 (Tax Included)
Character Board: ¥6,600 (Tax Included)
Acrylic Diorama: ¥4,400 (Tax Included)
Postcard Set: ¥2,640 (Tax Included)
Tapestry: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Premium Art Reproductions (10 varieties): 24,200 each (Tax Included)
©あきづき空太/白泉社
Information
15th Anniversary Snow White with the Red Hair Collaboration Cafe
Running: October 22 – December 28, 2021
First Run: October 22 – November 24, 2021
Second Run: November 25 – December 28, 2021
Address: Hakusensha Cafe, B1F (1-4-1, Kanda Awaji-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations for First Run Open on October 8, 2021, at 19:00.
Where to Reserve: https://app.collabocafe.tokyo/tabs/cafe/detail/63d9d007-08d2-4311-a016-61048dd8d14f
*If open seats are available, guests without a reservation will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/hakusensha_cafe
Official Site: https://clarines-kingdom.hakusensha-cafe.com/
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Cafe Opens to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Hatsune Miku’s Song ‘Senbonzakura’
02.October.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
Manga cafe Akihabara Nagomido will hold a limited-time collaboration cafe to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Vocaloid Hatsune Miku’s popular song Senbonzakura! The event will run from September 30 until November 7, 2021.
Menu at a Glance
Drinks (with coaster and muddler) *Muddler can be taken home.
Senbonzakura Rice Curry: ¥1,390 (Tax Included)
Full-Bloom Sakura Parfait: ¥1,390 (Tax Included)
Collaboration Cafe Limited Gacha Goods
Limited-edition Pins (8 varieties): ¥400 per spin (Tax Included)
Gacha Lottery Prize: B2 Poster
Goods
Senbonzakura Mug: ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
Senbonzakura Bag: ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
Senbonzakura B2 Tapestry: ¥3,000 (Tax Included)
Senbonzakura Acrylic Stand: ¥1,900 (Tax Included)
Senbonzakura Light-Up Acrylic Stand: ¥2,500 (Tax Included)
Senbonzakura x Akihabara Nagomido Castella (Plain): ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Senbonzakura x Akihabara Nagomido Castella (Cherry Blossom): ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Kurousa-P Acrylic Keychain: ¥700 (Tax Included)
Kurousa-P Acrylic Stand: ¥800 (Tax Included)
Lacquered Chopsticks: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Lacquered Bookmark: ¥770 (Tax Included)
WAKUPITA Mask (2 varieties, Miku Crest & Butterfly and Sakura): ¥1,000 each (Tax Included)
Guests can enjoy various cherry blossom displays throughout the event space, so be sure to stop by if you’re in the area!
Information
Senbonzakura 10th Anniversary x Akihabara Nagomido Collaboration Cafe
Running: September 30, 12:00 – November 7, 2021, 18:00
*The store is open 24 hours a day, but the collaboration menu will only be available from 12:00-20:00 (last order at 19:30.)
Address: Akihabara Nagomido (Sakai Suehiro Building B1F, 6-14-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Merchandise: https://akiba753do.theshop.jp/
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/t/lsgb3
Official Site: https://whiteflame.jp/10th-senbonzakura/