With the increase in tourism in recent year, demand for tours in the Tokyo area has skyroclketed. This and the increasing fascination with the geek side of japanese culture has lead to hoardes of tourists heading to Akihabara to sample such delights as pop idol bands, electronics and maid cafe culture. As such, a number of tours have also been set up around the otoku culture captial Akihabara for tourists to experience. Here are a selection of tours to choose from:
1) http://www.toursbylocals.com/akihabara
TOUR PRICE: (duration 4 hours) 120 USD (for up to 4 people)
Akihabara has long been known as an "Electric Town ", however, it is recently much better known as a "Pop Culture Town. "
This tour will show you how Akihabara developed as an electric town since post wartime, and how it has been changing into a pop culture town. If you are interested in Anime, Manga, Dojin-shi, games, robots, Cosplay, Maid cafe, and anime character products, join this tour!
2)http://www.akihabara-tour.com/
Price: Free
Duration: approximately 1.5-2 hours
Electric Town, Mecca of Otaku, Center of pop culture, “Akiba” is well known for its brilliant images. However, it is just one side of the town. When you look closer and take one step further, you will see the spirit of Japanese monozukuri (craftsmanship or manufacturing) and history of Tokyo.
Why don’t you join us with the special tour? Government certified tour guides will give you a tour to discover the attraction of Akihabara, the town of wonder.
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.
Highlights
3.5-hour private tour of Akihabara Electric Town in Tokyo
Order a complimentary drink and sing popular tunes in a private karaoke booth
Dress up as your favorite comic book character and pose in a purikura for personalized digital photos
Order tea or coffee and be welcomed 'home' at a maid cafe
Visit Don Quijote and search the vast complex for your own personal treasures
Learn about otaku culture from a private guide in this popular shopping district
Round-trip public transport included
Here is a map of Akihabara and the best electronics stores Tokyo and Japan have to offer. Print it out or access it on you smartphone to find the best deals on computers, parts and gaming machines....
A message for CEATEC Japan 2011. The best consumer electronics show on earth...
The number of visitors was 29,430 on October 8 (Sat.) The total number of visitors for CEATEC JAPAN 2011 was 172,137. Thank you so much for your visit. We look forward to seeing you in CEATEC JAPAN 2012.
Probably one of the cheapest and best electronics stores in Japan is Dospara. They specialize in mainly cheaper computers and computer parts imported from China and a wide range of motherboards, sound and video cards, hard drives and SSDs, and custom made PCs at low prices. They have stores in Akihabara, Kawasaki, Omiya, Chiyoda and Chiba
A short video from the 2010 Ceatec electronics show which shows 3D televisions whichdon't require the use of 3D glasses. These were developed by Toshiba and may only be available at the moment in Japan.
Here is a passage from the Ceatec Exhibition the biggest and best electronics fair in Japan. The 2011 even will be held in Makuhari Messe in Chiba between 4th October and the 8th October.
http://www.ceatec.com/2011/en/outline/outline02.html
Smart Innovation Cutting-edge technologies to create the future
Digital network technology has made our day-to-day lives, society and business more convenient, comfortable and prosperous, and a “smart” revolution is something currently being pursued for the future.
The role and sphere of electronics and information and communication technology has expanded as a smart critical technology for a sustainable low-carbon society.
This year’s CEATEC JAPAN will showcase and send a message to the world about IT and electronics-driven Japanese “Smart Innovation” for our day-to-day lives, society and business. It will also provide detailed ideas to achieve a smart society through prosperous, health-filled and ideal lifestyles, energy conservation and saving measures, and safety and security measures.
Name CEATEC JAPAN 2011
(Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies)
Objectives
* To allow visitors to experience the newest technologies, products, systems and software for the digital network age, and the convergence of communications, information and imaging technologies.
* To function as a highly specific exhibition capturing the interest of and responding to the needs of users by presenting the industries' latest achievements and trends.
* As Japan and Asia's largest interactive exhibition of information on the communications, information and imaging fields, to present the achievements, trends and vitality of the industry to the world.
* To gather industry organizations to present clear social messages, thereby supporting industrial development and contributing to lifestyles, economies and society in the digital network age.
* Special Invitational Day: Tuesday, October 4th
* Business Days: Wednesday, October 5th - Friday, 7th
* Free Admission Day: Saturday, October 8th
* ICT Suite / Electronics Suite: Tuesday, October 4th - Friday, 7th
Location Makuhari Messe
2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba, Japan
Admission All visitors are required to register
* Special Invitational Day (October 4th):
Press registration, special invitational registration are required
* Public Open Days (October 5th - 7th):
Visitor registering at the Gate: General admission \1,000, Students \500 (Groups of 20 or more students and children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge.)
Online pre-registration / Invitational registration at the gate: Free admission
* Free Admission Day (October 8th): Free admission (Registration required for visitors over 18 years of age)
Sponsorship CEATEC JAPAN Organizing Committee
* Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)
* Communications and Information network Association of Japan (CIAJ)
* Computer Software Association of Japan (CSAJ)
Support Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan (MIC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan (MOFA), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan (METI), (Listed by date est.)
Chiba Prefectural Government; Chiba Municipal Government; Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK); The National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan (NAB); Nippon Keidanren; The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI); The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry; The Chiba Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO); Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO); U.S. Commercial Service; Delegation of the European union to Japan; British Embassy in Japan; Canadian Embassy and Consulates in Japan; French Trade Commission-Ubifrance. Embassy of France in Japan
(Expected:No particular order)
Assistance Association of Consumer Electronics Marketing in Japan; Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB); Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ); Electrical Products Association of Japan; Internet Association Japan (IAJ); ITS Japan; Green IT Promotion Council; Japan Audio Society (JAS); Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA); Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA); Japan Book Publishers Association (JBPA); Japan Cable and Telecommunications Association (JCTA); Japan Cable Television Engineering Association (JCTEA); Japan Computer System Seller Association (JCSSA); The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA);Japan Electronic Products Importers Association (JEPIA); Japan Federation of Electronic Parts Distributors & Dealers (JEP); Japan Satellite Broadcasting Association (JSBA); The Japan Society of Applied Physics; Japan Video Software Association (JVA); Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ); Telecommunication Technology Committee (TTC); Telecommunications Carriers Association (TCA)
(Expected:Alphabetical order)
Global Partners Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) / International CES (USA)
Messe Berlin / IFA (Germany)
Messe München International / electronica (Germany), electronica & Productronica China (China)
Asia Partners
* China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Electronics & Information Industry Sub-Council (CCPIT ECC)
* China Electronic Chamber of Commerce (CECC)
* China International Software & Information Service Centre (CiSiS)
* The Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association (HKEIA)
* Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
(Alphabetical order)
Asia Electronics Exhibition Cooperate Conference (AEECC*) Member.
* China Electronic Appliance Corporation (CEAC)
* Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
* Korea Electronics Association (KEA)
* Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA)
(Alphabetical order) *The Asia Electronics Exhibition Cooperate Conference (AEECC) was established in 1997 to encourage mutual promotional cooperation activities among major electronics and IT exhibition organizers in the Asia region.
Management CEATEC JAPAN Management Office (Japan Electronics Show Association (JESA))
12F Ote Center Bldg., 1-1-3 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
TEL:+81-3-6212-5233 FAX:+81-3-6212-5226
Bic Camera have a huge store in Yurakucho in Tokyo- it's the flagship store and the one where Michael Jackson spent most of his time when he was in Tokyo.
There are loads of sofmap stores in the Akihabara area. Most of them sell used computer and peripherals. Some sell new stuff. Check out the map below for the different locations. The stores are split into categories:
A: Main Store
B: Amusement Store
C: PC Shop
D: ReUsed PC
E: Mac Store
F: CD Store
G: DVD Soft
H: Digital Clinic
I: PC Games and Anime
J: Computer Repair Center
K: Used Digital Cameras and Mobile Computers
L: Used Computer Shop 1
M: Used PC Shop 2
N: Near the Station Shop (Used PCs, Notebooks and Netbooks and Parts)
Akihabara Station is in the bottom right corner. Head for the Electric Town Exit.
It has been my dream to visit tbe best electronics store in Tokyo. It may seem so futuristic... I only watched it on TV and have fallen in love with everything I saw there... Gorgeous...
Most tourists and foreigners head for the big stores around the station. The locals look past these and head for the cheaper more specialized stores in the back street. Many of these shops have crates outside with lots of cheap computer parts and accessories. This is a map of the area. Most of the cheap new and second-hand shops are located in the top left part of the map.
yes sofmap is ok. But the used stuff I bought always died on me after a couple of months. Always check there is a 3 month waranty provided. Not much good if ur a tourist though.
I always do my computer shopping in Sofmap. They have loads of stores around the Akiba area. They all deal with different lines of products. PDAs, Computer Parts, Mini Note books etc but you can find info about the various outlets at any of the shops. They are mainly secon-hand shops but they give you a couple of weeks warranty on your used computers. Bought me a nice IBM Think pad there 3 years ago and its still working OK.
1) http://www.toursbylocals.com/akihabara
TOUR PRICE: (duration 4 hours) 120 USD (for up to 4 people)
This tour will show you how Akihabara developed as an electric town since post wartime, and how it has been changing into a pop culture town. If you are interested in Anime, Manga, Dojin-shi, games, robots, Cosplay, Maid cafe, and anime character products, join this tour!
2)http://www.akihabara-tour.com/
Price: Free
Duration: approximately 1.5-2 hours
Why don’t you join us with the special tour? Government certified tour guides will give you a tour to discover the attraction of Akihabara, the town of wonder.
3) http://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Experience-Akihabara-Electric-Town-Karaoke-Anime-and-Cosplay-in-Tokyo/d334-6325TYOAKIHABARA
Price: around USD100
Highlights
3.5-hour private tour of Akihabara Electric Town in Tokyo
Order a complimentary drink and sing popular tunes in a private karaoke booth
Dress up as your favorite comic book character and pose in a purikura for personalized digital photos
Order tea or coffee and be welcomed 'home' at a maid cafe
Visit Don Quijote and search the vast complex for your own personal treasures
Learn about otaku culture from a private guide in this popular shopping district
Round-trip public transport included
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4DpXDu72OE]
http://www.ceatec.com/2011/en/outline/outline02.html
Smart Innovation Cutting-edge technologies to create the future
Digital network technology has made our day-to-day lives, society and business more convenient, comfortable and prosperous, and a “smart” revolution is something currently being pursued for the future.
The role and sphere of electronics and information and communication technology has expanded as a smart critical technology for a sustainable low-carbon society.
This year’s CEATEC JAPAN will showcase and send a message to the world about IT and electronics-driven Japanese “Smart Innovation” for our day-to-day lives, society and business. It will also provide detailed ideas to achieve a smart society through prosperous, health-filled and ideal lifestyles, energy conservation and saving measures, and safety and security measures.
Name CEATEC JAPAN 2011
(Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies)
Objectives
* To allow visitors to experience the newest technologies, products, systems and software for the digital network age, and the convergence of communications, information and imaging technologies.
* To function as a highly specific exhibition capturing the interest of and responding to the needs of users by presenting the industries' latest achievements and trends.
* As Japan and Asia's largest interactive exhibition of information on the communications, information and imaging fields, to present the achievements, trends and vitality of the industry to the world.
* To gather industry organizations to present clear social messages, thereby supporting industrial development and contributing to lifestyles, economies and society in the digital network age.
Duration October 4th (Tuesday) - 8th (Saturday), 2011, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
* Special Invitational Day: Tuesday, October 4th
* Business Days: Wednesday, October 5th - Friday, 7th
* Free Admission Day: Saturday, October 8th
* ICT Suite / Electronics Suite: Tuesday, October 4th - Friday, 7th
Location Makuhari Messe
2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba, Japan
Admission All visitors are required to register
* Special Invitational Day (October 4th):
Press registration, special invitational registration are required
* Public Open Days (October 5th - 7th):
Visitor registering at the Gate: General admission \1,000, Students \500 (Groups of 20 or more students and children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge.)
Online pre-registration / Invitational registration at the gate: Free admission
* Free Admission Day (October 8th): Free admission (Registration required for visitors over 18 years of age)
Sponsorship CEATEC JAPAN Organizing Committee
* Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)
* Communications and Information network Association of Japan (CIAJ)
* Computer Software Association of Japan (CSAJ)
Support Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan (MIC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan (MOFA), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan (METI), (Listed by date est.)
Chiba Prefectural Government; Chiba Municipal Government; Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK); The National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan (NAB); Nippon Keidanren; The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI); The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry; The Chiba Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO); Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO); U.S. Commercial Service; Delegation of the European union to Japan; British Embassy in Japan; Canadian Embassy and Consulates in Japan; French Trade Commission-Ubifrance. Embassy of France in Japan
(Expected:No particular order)
Assistance Association of Consumer Electronics Marketing in Japan; Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB); Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ); Electrical Products Association of Japan; Internet Association Japan (IAJ); ITS Japan; Green IT Promotion Council; Japan Audio Society (JAS); Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA); Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA); Japan Book Publishers Association (JBPA); Japan Cable and Telecommunications Association (JCTA); Japan Cable Television Engineering Association (JCTEA); Japan Computer System Seller Association (JCSSA); The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA);Japan Electronic Products Importers Association (JEPIA); Japan Federation of Electronic Parts Distributors & Dealers (JEP); Japan Satellite Broadcasting Association (JSBA); The Japan Society of Applied Physics; Japan Video Software Association (JVA); Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ); Telecommunication Technology Committee (TTC); Telecommunications Carriers Association (TCA)
(Expected:Alphabetical order)
Global Partners Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) / International CES (USA)
Messe Berlin / IFA (Germany)
Messe München International / electronica (Germany), electronica & Productronica China (China)
Asia Partners
* China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Electronics & Information Industry Sub-Council (CCPIT ECC)
* China Electronic Chamber of Commerce (CECC)
* China International Software & Information Service Centre (CiSiS)
* The Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association (HKEIA)
* Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
(Alphabetical order)
Asia Electronics Exhibition Cooperate Conference (AEECC*) Member.
* China Electronic Appliance Corporation (CEAC)
* Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
* Korea Electronics Association (KEA)
* Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA)
(Alphabetical order) *The Asia Electronics Exhibition Cooperate Conference (AEECC) was established in 1997 to encourage mutual promotional cooperation activities among major electronics and IT exhibition organizers in the Asia region.
Management CEATEC JAPAN Management Office (Japan Electronics Show Association (JESA))
12F Ote Center Bldg., 1-1-3 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
TEL:+81-3-6212-5233 FAX:+81-3-6212-5226
Bic Camera
Bic Camera have a huge store in Yurakucho in Tokyo- it's the flagship store and the one where Michael Jackson spent most of his time when he was in Tokyo.
Sakuraya --- website closed/ shop closed (2010)
(Had a huge shop in Shinjuku but the website seems to have closed now. Has the shop too?)
Yodobashi Camera (in English)
Yodobashi's biggest is in Akihabara (Akiba) and is the biggest electronics store in Japan (the world???)
Websites are in Japanese but it may give you some clue as to prices and products...
There are loads of sofmap stores in the Akihabara area. Most of them sell used computer and peripherals. Some sell new stuff. Check out the map below for the different locations. The stores are split into categories:
A: Main Store
B: Amusement Store
C: PC Shop
D: ReUsed PC
E: Mac Store
F: CD Store
G: DVD Soft
H: Digital Clinic
I: PC Games and Anime
J: Computer Repair Center
K: Used Digital Cameras and Mobile Computers
L: Used Computer Shop 1
M: Used PC Shop 2
N: Near the Station Shop (Used PCs, Notebooks and Netbooks and Parts)
Akihabara Station is in the bottom right corner. Head for the Electric Town Exit.
Easily the best electronics store. Easily the best jingle
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsajY_jpR2k]
Most tourists and foreigners head for the big stores around the station. The locals look past these and head for the cheaper more specialized stores in the back street. Many of these shops have crates outside with lots of cheap computer parts and accessories. This is a map of the area. Most of the cheap new and second-hand shops are located in the top left part of the map.
http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00G/00GpE5-30400784.gif