Hey all, I’m back with Day 3 (PM) itinerary. Having spent the morning exploring Ginza, I was back at my base in Akihabara – a place known for its electronics shops and Otaku culture.
I would be doing a bit of shopping and lots of eating in Akihabara. In fact, you’ll see me savoring the best Tonkatsu I’ve had in my life. Wow! That was a memorable food experience, man!
A bit more about Akihabara
Since this post is dedicated to Akihabara, I’ll share a little bit more about this district in Tokyo. If you don’t already know, accommodations here are normally cheaper than those in busier districts such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.
That’s why I based myself here for 3 nights and have no regrets doing so! Akihabara served as a great base to explore northern part of Tokyo City Centre, such as Ueno and Asakusa.
Where to stay? Here’s where I stayed in Akihabara – which I highly recommend as it offered me the best sleep and amenities as compared to other hotels stayed during this 9-day Tokyo trip.
Today would be my third and last night in Akihabara, and I wanted to make sure I dedicate some time to explore what this quieter ‘Otaku’ district offered. Without any further ado, let’s begin Day 3 (PM) itinerary!
Did you know? Otaku means “geek” or “nerd” and is associated with people who are obsessed with anime, manga & idols and video games.
What I did in Akihabara for half a day!
By the time I returned to Akihabara from my morning itinerary in Ginza, it was 4pm. I made my way to Yodobashi-Akiba, the most prominent building in Akihabara that’s linked to Akihabara station.
1. Akihabara Food Options @ Yodobashi-Akiba Mall
If you thought Yodobashi-Akiba is just a place selling electronics and devices, you are so wrong. There was a full level (8F) dedicated to food, and most of them looked pretty decent (and reasonably-priced).
I’d shortlisted a steak restaurant, but was later drawn by the quiet setting of a Tonkatsu restaurant.
Don’t miss these posts!
- Day 1: Singapore to Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
- Day 2 (AM): A fun day at Asakusa, celebrating with the locals!
- Day 2 (PM): 11 Things to do in Ueno
- Day 3 (AM): Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo
- Day 3 (PM): Enjoyed best Tonkatsu in Akihabara
- Day 4 (AM): Guide to getting from Tokyo to Hakone
- Day 4 (PM): Completing the Hakone Loop
- Day 5: Exploring Hakone on a rainy day
- Day 6 (AM): Must-visit outdoor museum and a lunch I won’t forget
- Day 6 (PM): From Hakone to a happening night in Shibuya
2. This Tonkatsu at Akihabara almost made me cry!
So glad I decided to have my meal at Tonkatsu Wako restaurant as the food here was soooo good! I couldn’t help texting my partner to declare my victory (in food-search) and showing him every bite I took – live!
I’d ordered a seasonal special comprising shrimp, pork and creamy croquette (¥1600). The batter was so thin and yet crispy in a way it was not hard or rough to the tender lining of the inner cavity.
The cabbage topped with free-flow Yuzu sauce was appetizing too!
It’s the best Tonkatsu I’ve had in my life, though I must declare that I’m not a foodie and haven’t tried a lot of Tonkatsu. :)
FOOD TIP: If you visit the same restaurant, you may want to order the full-pork menu, as the pork stood out among the other items on my plate. I also saw other dinners having pure-pork Tonkatsu.
3. Sad to miss Owl Cafe Fukurou (Akihabara Attraction)
By right, I should continue shopping at Yodabashi after my meal. But there was an attraction I wanted to visit in Akihabara. And that’s Owl Cafe Fukurou!
I read that this cafe has a large number of owls and visitors can interact and take photos with the “selected” owls. Owl symbolizes wisdom, and I definitely wouldn’t mind having a shot with “wisdom”. :)
But too bad, the place required advance booking, and all slots were booked for the next few weeks. Hence, I missed out the chance to visit the cafe during this trip. Sigh!
TIP: If you are keen to visit Owl Cafe Fukurou, do book your appointment way in advance prior to arriving in Tokyo. You don’t want to be as disappointed as I was.
READ THESE:
- Day 1: Singapore to Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
- Day 2 (AM): At Asakusa celebrating popular shrine festival with locals
- Day 2 (PM): 11 Things I did in Ueno
4. Let’s start shopping at Yodobashi-Akiba!
(7pm)
After dropping off some heavy loots at my hotel, I returned to Yodobashi-Akiba to explore what this tall building has to offer.
On top of the huge selection of electronics devices, Yodobashi also sells cosmetics, liquor, luggage and other lifestyle items.
Level 7 was unique as it comprised standalone shops such as Uniqlo and Daiso, instead of the “departmental store” layout on other floors.
I wanted to buy a pair of sneakers from ABC store, but couldn’t find one that fit my elephant feet. The sales staff was really patient and I felt bad making him run so many trips to the storeroom.
Mid-way through shopping, I felt my legs giving way and badly needed a rest. Went to food level on 8th floor hoping to find a cafe but couldn’t find one that sells matcha latte (yes, I was craving for matcha).
While looking for my matcha, I saw a row of capsule toy machines (“Gashapon” that spits out random toys) and decided to give it a go.
See what I got! Cute, isn’t it?
5. Beard Papa Akihabara: Did you know this originated in Japan?
(8.30pm)
Near the entrance of Yodabashi-Akiba were rows of food kiosks selling take-away food. Since I was still craving for matcha, I decided to try a matcha-flavored cream puff (¥250) from Beard Papa.
Did you know Beard Papa originated in Japan?
One bite of the puff and the cream oozed out uncontrollably. That was an overly-generous amount of cream man! I sort of made a mess of myself and struggled to keep my clothes cream-free.
6. Final indulgence at Cafe Veloce
Not done with my matcha craving, I popped into Cafe Veloce located outside Yodobashi-Akiba and ordered a matcha latte and cheese cake (¥810).
Well, it’s not the best matcha I’ve had and was a tad too sweet for my liking. That’s alright! I would find a good matcha latte later – stayed tuned to more posts in this Tokyo series. :))
7. Where I did my laundry in Tokyo!
The great thing about my hotel – Keikyu Ex Inn Akihabara – was the availability of coin-operated laundry (¥500). It was so convenient as I could return to my room to rest and relax while the laundry was doing its cycle.
What was even better was how I could view the laundry count-down timer through the in-room TV.
8. Donki Akihabara (Visited on Day 1)
For your convenience, I’m consolidating places in Akihabara I’d visited earlier. View Day 1 post to check out my experience at Donki Akihabara – the first mall I visited after arriving in Tokyo.
9. Shop at 2k540 Artisan Mall (Visited on Day 2)
Here’s another place I’d visited – a mall located beneath train track. Check out Day 2 post to see some of the artisan items on offer.
And that’s all I have for you. Stay tuned to the next post (i.e. Day 4) as I’ll make an exciting trip to onsen town – Hakone! Do also click the button below to subscribe if you like to receive notifications on newly-published travel stories.
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Essential Info (Day 3):
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Map Locations of Tokyo Itinerary (Day 3 PM)
Akihabara Station > Yodobashi-Akiba > Tonkatsu Wako Restaurant > Owl Cafe Fukurou > Yodobashi-Akiba > Beard Papa Akihabara > Cafe Veloce Akihabara > Keikyu Ex Inn Akihabara Hotel
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RELATED POSTS:
- Day 1: Singapore to Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown
- Day 2 (AM): A fun day at Asakusa, celebrating with the locals!
- Day 2 (PM): 11 Things to do in Ueno
- Day 3 (AM): Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo
- Day 3 (PM): Enjoyed best Tonkatsu in Akihabara
- Day 4 (AM): Guide to getting from Tokyo to Hakone
- Day 4 (PM): Completing the Hakone Loop
- Day 5: Exploring Hakone on a rainy day
- Day 6 (AM): Must-visit outdoor museum and a lunch I won’t forget
- Day 6 (PM): From Hakone to a happening night in Shibuya
