Akihabara Radio Kaikan

Since its opening in 1950, Akihabara Radio Kaikan has long been beloved as an iconic presence in front of the station. After multiple renovations and expansions over the decades, it was temporarily closed in the summer of 2011 for reconstruction, and finally celebrated its long-awaited grand reopening in the summer of 2014 after three years of construction.

The 10-story building (plus two basement levels) houses over 30 specialty stores dedicated to Akihabara culture: hobbies, anime, manga, games, figures, and one of the largest trading card shops in the area. There’s also a beer hall and a convenience store on site. The 1st-floor entrance space and the 10th-floor event hall regularly host various events such as merchandise fairs, product launches, game tournaments, and photo sessions.

Every summer, a special event called “Rooftop Open Day” invites visitors to access the rooftop, normally off-limits; to enjoy a rare panoramic view of Akihabara from the top of the 10-story building, a favorite among fans.