I walked around Akihabara during Golden Week. Events and new stores

This year's Golden Week will be the longest consecutive holiday of 9 days!
I'm sure there are many people who make good use of their holidays and go on a trip somewhere.
Of course, if you're reading this blog, you're in Akihabara.

So, this time I've put together a summary of what Akihabara was like during Golden Week, and I'd like to share with you what it was like.

Akihabara is crowded during Golden Week

This time, I strolled around Akihabara for two days, April 30th and May 1st, when there are many different events happening.
Rain was forecast for April 30th, but the sky was cloudy during the peak hours and it somehow managed to hold off the rain.

Atre's collaboration will be Jashin-chan Dropkick until the 30th, and the Hololive collaboration will begin on May 1st.

A collaboration between Kanda Festival and Hololive was also held at the same time, and crowds gathered from the first day.

You might think you'd be satisfied with just seeing Akihabara in front of the station, but there are still many events and shops to enjoy!

Information on new stores opening in Akihabara

First, we will provide you with information on stores that opened just before Golden Week.

Akihabara GiGO 2nd store

The first one is from GiGO at Manseibashi intersection, which was famous as "the game center that Akihabara is synonymous with."
Unfortunately, the orange and blue GiGO store in the Handa Building has closed, but it will be re-opening on April 28, 2023, limited to the first and second floors of the same building.
Karaoke Maneki Neko is located on the third floor and above.


GiGO 2nd store mainly sells prizes, but also sells collaboration drinks and lottery tickets.

Animate Akihabara

Animate will open next to Animate.
I'm sure you don't understand what I'm talking about, but anyway, the first Animate store has been renovated and reopened next to the second store.

It's a little out of focus, but I also got an Anime Store Manager can badge.

100% orange juice vending machine (inside Radio Kaikan)

This isn't really new store information, but it was recently installed on the first floor of Radio Kaikan.

This is a vending machine that squeezes orange juice on the spot and serves it to you, so if you're interested, why not give it a try?
By the way, I personally prefer it to have a little less of a leathery taste.

Gunpla event in Akihabara, Gunpla is good

A Gunpla exhibition event called "Gunpla Like" is being held at AKIBA Cultures ZONE in Akihabara.
The event will begin on April 30th, with the first and second periods rotating, with the second period starting on the 14th.

At this event, you can vote "like" for the Gunpla on display and share these wonderful creations with everyone.


There will also be Gunpla on display from various workshops and circles, and just looking at the highly finished works will make you want to make one yourself.
There was also participation from a rental workshop in Akihabara, making this an event that gives us hope for future Gunpla events in Akihabara.


Apparently a second event is planned, so it might be a good idea to start deciding which kit you want to build now.

JAM Akihabara 100 Artists Exhibition Event

In Akihabara, the "100 Artists Exhibition" is being held, bringing together 100 artists to exhibit newly drawn illustrations.
To coincide with the event, the maid cafe "JAM Akihabara" is holding a collaborative event.

During the period, you can receive a novelty coaster by ordering from the collaboration menu.
There are two designs, and since you can choose which one you want, it's easy to collect.

Since I was there, I decided to order a drink based on the theme of this 100 Artists Exhibition, "circle."

The coasters are also well made and sturdy.
I received a cute deformed Momo-chan figure with the JAM and 100 People Exhibition logos on it.

Maylish, Golden Maid Week

Another maid cafe!
Akihabara is home to many cozy, long-established maid cafes, so it can't be helped.

During Golden Week, Maylish is holding a limited-time event called Golden Maid Week.
You can receive Meirish Lamica by ordering the designated menu.
*Regular menu items can also be upgraded to include Lamica for an additional 300 yen.

When you think of maid cafes, you think of omelet rice, and when you think of cafes, you think of sweets menus...
However, this time I decided to order the oden set meal, which is a particularly unique dish.

The portion was larger than I expected, and I was so full that I felt it was the right decision to come at lunchtime.
Of course, the oden was also incredibly delicious, with plenty of flavor.
The Lamica cards are also very well made. Maylish fans should collect all of them.

The day I went to the store happened to be the day when they were wearing the uniforms of May Queen + Nyan 2 from Steins;Gate.
The store manager, Mahore-san, kindly took a photo with the Anastasia acrylic stand. Thank you.

Kanda Myojin Shrine is decorated for the Kanda Festival

This is the first Kanda Festival in four years, and as a result, the streets of Akihabara and Kanda Shrine are filled with a festive atmosphere.



The Kanda Festival will be held on May 13th and 14th, which is a little outside of Golden Week, but now is the only time you can feel the Kanda Festival atmosphere.
"EDOCCO" located within the temple grounds sells a variety of souvenirs, so if you're having trouble finding a souvenir from Akihabara, it might be worth stopping by.
The one that caught my eye the most was this "Selenite Rabbit."

Other scenes in Akihabara

Just one thing to note.
If it's a famous store in Akihabara, it's expected to be crowded.
Since people tend to gather at restaurants in particular, it may be a good idea to choose a restaurant at a slightly different time or be prepared to wait in line.

There are so many people from the station to Junk Street.

This is a surprisingly hidden gem during Golden Week.
TARGET-1 was previously introduced at Akihabara Base Camp.

It's a great activity to enjoy in Akihabara, so I highly recommend it.

Akihabara Weapons Shop, Armed Shop TARGET-1 [Akihabara News]

The beef cutlet specialty restaurant, Ichi-Ni-San, has a surprisingly long queue.
The best time to go is early lunchtime on a weekday.

When it comes to food on Junk Street, Shinkamui is my current recommendation.
You should try the Camembert pork curry even if you think you'll be disappointed.

By 21pm, the number of people will decrease dramatically.
Even with this, Akihabara is brighter.
Considering that just a while ago it was pitch black and there were hardly any people walking around...times really do change.

Golden Week is in the second half! Come visit Akihabara!

There are still plenty of events planned, so come enjoy Golden Week in Akihabara!
Akihabara Base Camp provides various information about Akihabara.
Check out the shops and events that interest you below.