Racing experience at DDRAKIBA main store [Akihabura News]

A corner introducing shops unique to Akihabara and unusual spots in Akihabara!
This time, we went to "DDR AKIBA Main Store," a shop where you can play a rare racing simulator!

"Racing simulator? Like the racing games you see at arcades?"
We will fully convey the appeal of DDR so that even those who are not familiar with it will be interested!

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What is DDR AKIBA Main Store?

DDR AKIBA main store is located on Junk Street in Akihabara.
This is a store that has a racing simulator installed.

Those who have been to a driving school may have seen it, but it's like a super-realistic version of a driving simulator, complete with racing courses from all over the world.
However, while driving simulators are designed to teach traffic rules and potential road accidents, this racing simulator allows you to experience the realistic behavior of a car and what a racing course is like.

Here you can experience cutting-edge racing simulator machines.

Experience the racing simulator at DDR AKIBA main store

When you take the elevator to the fifth floor, you can hear the pleasant sounds of the exhaust and engine.
Once inside, you'll see three monitors and bucket seats.

Just by looking at the screen, you can tell that this is "the ultimate simulator that is as close to reality as possible," and the thought of playing it gets my excitement to the peak.

Now, this is the simulator at the DDR AKIBA main store, but it is available for use on an hourly basis, and you need to purchase tickets in advance for the number of times you want to use it.

Of course, the longer the time, the cheaper the hourly rate.
There are also great value plans available, so choose a course that suits your usage time.

Now, the DDR AKIBA main store has three simulators permanently installed.
You can just drop in and try out and use the simulator, but there may be a waiting time, so if you want to be sure you can play at the time you want, it's best to make a reservation.

Choose from a variety of machines and courses at DDR AKIBA Main Store

The simulator allows you to choose from a wide variety of machines and courses.
You can choose from passenger cars, GT cars, and F1 cars.
There's a lineup of famous cars, supercars, and F1 machines that everyone knows.


There are many circuit courses available both domestically and internationally.
There are courses for beginners to advanced drivers, so you can choose a course that suits your driving technique.

Even if you've never played a simulator before, that's okay.
Knowledgeable store staff will help you choose the machine and course that suits your needs.

▲The operation method will also be explained in detail along with the instruction manual.

Because I had never played it before
Easy to use even for beginners
・It can go fast
・A machine that lets you experience the fun of simulators
・Relatively easy course
I asked them to choose.
As a result, he ended up racing an F1-type car at Fuji Speedway.

State-of-the-art 4-axis linked racing simulator

Now, let's get into the simulator, but first, make sure you put on your gloves and shoes.
Make sure you have something sturdy to maintain your grip on the handlebars and prevent the pedals from slipping.
Racing gloves and shoes are required, but they are available for rental for those who do not have them.

It is said to be a sturdy product that is also used in races, so its performance is guaranteed.

Once you're ready, start the simulator.
The simulator we will be using this time is the only 4-axis linked simulator at the DDR AKIBA main store.
This means that the seat moves in conjunction with the game screen.

For example, if you go off course and end up off-road, you can realistically experience the vibrations that are transmitted from the bumpy road surface to your tires and then to your machine.

The device that also houses the handlebars, which could be called a motor box or a handlebar box, is also an essential part of the simulator.

This device was what impressed me the most, as it allowed me to clearly feel the tire's behavior transmitted to the steering wheel and the force trying to return in the opposite direction when turning a corner.
When you go fast, the steering wheel shakes from side to side and the car moves a lot.
Just straightening the machine's behavior puts a lot of strain on your arms and hands.
It makes me feel a surge of respect for professional racers, as they are able to control such heavy steering wheels and machines.

I thought 20 minutes would be too short if I was just going around the course, but when I finished, I realized it still wasn't enough time.

DDR AKIBA Main Store: Aside from simulator experiences, there are many other ways to enjoy it

Looking around the walls, there are many autographs of famous people and celebrities.
The Nogizaka46 signature was written in the most prominent place in the store.

There is a signature from image girl Shirano Umi near the entrance.

Various trophies and certificates.

Official DDR AKIBA main store merchandise is also sold here.

There is also an in-store time attack ranking system, so it might be fun to try participating once you get used to the controls.

DDR AKIBA Main Store: Enjoy a full-scale racing simulator

This was my first time using a racing simulator, and I can honestly say it's a ton of fun.
In particular, I felt that the feeling of the machine's power transmitted through the steering wheel and the sense of solidity and realism transmitted from the seat were an extraordinary experience that was truly wonderful.

I felt that this was something that everyone, whether they have only ever driven a passenger car or have never driven before, should try at least once.