Rediscover some old-school charm! Go back in time in Akihabara, Japan

Akihabara is known for being one of the major places for electronics in Japan. It’s also the place to find underground hobbies and interests. It’s a unique city in Tokyo. Akihabara has a long history and many retro spots. When you walk around, you might be able to notice the unique blend of old and new. This time, we’ll show you spots in Akihabara that will have you feeling nostalgic.

A train station near the river was transformed into mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi

Right near JR Akihabara Station, there used to be a train station called Manseibashi Station on top of the bridge. The station was finished in 1912 and was a central station until Tokyo Station was opened. It stopped acting as a train station in 1943, but the bridge itself is still there. A commercial area called mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi was built on the remains of the station. Under the bridge, you can find a restaurant, Sta. Kanda (see above photo) that uses the old arches as part of its architecture. You can also find other restaurants and shops. There is an observation deck where the train platforms used to be, and you can see the current JR Chuo Line trains from there. The area is a blend of old and new. Feel the nostalgia as you walk through even if you’ve never been there before.

Hours	Depends on the shop, so check the shop information
Address	1-25-4 Kanda Suda-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access	・Akihabara Washington Hotel: 5-min. walk from the hotel ・Hotel Gracery Ginza: From Ginza Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Kanda Station
URL	https://www.ecute.jp/en/

Enjoy arts and crafts at 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN, a city under the bridge

Under the bridge that connects Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station, there is a little city. There are about 50 arts and crafts related shops here. The cool atmosphere recognized by its white beams is somewhat mysterious and chic. There are leather shops, jewelry shops, and all sorts of other crafting shops. You can talk to the craftsmen and artisans and make your own crafts. Many of the items here are one-of-a-kind so you can get gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. There is a roof, so you can spend rainy days and hot summer days here, too.

Hours	11:00AM – 7:00PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Address	5-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access	・Akihabara Washington Hotel: 8-min. walk from the hotel ・Hotel Gracery Ginza: From Ginza Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Suehirocho Station
URL	https://www.jrtk.jp.e.wz.hp.transer.com/2k540/

Feel the history and culture of Holy Resurrection Cathedral – St. Nikolai

The St. Nikolai Cathedral is located among more modern buildings. It’s commonly called the Nikolai Cathedral but the official name is Holy Resurrection Cathedral. The beautiful Byzantine-style domes were built in 1891. At the time, western-style buildings were very rare, so it became the talk of the town. It survived aerial attacks during wartime and is now an important cultural property of Japan. Just seeing the exterior is worth a visit, but if you make a donation, you can see the inside as well. Come by and revel in the beauty of its architecture.

Hours	April 2nd, 2024 – September 29th, 2024: 1:00PM – 4:00PM October 1st, 2024 – March 30th, 2025: 1:00PM – 3:30PM Irregular closed days
Address	4-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access	・Akihabara Washington Hotel: 15-min. walk from the hotel ・Hotel Gracery Ginza: From Ginza Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ochanomizu Station
URL	https://nikolaido.org/