amiami Akihabara Radio Kaikan — Local services in Tokyo

This is a great place to get new and used anime merchandise. There's also a lot of pokémon and other TCG playing areas, but I'm not really sure how to do all of that here. It is very crowded. If you are carrying a lot of bags or have a backpack, consider leaving it in a locker at the train station. They are very affordable. Or, you can leave it with Yamato. Also very affordable. Most of the stores have signs saying not to bring food or drink into them. There are vending machines on the top floor. Please do not stop walking when you get off of the escalator, just turn in any direction and keep going. Otherwise, you are going to get pushed over. This isn't because people are being rude, it's because they have nowhere else to go if someone stops in front of the escalator. I've seen this happen a number of times to tourists who aren't sure where to go. Being able to speak a little bit of Japanese here will be helpful. However, most staff speaks enough English to help with your transaction. That being said, I'm not sure staff knows enough English to help answer specific questions about products in English. Even if it's not your thing, check out the doll expos that they have on some of the floors. Many of the dolls are not available for purchase. However, the craftsmanship that goes into recreating popular anime characters as dolls is absolutely incredible. Definitely worth checking out! And those floors are typically pretty empty. If you have mobility needs, this place is going to be challenging for you. I would not say that this place is handicap accessible, even though there is an elevator. I cannot imagine trying to get around in a wheelchair on some of these aisles that are barely big enough for one person to slide through. Oftentimes, the aisles are very packed, and you will have to squeeze past people and do your best not to knock anything off of the shelves. If you are on crutches, this will also be difficult to navigate. I walk with a cane and I found it challenging to use my cane in here. Even without my cane it is challenging to navigate with so many people crowded in one space. I visited this place in 2023 and also in fall of 2024. It was equally packed. It is also very hot. And it smells. So, if you are claustrophobic, I do not recommend going in here. Otherwise, I have had great experiences. I just know that visiting this place means dealing with the crowds. And honestly it's something I'm willing to deal with for the merchandise that's inside. In December 2024, I finally added two Volks Lina Inverse model kits to my figure collection. I have never seen these figures anywhere else. The total cost for them was 168,000 yen. As an aside, if you show your passport you can get a tax-free discount. Sometimes there is not a discount, it depends on the store. Not all associates will ask you for your passport. So, be prepared to ask if it's possible to get the tax-free discount, and be prepared to show your passport if the discount is...

A brick-and-mortar store that sells PVC figurines and plastic models. Their selection is okay- nothing spectacular but not the worst in the world, either- but they have horrible customer service. I guess the owner of the store enforces a 'the store is always right' sort of policy, so you will feel wretched whenever you deal with these people. However, unlike some of the Japanese reviewers, I do not blame the employees. If there's something wrong with them, it means the owner trained them that way, and looking at their store policy I think s/he doesn't really value the customers very much.

If you like window shopping and feel like grabbing something while doing so... this place might work, but I wouldn't really waste my hard-earned money on the likes of these people. Heck, there is the So○map, To○anoana, Anim○te, and literally over ten hobbyist stores in Akihabara, no need to feel attachment to anyone with...

Worst experience ever. And to say they are racists is an understatement. I had some goods to buy they ask for my passport for a tax free discount. However there was an issue with the system. I asked nicely to give me back my passport 3 times because I have already paid and each time they ignored me. I felt like a hostage to be honest and they didn’t give a damn until I raised my voice then they brought someone who can speak English. After standing there for like 15 minutes not knowing what is the issue I even agreed to pay the difference I don’t want any discount they refused unless i pay the whole amount again I said no. They told the amount will be returned on my credit card I will wait and see. Avoid...