A hidden spot in Akihabara worth to explore Anime, maid cafés, otaku culture, and AKB 48 might pop in our mind when we talk about Akihabara, but actually Akihabara is not only about those things. There is an alley under an overpass that connects the JR Akihabara Station and JR Okachimachi Station; a hidden spot in Tokyo where foods, arts, and crafts from all across Japan gather.
The trains pass over the railway bridge between JR Akihabara Station and JR Okachimachi Station every day regularly. At a glance, the bridge looks like an ordinary railway bridge.
However, if you take a closer look, you’ll find a 1-kilometer long alley under it. The alley is divided into 3 different areas, and it connects Akihabara and Okachimachi.
1st area: try Japan’s local specialties!
Walk along the underpass towards Okachimachi direction after arriving at JR Akihabara Station.
The first thing you’ll see in this area is a store called CHABARA AKI-OKA MARCHE.
The exterior of the store is not so eye-catching; you might pass by without recognizing it, but make sure to stop by because the items the store has inside for you are extremely amazing! This store is famous for selling many local specialties from all across Japan; make sure to try one of the local treats sold here!
There is a store called Department Store of Japan (日本百貨店), and it sells various food products from Japanese exclusive brands!
After visiting CHABARA head towards Okachimachi and visit a secondhand hobby store called SEEKBASE. Here you can find a vintage collection of CDs, cameras, car miniatures, etc.
2nd area: a comfortable hotel with reasonable room rates!
If you head towards Okachimachi you’ll see KEY’S CAFÉ AKIHABARA SEEKBASE store.
What makes this café unique is the way it is built. The café is located on both sides of a boutique hotel UNDER RAILWAY HOTEL AKIHABARA.
The turquoise signboard is the hotel’s signboard, not the café’s.
Building a hotel under an overpass is a good idea since there isn’t much space left for new hotel buildings in Tokyo. Unlike other hotels, this hotel’s room rates are relatively cheaper since it’s located under an overpass. You’ll find a spacious lobby as you pass the main entrance. Let’s take a look at the rooms offered by this hotel!
The hotel has 29 rooms in total; 13 room types each accommodating 4-7 people at once.
Unlike most hotels, this hotel charges by the room, not by the number of people staying inside the room, so it is perfect for those traveling with families or a group of friends. Basically, each person only has to pay around 5,000 yen to 7,000 yen per night, which is extremely decent for a hotel located in the central area of Tokyo.Click here to see the latest room rates: https://urh-akihabara.com/
All rooms are decorated with plants and natural furniture, creating a heartwarming and relaxing atmosphere in a limited space.
3rd area: a beautiful arts and crafts shopping arcade
Head towards Okachimachi direction and cross the street. You will see another wonderful spot called 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN.
Located under an overpass, AKI-OKA artisan is a place where arts and crafts from all across Japan gather. Featuring around 50 different artisanal shops, studios, galleries, and cafés, you can find many “Made in Japan” goods to purchase as souvenirs for your friends and family back home!
All crafts are handmade, so each item usually doesn’t have the same design.
One-Stop Japanese Culture
So, are you interested in visiting this alley now? Located under an overpass in Akihabara, the AKI-OKA district is the only place where you can enjoy Japanese local treats, a comfortable and affordable stay experience, and Japanese arts and crafts all at once!
Related links
Delicious treats：CHABARA
An affordable boutique hotel：UNDER RAILWAY HOTEL AKIHABARA
Japan’s most beautiful crafts：2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN
