BIC CAMERA and Yodobashi CAMERA
BIC CAMERA and Yodobashi CAMERA: The tech mecca of Akihabara
by Simone Ottuzzi - Omotenashi Anime
Context
• Akihabara is the beating heart of electronics and otaku culture.
• BIC CAMERA and Yodobashi CAMERA are two unmissable megastores for anyone who loves technology, video games and Japanese pop culture.
BIC CAMERA Akihabara
• Location: near JR Akihabara, Electric Town exit.
• Layout: 7 themed floors.
• Products: cameras, drones, PCs and tablets, smartphones and wearables, home appliances, watches, cosmetics, alcohol, souvenirs and anime goods.
• Highlights: tax-free shopping, multilingual audio guides, staff who speak English, Chinese and Korean.
• Fun fact: collaborations with anime/video game brands for limited editions.
Yodobashi CAMERA Akihabara (Yodobashi-Akiba)
• Location: central exit of JR Akihabara.
• Layout: 9 floors, the largest Yodobashi store in Japan.
• Products: electronics, gaming PCs, video games, manga, figures, Gundam kits, camera accessories.
• Extras: food court, themed cafés and restaurants, a demo area for VR, 8K, drones and 3D printers.
• Highlights: a huge photography section, with the chance to try out lenses and DSLR cameras on the spot.
Quick comparison
• Location: BIC CAMERA → Electric Town exit / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Central exit
• Floors: BIC CAMERA → 7 / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → 9
• Otaku culture: BIC CAMERA → Good / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Excellent
• Gaming/PC: BIC CAMERA → Decent / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Outstanding
• Figures: BIC CAMERA → Yes / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Yes (wider variety)
• Restaurants: BIC CAMERA → No / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Yes
• Multilingual support: BIC CAMERA → Yes / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Yes
• Tax free: BIC CAMERA → Yes / Yodobashi CAMERA Akiba → Yes
Practical info
• BIC CAMERA Akihabara: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, biccamera.com.
• Yodobashi Akiba: 9:30 AM–10:00 PM, yodobashi.com.
Summary
Whether you're a tourist, photographer, gamer or pop culture fan, BIC CAMERA and Yodobashi CAMERA are two must-visit stops in Akihabara. BIC is more compact and varied, Yodobashi is the cathedral of technology. Ideally, visit both for the full experience.
