[Sangetsu]

I ride my bike there from time to time to shop in a couple used camera shops near the station. I've had lunch at a maid cafe, and checked out the various stores and shops.

You'll see the "electric city" exit at the train station platform, just go through this exit and follow the crowds.

There are still quite a few electronics shops to be found, they sell things like closed-circuit tv cameras (perverts love them), and various audio-video gear. There are also countless shops which sell new and used computer gear and accessories.

But most of the smaller shops have been driven out by the bigger retailers, like Sofmap, Yodobashi, and the like. Don't bother shopping in these stores, the prices are much lower in America. Europeans may find some good deals though, though don't expect to save much.

The maid cafes are expensive and over-rated. They are popular mainly with tourists (from within Japan as well as foreigners), but the food is not particularly good, and the pre-school level games the maids play with the customers aren't my cup of tea.

There are lots of porn shops, though explicit pornography is not legal in Japan. Still, the shops manage to do a good business, particularly with Kanda (home to many single men) nearby. There isn't much reason to go to a porn shop when you can simply go to soapland in Kabukicho or Ikebukuro and get the real thing.

Other things to see are the comic and video stores. You'll often find long lines in front of these places when a new comic or video becomes available. It's funny to see a long line of otaku-types (men from their 20's to 30's) waiting patiently for hours while reading manga, or playing with a DS or PSP.

Akihabara is probably the best place for gamers to visit. It is full of new and used game shops, selling all types, from 70's era Pong and Atari 1600 games to the latest and greatest. You'll find lots of good deals on the used stuff.

There are also lots of costume shops for cosplayers to pick up things. If you don't feel like buying a costume, you can rent one for a day. I saw a bunch of ----- from England who were acting like idiots in Asakusa wearing costumes found in Akihabara. People don't mind cosplayers in Harajuku, but the old people don't care to see them (particularly foreign cosplayers) at the Sensoji temple, it's not very respectful.

Akihabara is an interesting place to spend the day. It's only a couple of stops from Tokyo station, and close to Ueno, anyone who comes to Tokyo should spend at least half a day there.