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The complete pillar guide for handling money in Akihabara, one page. Akihabara is Tokyo's most bifurcated card-vs-cash district. Yodobashi Akiba, Bic Camera, and the major electronics chains are 100% card-friendly, while independent figure shops, dojinshi stores, and maid cafes run on 50-70% cash. Exchange in Tokyo Station or Shinjuku before you come. Tax-free 8% discount is huge for shopping over ¥5,000 — bring your passport.
This page covers the arrival → Electric Town → Chuo-dori → Radio Kaikan money flow across 6 axes.
TL;DR — your no-stress Akihabara money playbook
Cash to carry: ¥10,000-20,000/day per person (indie figure / dojinshi shops, maid cafe cheki)
Exchange: no good options in Akihabara — exchange in Tokyo Station or Shinjuku
Best ATM: Akihabara Station / Electric Town / Suehirocho 7-Eleven Seven Bank ATMs 24/7
¥5,000+ purchase + passport = 8% sales-tax rebate. Major electronics stores process it instantly at the register; indie shops need a tax-free sticker at the door to qualify.
5. Hotels — anime collab + business
Akihabara has anime collab hotels (Tokyu Stay Akihabara series) and standard business hotels (LiVEMAX, APA etc.).