Nicocosity: Akihabara

Back again in Tokyo, and of course our first order of the day is...

AKIHABARA!

I know, I know, I've heard other places sell second-hand toys cheaper, but c'mon, you can't possibly pass up the chance to just roam around Akihabara and be a total nerd for a day, right?

At this point, after being able to go to Japan multiple times, I am regretful that I always pass the chance to start my Sylvanian Family collection! The Sylvanian family, or Calico Critters toys are way more affordable in Japan vs. Philippines. Only during my most recent trip last Sept. 2025 when I finally got myself a Sea Otter family!

???

Happy Year Of The Horse!

Another regret: Not buying Animal Crossing merch :(

Swiper, no swiping!

Snek

This is a must-visit place for Ken whenever he is in Tokyo. Super Potato has multiple floors where you can buy second-hand game consoles and fun games from your childhood. I did notice that Super Potato is kind of expensive; however, I feel more confident that the consoles or games they sell really work vs. buying them off in Book-Off or other similar second-hand shops. We usually go to the topmost part to play retro videogames and buy vintage-looking candies and sodas.

If you want to buy collectibles but you're on a budget, I suggest checking out second-hand shops, like Lashinbang, prior to going to other stores. I was able to score QPoskets for as low as ¥390!

Umm

Mandarake is another second-hand store selling toys, memorabilia, books, and everything you can think of a nerd would love to have. They have a HUUUUUGE selection of Nendoroids, and each box is tagged if it was opened or unopened- of course, unopened, mint conditions are more expensive.

It is very enticing to buy gadgets from Japan because they are priced less and they offer it tax-free. I guess the only caveat I see in buying a camera or phone is the warranty, because I don't think it covers even outside of Japan 😕

Pro Tip: Don't expect that there will be a lot of Fuji Instax film available! In my past 3 trips to Japan, I was only able to score films in Nagoya! Better to buy in your home country, then if you're lucky and the nearest Bic Camera has stocks, go hoard!