Guide to creating the perfect otaku weekend in Tokyo

Tokyo is a dream for otaku — retro arcades, rare figure shops, themed cafés, cosplay hotspots and world-class museums. With a little planning you can pack an unforgettable otaku experience into a weekend. This guide covers where to go in Akihabara, how to secure Ghibli Museum tickets, the best cosplay photo spots and maid café etiquette, plus practical tips for coordinating themed stays, pocket WiFi and airport transfers so your trip runs smoothly. For a seamless booking and on-the-ground support, consider Tokyo Stays — we offer accommodations in great neighborhoods and services like pocket WiFi rental, airport transfers, travel insurance and personalized itineraries.

Quick overview: the ideal 2-day otaku weekend

• Day 1 (Akihabara + Maid Café + Night arcades): figure/collectible shopping, arcades (UFO catchers), evening maid café experience and late-night gaming.
• Day 2 (Ghibli Museum + Cosplay shoot): Ghibli Museum in the morning (booked by timeslot), afternoon cosplay photos in Harajuku / Yoyogi / Odaiba or a rented studio.

Planning & booking — what to lock in early

• Ghibli Museum tickets: must be purchased in advance for a specific date and timeslot. They often sell out, especially on weekends and holiday periods — buy as soon as your travel dates are fixed and double-check the official sales channels. Bring your reservation confirmation and ID when visiting.
• Maid cafés and popular arcades: reserve if the venue accepts reservations, especially on Saturdays and during conventions.
• Cosplay studios and permits: if you want a rented studio for a shoot or plan to use tripods in busy public areas, book ahead.
• Accommodation, pocket WiFi and airport transfers: reserve early through Tokyo Stays so everything is coordinated for arrival and departure.

Akihabara: arcades, figure shops and how to shop smart

Where to go: - Big arcades: look for multi-story SEGA and Taito Station arcades for retro cabinets, fighting games, rhythm games and countless UFO catchers. - Figure shops and secondhand treasure troves: Mandarake (used and rare), AmiAmi, Kotobukiya, Volks and smaller specialty stores; many shops are spread across multi-floor buildings. - Retro game stores and electronics: backstreets hide vintage consoles and niche accessories.

Shopping tips: - Bring cash and small change for crane games and gacha machines — some machines only accept coins or prepaid arcade cards. - Ask staff about tax-free shopping (passport required) for larger purchases. - For large or fragile figures, consider shop shipping services (they can ship domestically or internationally) or ask Tokyo Stays about coordinating deliveries to your accommodation.

Arcade strategy: - For UFO catchers, watch others play first and set a budget — some prizes can be won with practice and observation. - For rhythm and console arcades, try beginner machines or watch tutorials on your phone (good use for that pocket WiFi).

Ghibli Museum booking tips (must-know)

• Advance purchase only: tickets are released for specific dates and times and can sell out quickly. Confirm the official purchase channels for international visitors; authorized overseas sellers are sometimes available.
• Select a timeslot: arrival is tied to a set entry time (e.g., 10:00, 12:00, etc.). Late arrival may affect access.
• No on-site purchases: generally you cannot buy same-day tickets at the museum — plan ahead.
• Photography rules: much of the museum prohibits photography and video. Respect signage and staff instructions.
• If sold out: explore nearby Mitaka (Ghibli-themed cafés and shops), the Ghibli Museum shop (when available) or Ghibli exhibits at department stores. Check cancellation windows too — tickets sometimes reappear.

Practical tips: - Arrive with reservation confirmation and ID. - Allow transit time — the museum is in Mitaka, west of central Tokyo. - Combine with other nearby activities (Inokashira Park is lovely for a cosplay shoot or relaxed stroll).

Cosplay photo spots and shoot tips

Best outdoor spots: - Harajuku / Takeshita Street: colorful, fashion-forward backgrounds (very busy — expect crowds). - Yoyogi Park: versatile natural backdrops and space for group shoots. - Asakusa / Senso-ji area: historic, traditional atmosphere for period or kimono cosplay (be respectful of worshippers and signage). - Odaiba (seaside/Rainbow Bridge): futuristic vibes and skyline backdrops. - Ikebukuro / Sunshine City: great for anime-popular looks and otome-related shoots. - Tokyo Big Sight: if you’re attending events like Comiket, the surrounding area is iconic for convention portraits.

Studio options: - If you want controlled lighting or privacy, book a cosplay studio (costumes, props, lighting and make-up areas often available). - Studios can provide dressing rooms and professional photographers.

Etiquette and legalities: - Public photography is usually allowed, but avoid obstructing sidewalks and be mindful of local businesses and shrines. - Tripods, extensive professional equipment or commercial shoots may require permits — confirm with local authorities or studio providers. - Always get consent before photographing strangers and avoid photographing minors.

Cosplay transport & changing: - Many hotels (including those in the Tokyo Stays network) can accommodate quick costume changes, and some have luggage storage if you need to switch outfits between shoots.

Maid café etiquette (how to enjoy them respectfully)

What to expect: - Maid cafés are themed entertainment restaurants where staff play roles (e.g., greeting guests as “master” or “mistress”), perform little games, songs or chants and serve decorated food. - Popular chains include venues in Akihabara that vary from playful to performance-heavy — check menus and booking policies beforehand.

Basic etiquette: - Be respectful: the roleplay is for entertainment, not personal relationships. Do not ask intrusive personal questions. - Photography rules: many cafés prohibit photos of staff or charge extra for photos; always confirm before photographing. - No touching: physical contact is off-limits unless the café explicitly offers specific services where consent is clear. - Follow house rules: cafés will explain or post rules upon entry — obey them. Tipping is generally not customary in Japan. - Participate politely: enjoy games and interactions, but don’t monopolize staff attention or linger if the café is busy.

Reservation tips: - Weekends sell out quickly. If the café accepts reservations, book via their website or phone; otherwise arrive early.

Coordinating themed stays and logistics (why Tokyo Stays helps)

Choose the right neighborhood: - Akihabara: best for figure shops, arcades and maid cafés. - Ikebukuro: great for otome shops, anime malls and cosplay-friendly venues. - Shinjuku / Shibuya: central, great for nightlife and transport links. - Mitaka: best base if Ghibli is your main focus.

Themed rooms and extras: - If you want a themed stay — anime décor, extra display space for figures or a larger living area for costume prep — request special arrangements when booking. Tokyo Stays can help match you to properties and may assist with small extras (e.g., additional luggage space, earlier check-in where possible).

Shipping and purchases: - For big purchases, many stores offer domestic shipping. Tokyo Stays can advise on local shipping options and receiving packages on your behalf (check property policy and timing).

Pocket WiFi and mobile connectivity: - Pocket WiFi is great for groups or heavy data use (streaming, real-time map navigation, coordination during photoshoots). Benefits: connect multiple devices, stable coverage, unlimited or large data plans. - Tokyo Stays offers pocket WiFi rental and can arrange pick-up/delivery to the airport or your accommodation so you’re connected from arrival.

Airport transfers and arrival logistics: - Be mindful of travel time: Haneda is closer to central Tokyo; Narita can take longer. For a stress-free start, book private airport transfers or shared shuttles through Tokyo Stays for door-to-door service with luggage assistance. - Coordinating transfers with check-in and reservation times (e.g., Ghibli entry) ensures you won’t miss scheduled activities.

Travel insurance & contingency: - Consider travel insurance for cancellations, lost luggage, or medical issues. Tokyo Stays can bundle or recommend plans that suit short-trip needs.

Personalized itineraries: - Tokyo Stays can help build a tailored itinerary that fits your ticket times (Ghibli), maid café bookings and cosplay shoot reservations — maximizing your weekend without backtracking across the city.

Sample detailed weekend itinerary

Friday night - Arrive, use Tokyo Stays airport transfer to your hotel and pick up pocket WiFi. - Quick Akihabara reconnaissance: browse shop windows, note stores to visit Saturday.

Saturday — Akihabara day - Morning: Breakfast and head to Akihabara early; hit Mandarake and specialty figure shops. - Midday: Try arcades (SEGA/Taito) — lunch nearby. - Afternoon: Reserved maid café visit (follow etiquette). Continue shopping or hunt retro games. - Evening: Late-night rhythm games or themed izakaya; return to your Tokyo Stays accommodation to sort purchases and charge cosplay batteries.

Sunday — Ghibli + Cosplay shoot - Morning: Ghibli Museum entry (arrive with reservation confirmation); enjoy exhibits (no photos inside many areas). - Early afternoon: Head to a chosen cosplay spot (Yoyogi for park vibe; Odaiba for skyline); use pocket WiFi to coordinate with photographer and friends. - Late afternoon: Wrap with souvenir shopping or a relaxed café before heading back to pick up luggage and airport transfer.

Packing checklist for the otaku weekend

• Cosplay costumes, extra fasteners, safety pins, sewing kit.
• Wetsuit or cover for fragile figures when transporting; bubble wrap or shop shipping forms.
• Portable charger/power bank (for long days of photos and arcade gaming).
• Extra SD cards and batteries for camera.
• Cash (coins for arcades) and international-friendly credit card.
• Reservation confirmations and IDs (Ghibli ticket, maid café, studio booking).
• Comfortable shoes for walking and standing on long arcade sessions.
• Pocket WiFi device (or pickup details) and phone charger.

Final tips & reminders

• Respect local culture: be polite, queue neatly, and follow posted rules in shrines, museums and cafés.
• Time management: Tokyo is big — coordinate timeslots so you don’t miss fixed-entry activities like Ghibli.
• Shipping and baggage: large figures are best shipped. Ask stores about packing and shipping options or ask Tokyo Stays for guidance on handling deliveries to your accommodation.
• Safety: keep valuables secure when in crowded areas and when changing in public.

If you want this weekend planned for you, Tokyo Stays can: - Reserve the best neighborhood accommodation (Akihabara/Ikebukuro/etc.), - Arrange pocket WiFi delivered to your arrival or hotel, - Book airport transfers so you land and move hassle-free, - Help secure maid café reservations or advise on Ghibli ticket timing, - Build a personalized itinerary and recommend cosplay studios or photographers.

Ready to build your perfect otaku weekend? Book your stay and services with Tokyo Stays and travel with everything coordinated so you can focus on the fun.