Friday, August 2, 2019

Akiba Daisuki Matsuri: Bring the Best of Akihabara Into One Event

Akiba Daisuki Matsuri brings together all that is good about Akihabara into one event building, BelleSalle Akihabara.

Here's another event that otaku of almost any kind should not miss.  Even though it's all about... Akihabara?

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Why this event, Akiba Daisuki Matsuri?  Akihabara isn't that big... right?


Akiba Daisuki Festival
Sure, Akiba in itself can be walked, distance-wise, in a day, probably a bit less than that.  The challenge, though, is the details.  Can you truly visit every establishment and get a good feel for it?  Find the memorable ones among the more common, missable ones?  That can be the biggest challenge, and Akiba Daisuki Matsuri can help significantly with that.

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Akiba Daisuki Matsuri can help you find the place, the shop, the café that you didn't know existed or better yet, the one you thought wasn't for you, but really is.

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Plus, there is just a lot of cool stuff to see, and do, in one place during the event.  Many of the shops, cafes, and other related hobby/otaku business set up booths to show off what they offer to the Akihabara community.

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Cosplayers?  Well, you're in Akihabara after all, so there's a lot of them and in most cases they are more than happy to pose for a pic:

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Akiba Daisuki Festival

Akiba Daisuki Festival

There's also groups of performers from the various themed cafes in Akihabara, however, like trying to take photos of them in the streets, photography of them onstage is not allowed, but there are some performers/performances that encourage photography.  Just be mindful of the visual cues and signs, and if in doubt just observe what the other attendees are doing.

Akiba Daisuki Festival
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This event also hosts the biggest, tallest train rail set I've ever seen.  I could just watch the trains moving on it for what seems like ever...



Speaking of admission, did I mention it's free?  If you're in town on the day, it's almost must-see stuff because of all that's here and the value of the event.  It's like a free sampler dish of everything Akiba.  You almost have to go there, whether you're new to Akihabara or even a seasoned veteran like myself!

Recommendations:
- Bring a camera!  Or be prepared to take a lot of photos with your phone!

Specifics:
Akiba Daisuki Matsuri
Held annually during the summer (usually in August)
Admission: Free!
Location: