Radio Kaikan: Complete Guide to all Floors

If you’ve ever been to Akihabara, you know how much everything there pulses with pop culture. But nothing represents this electric and vibrant soul as well as Radio Kaikan. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this 10-story building is almost a living museum of the otaku universe — except here, everything is for sale.

Located right in front of the JR Akihabara station, it is impossible to ignore. Modernized in 2014, with panoramic elevators and eye-catching displays, this tower has become a must-visit for fans of figures, cards, retro electronics, idols, dōjinshi, and collectibles you didn’t even know existed. But those who think they can explore everything in a quick pass are mistaken. Each floor of Radio Kaikan is its own universe. Shall we break it down together?

Remember that the stores may change over the years, but generally follow the same scheme! Any significant modifications will be updated in the article. Ready to visit the building where Steins;Gate took place?

The History of Radio Kaikan

Radio Kaikan emerged shortly after World War II, in the 1950s, at a time when Akihabara was transforming into an electronics hub in Japan. Originally, the building was a place where independent vendors sold electronic components and radios, reflecting the neighborhood’s initial vocation as an “electric town.”

For decades, Radio Kaikan was an essential center for technicians, engineers, and electronics enthusiasts. However, over time, especially from the 1990s onwards, the building began to attract more and more stores aimed at the otaku audience — selling figures, games, anime, TCG, and collectibles.

With the old structure aging, the original building was demolished in 2011. In its place, the new Radio Kaikan was built, reopening in 2014 with a modern design, earthquake-resistant, and ready to serve the contemporary audience of Akihabara. Today, the building symbolizes the fusion of tradition and Japanese pop culture, being a must-visit for fans and curious visitors from all over the world.

Before Visiting Radio Kaikan

Many stores inside Radio Kaikan do not allow customers to take photos of the products or the interior of the displays. Usually, there are signs indicating “no photo,” but even when there aren’t, it’s polite to ask first.

Regarding payment methods, most stores accept credit cards, cash, and even QR Code payments, such as PayPay or LINE Pay. If you’re a tourist, don’t forget to bring your passport, as some stores offer tax exemption (tax free) on purchases above a certain amount.

The building generally operates from 10 AM to 8 PM, but this schedule may vary slightly between stores. On weekends and holidays, the place tends to get quite crowded, especially in the afternoon.

1st Floor – Entrance, Lotteries, TCG, and Convenience

As soon as you enter the building, you are greeted by a mix of specialized stores. This is where the kuji lottery, collectible cards, a modern optical store and even a FamilyMart convenience store are located, all mixed with the movement of fans circulating throughout the day.

Stores on the 1st floor:

• Kuji Mach (くじ専門店マッハ)
• Fukufuku TCG
• OWNDAYS (optical store)
• Card Labo – Card buying and evaluation center
• The AkiBa – Souvenir and gift shop
• FamilyMart – Convenience store
• Hobby Station – TCG branch

2nd Floor – Cards, Electronics, and Collector Displays

This floor is perfect for those looking for collectible cards, rare toys or even electronic components. There is also a “showcase rental” store, where anyone can rent a display case and sell their products, creating a dynamic and ever-changing market.

Stores on the 2nd floor:

• Card Shop Kaizoku-Oh
• Tomoka Denki – Pro electronics store
• Habikoro Toys – Collectible toys
• Hobby Station – Card-focused store (station branch)
• Astop – Rental showcases

3rd Floor – Manga, Doujinshi, and Men’s Products

This floor is dominated by K-BOOKS, focusing on products aimed at a male audience, including doujinshi, rare manga, magazines, CDs, and much more. It’s a great place to find that old volume or limited edition.

Stores on the 3rd floor:

• K-BOOKS Akihabara (main store and men’s store)

4th Floor – Figures and Anime Items

Here is one of the most well-known stores among figure fans: the AmiAmi, specializing in anime, game, and pop culture products. The variety of figures, nendoroids, and action figures is enormous, always updated with the latest releases.

Store on the 4th floor:

• AmiAmi Akihabara Radio Kaikan

5th Floor – Otaku Culture, Figures, and Electronics

This floor brings together several interesting stores, focusing on used products, figures, doll accessories, and even electronic components. It is one of the most diverse floors in the building.

Stores on the 5th floor:

• Lashinbang – Used store for otakus
• Magi – TCG buying and selling platform
• Akiba no X – Various otaku products
• Uchuusen – Figures and toys
• Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby – Figures from the famous Kaiyodo brand
• Dollyteria – Doll accessories store
• Wakamatsu Tsusho – Electronics store

6th Floor – Hobbies, TCG, and Miniatures

The big highlight here is the Yellow Submarine, a reference in Japan when it comes to board games, miniatures, card games, and modeling. The environment tends to attract both beginners and veterans of tabletop hobbies.

Store on the 6th floor:

• Yellow Submarine Akihabara (Main store)

7th Floor – Dolls, Figures, and TCG

This floor nicely combines the universe of customizable dolls with that of collectible cards. The stores here offer niche products, with premium finishes aimed at a more demanding audience.

Stores on the 7th floor:

• Azone Label Shop Akihabara – Azone dolls
• Jungle Akihabara (second store)
• Toreka Park AKIBA – TCG store
• DOLK – Ball-jointed dolls (BJDs)

8th Floor – Modeling and Luxury Dollfies

This floor is almost a showroom for fans of Volks, one of the most famous brands in Japan for modeling and high-quality dolls. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated and focused on customization, this is the right place.

Stores on the 8th floor:

• Volks Doll Point Akihabara
• Volks Hobby Square Akihabara

9th Floor – Cards, Duels, and Player Space

If you are a card player, this floor is a must. It brings together three of the largest TCG stores in Japan, with rare decks, accessories, and dedicated space for tournaments and casual matches.

Stores on the 9th floor:

• Card Labo – Main store
• BIG MAGIC
• FullComp

10th Floor – Event Space

On the top floor, the space is reserved for temporary exhibitions, launches, and special promotions. The schedule changes constantly, so it’s always worth stopping by to see what’s going on.

Space on the 10th floor:

• Event area (イベントスペース)
• Vending machines;

It is exactly on the top floor that we have that meeting room where the lecture for the anime Steins;Gate takes place. Those who are fans of this grand work get excited when visiting the building where the entire anime and game happened.