Akihabara ("Akiba" to locals) is Tokyo's NEON wonderland — the global capital of anime, manga, video games, and electronics. Multi-story arcades buzz with claw machines and rhythm games, towering buildings are wallpapered with anime characters, and you can find literally any retro video game ever made. For kids who love Pokemon, Mario, anime, or just bright lights and chaos, this place is a DREAM.

What makes it special: Don't miss the Super Potato retro game store (3 floors of classic Nintendo and Sega), GiGO arcade (formerly SEGA) for crane games, the Yodobashi Camera mega-store (8 floors of electronics + a kid floor with toys), and the Gachapon Hall with hundreds of capsule machines. Maid cafes are everywhere — some are family-friendly, some not, so check before you walk in.

Kid tips:

• Best for ages 5+. Toddlers plus little kids may be overwhelmed by the noise and lights.

• Bring ¥100 coins for crane games and gachapon — set a budget!

• Strollers fit on main streets but it's CROWDED — carrier easier in shops.

• Go on a SUNDAY — Chuo-dori (the main road) becomes a pedestrian-only "hokoten" (12-6pm) and feels much safer with kids.

• Plenty of family bathrooms in Yodobashi Camera and Atre mall.

• Tons of theme cafes — Pokemon Cafe, Pikachu Sweets, etc.

• Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote) puts you right in the middle of it all.

• Allow at least 2-3 hours to take it in.

We pair this with a Pokemon Center stop and dinner in the area for a perfect Tokyo "weird and wonderful" afternoon with kids.