Akihabara + Ueno

The route

Stop by stop, on foot

1. 1

   Kiyomizu Kannon-dō Temple

   We learn about the Boshin War, the conflict that led to the fall of the samurai.

   One of the few temples that survived the devastating war that ended the Shogun's rule.

2. 2

   Saigō Takamori Statue

   A stop to honour the legacy of the last samurai, and the history of Ueno and Tokyo through it.

   The legendary Saigō Takamori stands proud of his legacy here.

3. 3

   Shōgitai Grave

   We see the real impact of the Boshin War and pay our respects to the samurai who perished here.

   The final resting place of the Shogun's elite samurai who fought and died in the Battle of Ueno.

4. 4

   Marishiten Tokudaiji

   A quieter corner of Ueno where prayer changed purpose over the centuries.

   Once a temple for samurai praying for victory, now a power spot for merchants seeking business success.

5. 5

   @Home Café

   We stop here to decode the "Moe" magic spells and the rituals of maid culture.

   The epicentre of maid culture, and a billion-yen industry.

6. 6

   AKB48 Theater

   Where the "idols you can meet" concept began and fuelled a massive fan culture.

   The birthplace of modern J-Pop idols.

7. 7

   Hey — Hirose Entertainment Yard

   A noisy, neon paradise of CRT screens and retro shooters.

   One of the few remaining arcades strictly dedicated to vintage gaming.

8. 8

   Electric Town

   We navigate the labyrinth of radio parts and wires where the tech city was born.

   The humble beginnings of Akihabara — electric components galore.