Buy Me a Matcha
Tokyo guide · October 2026

Making friends in Akihabara and Kanda

Akihabara is famous for electronics, games and anime, and next door Kanda, Ochanomizu and Jimbōchō add old shrines, music shops and a whole neighbourhood of second-hand bookshops. It is central, easy to reach on the Yamanote Line, and full of shared interests, which makes a first meet with someone new much easier.

Where people meet

Matcha in Ochanomizu

RESTAURANT 1899 OCHANOMIZU is known for its matcha drinks and sweets, a short walk from Akihabara. More spots on our Tokyo Matcha Map.

mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi

Shops and cafés built into the brick arches of an old railway station, right by the Kanda River.

Kanda Myōjin

A colourful shrine a few minutes from Akihabara, popular with locals and anime fans alike.

Jimbōchō book town

Streets of second-hand bookshops and old coffee houses. Good coffee at Glitch Coffee & Roasters.

Game and hobby spots

Board game cafés, retro game shops and card game events. A shared hobby is the easiest icebreaker. Board game cafés in Tokyo.

Easy first plans

  1. Matcha in Ochanomizu, then a walk to Kanda Myōjin. About an hour, and the shrine gives you something to look at together.
  2. Coffee at mAAch ecute, then a stroll along the river. Calm and central, good for a weekday evening.
  3. Browse Jimbōchō's bookshops. Easy conversation starters on every shelf. Good for a second meet.
  4. A board game café afternoon. The game does the talking if you are both on the quieter side.

Tips

Questions people ask

How can I make friends in Akihabara?

Shared hobbies are the easiest way in: board game cafés, retro game shops, card game events and anime or music fans. Friend apps help you find people nearby to meet one-on-one.

Is Akihabara only for anime fans?

No. Beyond the electronics and anime shops there is Kanda Myōjin shrine, the mAAch ecute shops in an old railway station, and the second-hand book town of Jimbōchō a short walk away.

What is a good first plan in Akihabara or Kanda?

A coffee or matcha near Ochanomizu or Manseibashi, then a walk to Kanda Myōjin or the bookshops of Jimbōchō. Easy, cheap and full of things to talk about.

Is there an app to meet people near Akihabara or Kanda?

Yes. Buy Me a Matcha lets you set your area by station, including Akihabara and Kanda, so you can meet people nearby one at a time over a coffee or matcha, in English.

Meet someone near Akihabara

Buy Me a Matcha helps you meet new people in Tokyo one at a time over a coffee or matcha. In English, friends only, free on iPhone.

Get it on the App Store