Akihabara in February 2026: Anime Events, Setsubun Festivals & Maid Cafe Valentine Specials
Akihabara is often called the Mecca of Japanese pop culture. With numerous anime merchandise shops, game centers, and maid cafes, otaku (passionate fans) enjoy their hobbies in their own unique ways.
In this article, we'll introduce events you can enjoy in Akihabara in February 2026. In fact, Akihabara hosts not only pop culture-related events but also traditional events.
Please read this article to the end and enjoy the streets of Akihabara in your own way, from traditional culture to pop culture.
Table of Contents
-Kotobukiya Collection, an Annual Highlight Akihabara Event in February 2026
-Pop Culture Events to Enjoy in Akihabara in February 2026
-Traditional Events Held Near Akihabara in February 2026
-Unique to Akihabara! Valentine's Events at Maid Cafes Are Also Recommended
Kotobukiya Collection, an Annual Highlight Akihabara Event in February 2026
Source:Official website
Kotobukiya Collection is a new product announcement event for figures and plastic models. Otaku carefully consider which figures to purchase next at this event. The offline venue is especially exciting because you can see the actual figures in person, which expands your dreams.
Additionally, there are many must-see events for otaku, including talk shows, venue-exclusive giveaways, and stamp rallies.
What is Kotobukiya Collection?
Kotobukiya Collection is an event that fulfills our wish to "enjoy our hobbies anytime, anywhere."
It was first held in 2020, the year when many large-scale events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as an event that people could enjoy from home.
As circumstances have changed, the offline venues have become more substantial each year. However, as seen in 2025 when talk shows were live-streamed on YouTube, the attractive point of "everyone can enjoy it" remains unchanged.
<Information>
Date: February 13 (Fri) – February 15 (Sun), 2026
Access: 3-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station via "Akiba Bridge"
Admission: Free
Website (2025): https://www.kotobukiya-collection.com/
What Events Are Held? A Look Back at Past Kotobukiya Collections
The details of Kotobukiya Collection 2026 have not yet been released as of January 8, 2026. Therefore, we will introduce the event contents from the past three years instead.
Kotobukiya Collection 2025
Source:Official website
Kotobukiya Collection 2025 had wonderful new product displays, of course, but I have strong memories of being excited by the special exhibitions.
There was a special exhibition looking back on Frame Arms Girl, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, and a corner where you could actually experience artist support items like hand models. I was excited no matter where I was in the venue.
What excited me the most was the digital figure display exhibition. You could freely change the expressions and poses.
I had actually misunderstood that this technology would require several more decades to develop, so I was thrilled by the technological progress when I realized it was already available.
Kotobukiya Collection 2024
Source:Official website
Kotobukiya Collection 2024 was my first offline participation and is personally a very memorable occasion. I love the manga Haikyu!!, so I participated with the intention of seeing the actual Haikyu!! figures and deciding on one to purchase.
However, I ended up deciding to pre-order three items, including figures from other series. All the figures displayed under the lighting looked radiant, and I wanted them all.
I want everyone to experience this feeling, but at the same time, I recommend participating with a strong determination not to exceed your set budget.
Also, receiving an original shopping bag is a good memory. I'm looking forward to the announcement of the 2026 limited goods.
Kotobukiya Collection 2023
Source:Official website
Kotobukiya Collection 2023 was a memorable occasion as the first time an offline venue was opened. Many new figures were displayed, and original shopping bags and postcards were distributed.
Unfortunately, I caught the flu right before the event and participated online instead. However, lots of information was released on the special website, and the opening movie was released on YouTube, so I could still enjoy it from home.
I was really shocked when it was confirmed that I couldn't participate offline in Kotobukiya Collection, but it was so enjoyable online that it became a good memory as an occasion that reminded me of the attractive point of Kotobukiya Collection: "anyone can enjoy it."
I recommend participating in Kotobukiya Collection 2026 online for those whose timing doesn't work out.
Let a Local Guide Who Knows Akihabara and Pop Culture Inside Out Show You Around!
The Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour lets you enjoy Japanese pop culture from various angles, including anime goods, game centers, capsule toys, and maid cafes.
The route covered in the Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour is almost the same as the route I used to take with my friends after school when I was in high school. The attractive point is that you can experience the daily life of Japanese otaku.
Also, I get lost almost every time in Akihabara even when using a map. If you want to efficiently explore this maze-like town without missing anything, I recommend having a guide familiar with Akihabara show you around on the Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of Ticket Office right outside of Electric Town Gate of JR Akihabara Station
Tour area: Akihabara
Start time: 14:00
Pop Culture Events to Enjoy in Akihabara in February 2026
Loveca Thanksgiving Festival (Love Live! Series 15th Anniversary)
Source:Official website
Love Live! is a story about high school girls pursuing their dreams through idol activities at school, with various media including anime, games, and music.
The Loveca Thanksgiving Festival is an Akihabara event in February 2026 where everyone can celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Love Live! series and the 1st anniversary of the official card game, Loveca. The event will feature the Loveca World Championship, stage appearances by cast members, and merchandise sales.
Although the preliminary rounds for the Loveca World Championship have already begun in various locations, there's still a chance to participate in the tournament held on the first day of the event. Even if you start playing Loveca now, you can still make it in time, so why not give it a try?
The reason I decided to attend is because merchandise featuring exclusive illustrations drawn for the Loveca Thanksgiving Festival and commemorative hoodies will be on sale.
When I hear about special merchandise at special events, I just can't contain my excitement as an otaku, and I'm sure many of you feel the same way.
<Information>
Date: February 21 (Sat) - February 22 (Sun), 2026, 10:00-18:00
Access: Bellesalle Akihabara - 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station Electric Town North Exit (JR Line) / Akiba Square - 2-minute walk from JR Keihin-Tohoku Line/Sobu Line Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://lloc-fes.llofficial-cardgame.com/anv/
"Oshi no Ko" Commemorative Museum
Source:Official website
A commemorative museum celebrating the broadcast of the third season of the hugely popular TV anime "Oshi no Ko" will be held in Akihabara.
Many attractive events are planned, including sales of new merchandise, a lottery with special prizes available only at the commemorative museum, and panel exhibitions.
As of January 8, 2026, specific information has hardly been released, but what I'm particularly looking forward to is the panel exhibition.
At past "Oshi no Ko" events I attended, limited edition life-size panels were displayed, and visitors could take photos standing next to them. I'm already very excited to see what kind of panels will be exhibited this time.
"Oshi no Ko" is one of the anime I strongly recommend to others, even as someone who loves anime myself. Even if you haven't watched the anime yet, please watch it before coming to Japan and visit the commemorative museum. This Akihabara event in February 2026 is not to be missed for fans.
<Information>
Date: January 21 (Wed) - February 23 (Mon, Holiday), 2026
Access: Immediately from JR Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.gamers.co.jp/contents/event_fair/detail.php?id=7062&?utm_source=collabo_cafe_dot_com&utm_medium=collabo_cafe_dot_com&utm_campaign=collabo_cafe_dot_com&utm_id=collabo_cafe_dot_com
VTuber 1on1 FAN Meeting
Source: Official website
VTubers are people who post videos and stream using avatars, and they have become extremely popular in Japan in recent years.
Because they can freely change their appearance, one of the attractive points is that you can enjoy an endless variety of worldviews and concepts, including angels, princes, vampires, Japanese fantasy, and many more.
The most attractive point of the "Oshitai" event is that you can enjoy one-on-one time with VTubers you always watch in streams and videos.
You can talk one-on-one and take two-shot instant photos with life-size VTubers—it's a dreamlike experience.
Additionally, special streaming events by event performers (whose identity is a secret until the day) will also be held. Even if you've never experienced VTubers before, please come to the venue anyway. Once you watch the special stream, you'll surely become hooked on VTubers too.
<Information>
Date: February 14, 2026
Access: Email notification only for ticket purchasers
Admission: 1,000 yen (1on1 talk 3,000 yen, 2-shot instant photo 3,000 yen required separately)
Website: https://v.seventhh.com/2025/12/11/oshitaivol7/
Traditional Events Held Near Akihabara in February 2026
Kanda Myojin Setsubun Festival
Source:Official website
If you're coming to Japan in February, why not also participate in the Setsubun Festival Bean-Tossing Ceremony, a traditional event held at Kanda Myojin?
The Bean-Tossing Ceremony is performed to drive away evil spirits and invite happiness. It is held on a grand scale at Kanda Myojin, where beans are thrown toward us from the stage.
The thrown beans are said to have the power to bring household safety and happiness, so we try our best to catch and pick them up. (Don't worry about hygiene as they are individually packaged.)
The attractive point of the Setsubun Festival held at Kanda Myojin is its intensity. As one of the most famous Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo, celebrities often appear, drawing very large crowds. Competing with other participants to catch beans is an experience you should have at least once in your lifetime. This is a must-see Akihabara event in February 2026 for those interested in Japanese traditions.
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Date: February 3, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (Hijiribashi Exit) on the Chuo Line/Sobu Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/
Yanagimori Shrine Setsubun Festival
While the Setsubun Festival at Kanda Myojin is very exciting, it can also be a bit dangerous due to the large crowds. For those who want to enjoy a more relaxed experience, I recommend the Setsubun Festival held at Yanagimori Shrine.
The Bean-Tossing Ceremony is also held at Yanagimori Shrine. While Yanagimori Shrine does get fairly crowded, it's at just the right level.
You can enjoy the Setsubun Festival atmosphere of competing with those around you to catch beans, while also being able to get a few bags without trying too desperately.
Since you rarely feel "in danger," Yanagimori Shrine is especially recommended for those with children. I once seriously participated in the Bean-Tossing Ceremony at Kanda Myojin, but other than that, I've been enjoying a relaxed time at Yanagimori Shrine.
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Date: TBD (Likely February 3, 2026)
Access: 3-minute walk from Iwamotocho Station Exit A2
Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/88
Unique to Akihabara! Valentine's Events at Maid Cafes Are Also Recommended
A maid cafe is a cafe where the staff dress as maids and serve customers as if they were "masters" or "princesses."
Many maid cafes hold special events tied to Valentine's Day, particularly in February. This is a must-experience Akihabara event in February 2026. Here, I'll introduce two of my recommended establishments.
Valentine Gift 2026 (at home cafe)
Source:Official website
at home cafe is a place where you can enjoy relaxing time with friendly maids as a master or princess. You can take photos together, play games, and have a wonderful time. The maids also cast a "magic spell" on your drinks and food to make them more delicious.
I've been to maid cafes several times, but at home cafe feels the least like a "customer and staff" relationship—instead, it provides a wonderful time spent together as "friendly people."
The best time to visit at home cafe is during their Valentine's event. Depending on your bill amount, you can receive trading cards featuring the maids, and they serve you in special costumes different from their usual attire.
If you're going to visit a maid cafe, I recommend timing your visit for a special day like this Akihabara event in February 2026.
<at-home cafe Akihabara Main>
Address: 1-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon 11:00 - 22:00/Tue 11:00 - 22:00/Wed 11:00 - 22:00/Thu 11:00 - 22:00/Fri 11:00 - 22:00/Sat 10:00 - 22:00/Sun 10:00 - 22:00 *L.O. 21:20
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 050-3135-2091
Official Website: https://www.cafe-athome.com/
<at-home cafe Akihabara Donki>
Address: 5F Don Quijote Akihabara, 4-3-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon 11:00 - 22:00/Tue 11:00 - 22:00/Wed 11:00 - 22:00/Thu 11:00 - 22:00/Fri 11:00 - 22:00/Sat 10:00 - 22:00/Sun 10:00 - 22:00 *L.O. 21:20
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 050-3135-2091
Official Website: https://www.cafe-athome.com/
<at-home cafe AKIBA Cultures ZONE>
Address: 5F AKIBA Cultures ZONE, 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon 11:00 - 22:00/Tue 11:00 - 22:00/Wed 11:00 - 22:00/Thu 11:00 - 22:00/Fri 11:00 - 22:00/Sat 10:00 - 22:00/Sun 10:00 - 22:00 *L.O. 21:20
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 050-3135-2091
Official Website: https://www.cafe-athome.com/
Valentine Performance (maidreamin)
Source:Official website
Maidreamin is a cafe themed around "Dreamland." It specializes in entertainment, delighting guests with dance performances and various other attractions. I recommend this maid cafe for anyone who wants to have an exciting and thrilling time during this Akihabara event in February 2026.
Maidreamin also holds special events for Valentine's Day. The maids serve guests in adorable, candy-like special costumes featuring chocolate and whipped cream designs that perfectly capture the Valentine's spirit.
In the past, special dance performances have also been held for Valentine's Day. The dances performed in these special costumes are guaranteed to be even more adorable than usual.
<Maidreamin Akihabara Head Store>
Address: 6F Sumiyoshi Building, 3-16-17 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Sun 10:30 - 23:00/Mon 11:30 - 23:00/Tue 11:30 - 23:00/Wed 11:30 - 23:00/Thu 11:30 - 23:00/Fri 11:30 - 23:00/Sat 10:30 - 23:00/Holidays 10:30 - 23:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-6744-6726
Official Website: https://maidreamin.com/quality/
<Maidreamin Akihabara Sotokanda 1-Chome Store>
Address: 2F Bauhaus, 1-8-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Sun 10:30 - 23:00/Mon 11:30 - 23:00/Tue 11:30 - 23:00/Wed 11:30 - 23:00/Thu 11:30 - 23:00/Fri 11:30 - 23:00/Sat 10:30 - 23:00/Holidays 10:30 - 23:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-6744-6726
Official Website: https://maidreamin.com/shop/detail.html?id=7
<Maidcafe Maidreamin Akihabara Idol-dori Store>
Address: 4F Kyoeki Sotokanda Daiichi Building, 4-4-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Sun 10:30 - 23:00/Mon 11:30 - 23:00/Tue 11:30 - 23:00/Wed 11:30 - 23:00/Thu 11:30 - 23:00/Fri 11:30 - 23:00/Sat 10:30 - 23:00/Holidays 10:30 - 23:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-6744-6726
Official Website: https://maidreamin.com/shop/detail.html?id=3
Experience KAWAII Culture in Harajuku with a Local Guide
Harajuku is a neighborhood where you can enjoy "kawaii culture," a Japanese pop culture slightly different from Akihabara. For those interested in Japanese pop culture, I recommend experiencing kawaii culture through the Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour.
Harajuku is overflowing with colorful things—it's fun just to walk around and take photos. You can also find colorful foods like rainbow cotton candy and try them for yourself.
My younger sister used to hang out in Harajuku often when she was a student. One of the appealing aspects of the Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour is that you can experience the typical way Japanese high school girls spend their time.
<Information>
Meeting Point: In front of Omotesando (East) Exit of JR Harajuku Station
Tour Area: Harajuku
Start Time: 10:30
