Little TGV

Getting There

Little TGV is super easy to find in Akihabara. It’s just a short walk from both JR Akihabara Station and Suehirocho Station on the Ginza metro line. From JR Akihabara, it’s about a 5-minute stroll, and if you’re coming from Suehirocho, it’s only a 3-minute walk. The address is Isamiya No. 3 Building, 4F, 3-10-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021.

The Experience

When you approach Little TGV, you might almost miss it, but look for the sign at the base of the building. Hop on the retro elevator to the fourth floor, and you’ll be welcomed by waitresses dressed in cute train conductor outfits. Each guest gets a “”train ticket”” for the New Akiba Electric Railway, which is basically a table charge of 550 yen.

Inside, the vibe is cozy and filled with all sorts of railway memorabilia. The decor features train seats that have definitely seen better days, and the whole place has a nostalgic 90s otaku feel. It’s a paradise for train lovers, with toy train models and goodies from real trains and stations scattered throughout.

The Menu

The menu at Little TGV is a fun twist on traditional dining. It’s designed like a route map, with different colors representing various types of dishes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Blue: Salads
• Red: Fried items
• Black: Specials

You can find train-themed dishes like the “”three-carriage”” tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and rice shaped like bullet trains. There are also plenty of non-train-themed options, including fried pork cutlets, curry rice, salads, hamburgers, and grilled chicken skewers.

Drinks

The drink menu is just as playful, featuring cocktails and mocktails named after Japan’s railway lines. For example, the Ginza Line is a cassis orange drink, while the Chiyoda Line is a refreshing mix of green apple syrup and ginger ale. There are even drinks inspired by limited edition express trains, like the JR 185 series “Odoriko,” which combines melon syrup and milk to mimic the train’s green and white colors.

Service

The service at Little TGV adds to the overall experience. The waitresses greet you with a cheerful “”Welcome aboard!”” and guide you through a narrow corridor to your table. They might even check your tickets during your meal, just like on a real train ride. The fun continues with non-train-themed dishes, where they might ask you to say “”停車 [teisha]”” (which means stop) to let them know how much dressing you want on your salad.

Budget

Dining at Little TGV won’t break the bank. Prices are pretty reasonable for an izakaya, with drinks ranging from 500 yen to 700 yen and most food items in the same ballpark. Each guest is required to order at least one drink and one dish, so expect to spend around 1,500 yen to 2,000 yen for a visit, not including any extras like photo ops.

Tips and Insights

• Reservations: While you don’t have to book ahead, it’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially on weekends. Keep in mind that there’s a 120-minute limit for your meal, so plan accordingly.
• Business Hours: Little TGV is open from 6 PM to 10 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturdays and holidays. On Sundays, it’s open from 12 PM to 9 PM, but it’s closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
• Fun Facts: This restaurant is part of a group that runs several themed eateries in Akihabara, including Little BSD and Little PSX. It’s a fantastic spot for train enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique dining experience.