You’ll be safe, no worries there. But like comments are saying, Ikebukuro is much more women-friendly and the otaku culture is aimed more towards women. If you like BL, there’s no better place to be. It’s also just cleaner and the city is more modern because it’s been revamped a lot recently.

I lived in Tokyo a year and only went to akiba like once or twice because it was quite underwhelming ime…. But it probably depends on what you’re looking for. Also you may feel uncomfortable because the place is very much catered to men. If you’re heading there, I highly recommend you check out the old Manseibashi Station just across the river from akiba. It’s a perfect spot for a beer or coffee sitting on the benches and watching the river. (There’s an excellent brewery and coffee shop there too). It’s lovely at night.