Best Gaming Spots and Arcades in Japan

Looking for the perfect escape? Whether you’re trying to unwind from stress, beat the heat, or stay dry on a rainy day, Japan’s neon-lit arcades and cozy gaming spots offer the perfect retreat. Whether you’re looking for a retro experience or looking for the perfect place to try out that new video game, you can find it all in Japan’s arcade and gaming scene. Check out these hotspots to level up your time in Japan!

Arcades

Japanese arcades are quite different compared to the other arcades in the world. Typically consisting of multiple floors, with each one dedicated to different types of games. Some popular ones include UFO catchers (Japanese-style claw machines), rhythm games, fighting games, retro and classic arcade games, medal games, and pachinko (gambling). It’s also common to find gacha machines and photo booths to capture the beautiful memories you make with your friends when visiting the stores.

Popular Arcade Chains

Hirose Entertainment Yard

Address: Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−10−5 廣瀬本社ビル １階～４階

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm

Phone: +81352092030

Website: https://www.taito.co.jp/en/store/00001703

Taito Station Akihabara

Address: Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4 Chome−2−2 貴三ビル

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm

Phone: +81352898445

Website: https://www.taito.co.jp/en/store/00001802

Taito Station Osaka-nippombashi

Address: 4 Chome-9-14 Nipponbashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0005, Japan

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am

Phone: +81666307270

Website: https://www.taito.co.jp/store/00002024

GiGO Akihabara

Address: Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−11−11 ビルディング

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm

Phone: +817014582284

Website: https://tempo.gendagigo.jp/am/akiba-new

GiGO Namba-Avion

Address: Japan, 〒556-0011 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Nanbanaka, 2 Chome−3−15 ＭＭＯビル B1F～3F

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 11:30 pm

Phone: +817014581437

Website: https://tempo.gendagigo.jp/am/avion

Namco Sugamoten

Address: Japan, 〒170-0002 Tokyo, Toshima City, Sugamo, 1 Chome−15−1 宮田ビル B1F、B2F

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Phone: +81339436735

Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/game_center/loc/sugamo/

Namco Osaka Nippombashi

Address: Japan, 〒556-0011 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Nanbanaka, 2 Chome−1−17 コスモビル 1～3F

Opening Hours: 10:00am – 12:00am

Phone: +81676563885

Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/game_center/loc/nipponbashi/

Round One

A popular chain, Round One, is known for its fun multi-entertainment facility. Not only do they have your typical arcade games and claw machines, but they also have bowling, karaoke, billiards, darts, and table tennis!

Address: 1 Chome-14-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Phone: +81359280221

Website: https://www.round1.co.jp/shop/tenpo/tokyo-ikebukuro-eng.html

Tokyo Joypolis

Located in Odaiba, Tokyo Joypolic is an indoor amusement park with roller coasters, arcade games, and virtual reality experiences.

Address: Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 DECKS, 3F～5F

Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Weekday), 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Weekend)

Phone: +81355001801

Website: https://tokyo-joypolis.com/language/english/index.html

Retro Arcades

Want to reminisce about childhood nostalgia? Then fret no more, because these arcades are known for their retro classics, featuring all-time favourite arcade games from the early 80s!

Takadanobaba Mikado Game Center

Address: Japan, 〒169-0075 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Takadanobaba, 4 Chome−5−10 オアシスプラザビル １Ｆ

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am

Phone: +81353860127

Website: http://mi-ka-do.net/

Ikebukuro Mikado Game Center

Address: 1 Chome-42-19 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am

Phone: +81359555066

Website: http://mi-ka-do.net/

Royal Game Center

Address: Japan, 〒530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 1 Chome−1−3 Osaka Station 3 Building, B1F 59-2

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (Mon – Sat), 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Sun)

Phone:+81663416069

Website: ​​https://royalgamecenter.com/

Natsuge Museum

Address: 4 Chome-8-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan

Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Weekday), 10:00 am – 11:30 pm (Weekend)

Website: http://www.t-tax.net/natuge/

E-Sports / PC Cafe

With the rise of E-sports and PC gaming, numerous PC Cafes have been popping up across Japan. These cafes are known for their speedy wifi and high-performance computers. Many cafes even serve food and drinks, making it the perfect place for your next gaming session.

E-Sports EKICHIKA

Address: Japan, 〒542-0082 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shimanouchi, 1 Chome−18−8 3階・4階

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Phone: +81662588880

Website: https://esports-ekichika.net/

eSPORTS CAFE AIM

Address: Japan, 〒169-0075 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Takadanobaba, 4 Chome−8−7 花川ビル ８F

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Phone: +81363040308

Website: https://aim-esportscafe.jp/spec_takadanobaba/

Board Game Cafes

Looking for a classic game experience? Board game cafes offer a cozy space to play a wide variety of games, from classic favorites to modern strategy games. Many board game cafes will host events and competitions, which is great for when you’re feeling competitive or just looking to meet some new friends!

Gamecafe ATTIC

Address: 96-4 Kamigamo Matsumotocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8052, Japan

Opening Hours: 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Closed Tues/Thurs)

Phone: +81752855557

Website: http://attic.kyoto.jp/

DyCE Global Board Game Cafe

Address: Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya, 1 Chome−6−4 The Neat 青山 ５階

Opening Hours: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Weekday), 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Weekend)

Phone: +81361611100

Website: https://www.dyce-boardgamecafe.com/en

Fellows

Address: Japan, 〒105-0004 Tokyo, Minato City, Shinbashi, 2 Chome−3−7 菊豊ビル 2F

Opening Hours: Varies, check website

Phone: +817042803122

Website: https://twitter.com/Fellows_GOTTA

Shibuya Board Game Cafe High Five

Address: Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya, 3 Chome−18−7 Kuboshima Building, 5階

Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Fri-Sun and Holidays)

Phone: +817084728491

Website: https://boardgamecafe-highfive.com/

From competitive PC gaming, strategy-based board games, to classic arcade fun, Japan has no shortage of incredible gaming spots to explore. With endless options for entertainment, you’ll always find something exciting to dive into. Whether you’re looking to play some games or meet new friends, Japan’s gaming scene has you covered. At any time during your stay in the country, if you’ve got an itch to find some entertainment, there are multiple areas across the major cities, great for some solo time on a lazy day, or an afternoon of endless fun with friends or family. There’s always something to do in Japan, and games are no exception, so get out and explore Japan’s arcade scene, and most importantly, have some fun!

Featured Photo Credit: Jezael Melgoza

Looking to further explore Japan’s retro scene? Check out our Retro Food Tours in Shibuya and Karahori today!