Jul 3, 2025
BY Natalie Hung
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!
Japanese Claw Machine – Photo by Aj Garcia
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.
Hirose Entertainment Yard – Photo By: 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
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
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
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
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
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/
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 Facilities – Photo By: 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
Line of Arcade Machines – Photo from 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
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!
Retro Arcade – Photo by: Rafael Hoyos Weht
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/
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/
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/
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/
Man Playing Game on PC Computer – Photo by: Axville
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.
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/
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 – Photo by: Nik Korba
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!
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/
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
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
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/
Man Playing Rhythm Arcade Game – Photo by: Julien Haack
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
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