Tokyo Arcade Game Centers are called “Gen-Sen” in Japanese. They are world-renowned for their fun, loud and exciting atmosphere. Game Centers are a mix of pinball, arcade and high tech digital and 3D games. Game Centers are an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. They can be small or they can be massive multi-story building complexes that have bowling, movies, games, pachinko, food courts and more, all in one. Akihabara is the gaming capital of Japan and it is filled with Game Centers, but there are Game Centers located all over the city of Tokyo. Here is a list of Tokyo Arcade Game Centers.
Tokyo Arcade Game Centers
Chain Arcade Game Centers
Sega Game Centers
Sega Game Center or Sega Gen-Sen in Japan, it’s is where all the professional gamers want to be seen and it has the newest, latest, but also the greatest games from the past. It is extremely loud and bright inside and full of lots of young Japanese teenagers playing games. There are many Sega Game Centers all over Tokyo. Locations
Taito Game Centers
Taito HEY or Hirose Entertainment Yard, or just HEY as the locals call it. This is also one of the oldest and well-known game centers in Japan. It has all the top games as well as the classics. Expect it to be loud and you will need a couple of hours to really explore everything. Famous for arcade, UFO, photo sticker booths and ultra-modern super realistic 3D games. A must stop for any avid gamer. There are many Taito Game Centers all over Tokyo. Locations
Round 1 Game Centers
Round 1 Game Centers are massive fun centers with locations all over Japan. It is well known for its logo of a bowling ball, anywhere in Japan you see a big bowling ball sign you can rest assured there is a Round 1 Gaming Center. They have bowling (hence the logo), baseball, basketball, and other sports but they also have a huge selection of games for all types of gamers out there. The Ikebukuro Round 1 is famous for it’s Bemani games like Beat Mania and Dance Dance Revolution from Konami, basically music and dancing/drumming games and it boasts one of the best collections of Bemani games in Japan. There are many Round 1 Game Centers in Tokyo. Locations
Arcade Game Centers
Tokyo Joypolis
Tokyo Joypolis is known to locals as a digital Disneyland. This is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Japan. There is an entrance fee to get in and you have to pay for each game but it is most certainly worth it. The games are more virtual reality ‘rides’ than traditional games and it feels more like a theme park with shooting games, zombie games and more. The big building complex is bright and loud and is a very kid-friendly environment, but it can be a bit scary for under 5-year-olds. Location: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Train Access: Odaiba Kaihin Kouen Station, 2 min walk, Tokyo Teleport Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Akihabara Gachapon Hall
The Akihabara Gachapon Hall is the Gachapon place in Akihabara. Gachapon is the game of winning a toy in a small plastic ball that is popular in Japan. It is fun and you can easily collect some really cool toys. The Akihabara Gachapon Hall is in an old building and it has a nice fun vibe to it. Location: 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Tokyo Train Access: Suehiro-cho Station, 2 min walk, Yushima Station, 7 min walk Google Maps
D.D.R Akiba Honten
D.D.R is a car racing simulator arcade in Akihabara. This place is very popular and it is usually booked out so be sure to check in advance or come early. Location: 3-11-2 Sotokanda | 5F Rock Bldg., Chiyoda, Tokyo. Train Access: Suehirocho Station, 4 min walk, Akihabara Station, 6 min walk, Yushima Station, 9 min walk Google Maps
Super Potato
Super Potato Akihabara is a retro gamers’ heaven. It has a really old style and feel to it and has all the famous 1980’s and 1990’s games. It is actually more of a museum of retro games that you are allowed to play, giving you a glimpse into your parent’s teenage years, or rekindling your first high-school date. Classic Super Mario and GoldenEye are favorites. Location: 3F-5F Kitabayashi Building, 1-11-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Akihabara Station, 4 min walk, Suehirocho Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
New Shimbashi Building
Shimbashi is an area most associated with standing bars, yakitori restaurants, and drunk salarymen. However, at the relatively new building complex called New Shimbashi Building. Here you will find a number of Game Centers full of salarymen who have finished work and want some competition before going home, but also it’s popular with young people and high school students. In the basement of the building, you will find long halls with different types of Game Centers, from old to new. Location: 2-16-1, Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Shinbashi Station, 2 min walk Google Maps
Tokyo Leisureland
Tokyo Leisureland is one of the most authentic Japanese game centers you can visit. It’s beat and a bit run down during day time. So to get the most out of this experience you need to go after dark to enjoy the neon lights. It has various floors of fun, with the first-floor being grab and UFO games, and the other floors being a mix of older more well-known arcade games, and the newest games out. The area has a lot of adult video and sex-related shops so it’s best to leave the kids at home for this one, and enjoy it after a few drinks with friends. If you’re interested in some of the more strange and adult-focused games. There is also a Tokyo Leisureland Second Shop in Akihabara, on the 6th and 7th floor, with virtual reality arcade games. Location: 1-14-1 Ikebukuro Square Higashi Ikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Akihabara Station, 4 min walk Google Maps
Try Amusement Tower
Some call it the best arcade game center in the world, and it is a throwback to the 1970s. Try Amusement Tower has something for every gamer in a very unique atmosphere. There are floors of various styles of fun games that will keep everyone amused. There is also a place to eat and drink beer if that is more your style. A great area for photos as many of the games, especially the crane and toy games are rather old. Great collection of beat mania and dancing style Konami games, and there will almost always be an expert there that you can watch and admire. Location: 4-4-7 MT Building Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Suehirocho Station, 2 min walk, Akihabara Station, 6 min walk Google Maps
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