Japan is known abroad for arcades but they’re still dying out. These days it seems like they’re mostly crane games and rhythm games, but there’s lots of hidden gem arcades out there.
Of all the still active arcades in Japan that you’ve been to, which one is your favorite?
15 comments
Are you talking shyoutengai?
The best arcade is always the one closest to home.
Unless you’re a pro gamer, then it depends on where the pros congregate.
[Mikado](https://goo.gl/maps/4vTMe5pLvH24Vkiy8) in Takadanobaba has a lot of older machines that you can sit in and that move (like a moving Space Harrier machine). It’s good fun.
I like the Hey! in Akihabara but it’s super duper loud, I think I would go in with noise cancelling headhpones nowadays. Lots of classics (nothing like spending 100 yen to play Tetris of all things), iI think it’s the second floor that has a lot of really good 90s games and shmups.
Dying out? I mean the mom and pop ones, sure. But there are plenty of them still around, assuming you’re not on the top of a mountain somewhere.
You mean game centers? I thought arcades in Japan were the covered shopping streets with many small stalls and stores.
Silver Ball Planet in Osaka. Nearly 100 pinball machines. Only place in Japan like it.
The one in Kawasaki but it was closed few years ago. It was decorated with the dark Hong Kong style (I am from Hong Kong).
https://www.tofugu.com/travel/anata-no-warehouse/
After a night out I went to one where it was only ¥50 and they had BlazBlue….
Wasn’t able to find that place again. Does anyone know if there are arcades in Osaka that have BlazBlue?
I just went to HEY this evening in akihabara for the first time in *years* due to this blasted situation. loved it. played an all too quick credit of *mushihimesama* and then got roasted on *third strike* by some blasé looking salaryman. ahhhh
just like the old days
There was a fun arcade in Nakazakicho, Osaka featuring old retro games all the way from Showa jidai, you’d pay 200 yen entrance fee and then could play 5 games. Loved it. Sadly place closed down 🙁
[line up 1](https://tasteofkansai.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/eremekalabo14.jpg)
[line up 2](https://tasteofkansai.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/eremekalabo13.jpg)
[two more](https://tasteofkansai.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/eremekalabo07.jpg)
Anythong that has tekken or soul calibur on it
Well I don’t really like arcades but Sega Akihabara had a vr thing where you carry a fake gun and walk around and fight aliens. It was fun and I recommend. Mortal blitz if they are still doing it.
It’s good for a one off.
My husband was pissed he got b rank and I got s. So basically if there is an alien invasion give me the gun and I’ll save you all while in a mini skirt
Edit: but you are all fucked if I’m in charge of a train. No one is getting to work on time.
Atami castle chargers 1000¥ for admission. It’s a lowish budget museum with a great observation deck, an exotic ukiyo exhibit, a fun Japanese riddle hall that you can do even with a low (N4?) Japanese level. There’s also broken massage chairs.
Oh, and in the basement there is a pretty big and completely free arcade. No prize games ofc. No net games, and not many fighters. But pretty much everything else.
Unlimited free continues on Bishi Bashi? Yes please.
My latest discovery is the [retro floor](https://tempo.gendagigo.jp/retrog/) in the (formerly Sega) GiGo #3 Akihabara.
2012 Dance Dance Revolution and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Something Something Carnival seem to be gone from everywhere I have access to 🙁
On the other hand I recommend to anyone who enjoyed Undertale back in 2015 to check out Groove Coaster. UT is still very alive in Japan and they are doing crazy stuff with the background videos
So, Lucky Land in Chiba-shi is alright if you aren’t quite located in the middle of Tokyo