Discover Akihabara's Top Retro Gaming Shops & amusement arcades
Akihabara is a popular area among foreigners as the center of Japanese pop culture. It has long continued to develop as one of Japan's leading electronics districts, and later became known as a hub for pop culture including anime, games, and maid cafes.
In recent years, Akihabara has gained attention for game centers where you can enjoy retro game consoles and shops that offer everything from nostalgic classics to the latest game software. Since Japanese games are popular overseas, these Akihabara Retro Game shops are extremely popular among foreign tourists.
This time, we will explain the shops selling game software and game consoles in Akihabara, as well as the game centers.
Characteristics of "Akihabara," the Center of Japanese Pop Culture
Akihabara is a district that has continued to transmit trends as the center of Japanese pop culture. After the war, it became known as an electronics district selling electrical components and home appliances, and later developed as the center of Otaku culture including anime and idols.
In recent years, shops dealing with games have been increasing in Akihabara, and among them, shops dealing with nostalgic home retro games are extremely popular. There are also many game centers where you can enjoy retro games that were once highly popular in Japan, attracting many people regardless of generation.
Shops Dealing with Retro Games
Around Akihabara station, there are many shops specializing in retro games. Akihabara Retro Game refers to old home game consoles like the Family Computer and PlayStation, and these shops sell high-quality game consoles and software.
Most of these game software items are those bought from customers who used them. However, because of their good quality and the fact that they can still be enjoyed today, they have become popular spots where game enthusiasts from overseas gather seeking retro and nostalgic games.
Shops Where You Can Experience Retro Games Like Claw Cranes and Driving Games
Akihabara is well-equipped with shops where you can enjoy retro games. Among them, Claw Cranes and Driving games are particularly well-stocked and extremely popular because they are unique and interesting games.
Akihabara Retro Game is used to refer to games that were once popular or old games, and Nintendo's Family Computer and arcade games called business-use game machines that were in Game Centers also fall into this category.
Akihabara has many home game shops, and many game software titles that were big hits in the past are sold there. Some rare game software is also sold, making it the perfect environment for game enthusiasts.
10 Must-See Game Shops in Akihabara Recommended by a Game-Loving Author
4 Shops Where You Can Purchase Retro Game Consoles
From here, we will introduce 4 shops among the game shops in Akihabara that have a large selection of retro game consoles.
Super Potato
Source:Official website
Super Potato is a game shop with a rich variety of nostalgic Akihabara Retro Game titles. The Akihabara store in particular is said to have the No.1 retro game inventory in Japan, and the store sells everything from extremely popular software to niche software.
They have a rich selection of Family Computer and PlayStation game software, selling not only standard software but also many rare game software titles, making it an irresistible shop for game enthusiasts. Also, on the 5th floor, nostalgic arcade game machines are placed where you can play casually.
Besides games, they also sell Dagashi, which are cheap and delicious Japanese sweets, so you can enjoy games while eating sweets. If you're a game enthusiast, please visit once.
Address: 3rd, 4th, 5th floors, Kitabayashi Building, 1-11-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Regular Holiday: None
Phone Number: 03-5289-9933
Official Homepage: https://www.superpotato.com/shop/akihabara/
Retro Game Camp
Source:Official website
Retro Game Camp is a representative Akihabara retro game specialty store that stands out among all gaming destinations in the area. The store is packed with nostalgic gaming consoles and software including Family Computer, Super Nintendo, and GameBoy, guaranteeing great excitement for gaming enthusiasts visiting this premier Akihabara retro game destination.
All retro games sold in the store maintain excellent preservation conditions because they undergo maintenance and thorough operational checks by staff members. The store also sells adapters so that games can be played overseas, making it an ideal stop for international visitors seeking authentic Akihabara retro game experiences.
Retro Game Camp is famous as a store with a well-established reputation for its product selection among Akihabara retro game shops. If you're curious about whether they have your favorite game, feel free to consult with the staff.
Address: Shin-Suehiro Building C, 3-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00〜20:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 03-3253-7778
Official Website: https://www.retrogamecamp.com/
Trader
Source:Official website
TRADER Headquarters:
TRADER is a large shop that operates two stores in the heart of Akihabara, selling TV games, DVDs, and Blu-rays, making it a cornerstone of the Akihabara retro game scene.
The Headquarters is a large 7-story store where the 1st and 2nd floors feature games, while the 3rd to 5th floors sell figure dolls of games, anime, and other collectibles popular among Akihabara retro game enthusiasts.
Since TRADER also handles used item purchases, you might encounter nostalgic and valuable games while exploring the store, adding to the treasure-hunting aspect of the Akihabara retro game experience.
Address: TRADER Main Store Building, 4-2-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00〜20:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 03-3255-3493
Official Website: http://www.e-trader.jp/index.html
Trader2:
In Akihabara, there is also Trader2, which is Trader's second store. This 3-story store is located under the JR train overpass and can be accessed on foot in about 5 minutes from the main store, making it easy to visit both locations during your Akihabara retro game shopping adventure.
Although the store is smaller in scale, it's packed with an abundant selection of games, DVDs, and Blu-rays, making it an enjoyable store to browse through. If you feel that visiting just the main store isn't enough, definitely visit this location as well to complete your Akihabara retro game experience.
Address: 1-4-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00〜20:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 03-3255-0777
Official Website: http://www.e-trader.jp/index.html
BEEP Akihabara
Source:Google Maps
BEEP Akihabara is a game specialty store that sells everything related to games, centering on retro games, making it a must-visit destination for serious Akihabara retro game collectors. In addition to gaming consoles and game software, they also sell arcade boards, retro PCs like PC98 and PC88, and game magazines published in Japan.
They also sell valuable vintage game goods, flyers, and self-published comics, making it an enjoyable store to browse through even if you're just walking around. Sales items and junk markets are held irregularly, attracting many game fans to the store in search of hidden treasures, contributing to the vibrant Akihabara retro game community.
The interior is designed to recreate the 1980s Akihabara game shops, giving game-loving adults the feeling of time-slipping back to their childhood, perfectly capturing the nostalgic essence of the Akihabara retro game era. If you want to see valuable gaming consoles, this is a must-see store.
Address: Chuei Building B1, 3-9-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00〜20:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone Number: 03-6209-9116
Official Website: https://www.akihabara-beep.com/
Four Retro Amusement Arcades Where You Can Enjoy Games on the Spot
From here, we'll introduce four retro amusement arcades where you can casually enjoy games in Akihabara, perfect for experiencing the interactive side of the Akihabara retro game culture.
RETRO:G
Source:Google Maps
RETRO:G is a game center in Akihabara's electronics district where you can enjoy retro games, serving as a living museum of Akihabara retro game history. The store is lined with many arcade games that were huge hits in game centers from the 1980s to 1990s.
RETRO:G's concept is to recapture the excitement of game centers that were popular among young people in the past, and the interior is designed to evoke the atmosphere of old game centers, authentically recreating the golden age of Akihabara retro game arcades. Maintenance is constantly performed, ensuring that you can always enjoy games in perfect condition, which is RETRO:G's strength.
The store attracts not only people in their 30s and above who feel nostalgic about the past, but also many customers in their teens who don't know the 1980s and 1990s, proving the timeless appeal of Akihabara retro game culture. With an abundance of unique games available, you can lose track of time while having fun.
Address: GiGO Akihabara Building No. 3, 6F, 1-11-11 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00〜23:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 03-5297-3601
Official Website: https://tempo.gendagigo.jp/retrog/
HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard) Taito
Source:Google Maps
HEY Taito, operated by the major game company Taito, is a long-established Game Center that offers everything from Akihabara retro games to the latest machines. This large-scale Game Center spans three floors and operates over 300 video game machines alone.
The venue houses numerous arcade games, with a particularly impressive selection of shooting games. As Taito's directly-operated store, it brings together popular titles that Taito released in the past and gained massive popularity, making it the perfect environment for arcade game fans seeking that authentic Akihabara retro game experience.
In addition to arcade games, HEY Taito also sells card games and figure dolls. If you want to fully enjoy the charm of arcade games and experience classic Akihabara retro game culture, be sure to visit HEY Taito.
Address: 1-10-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Hirose Headquarters Building 1st-4th floors
Business Hours: 10:00-23:30
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5209-2030
Official Website: https://www.taito.co.jp/store/00001703
Tokyo Leisureland
Source:Tripadvisor
Tokyo Leisureland is a large leisure facility with two locations in Akihabara. The stores feature numerous claw cranes, offering a wide variety of claw crane experiences that complement the Akihabara retro game scene.
Tokyo Leisureland's claw cranes aren't just the standard plush toy-grabbing machines - they also feature many unique claw cranes where you can win candy and other distinctive items. There are also Purikura photo booths and arcade games, so you can enjoy a full day of entertainment alongside traditional Akihabara retro game experiences.
With two stores in Akihabara, both located in the heart of the district, access is convenient. They're also open until late at night, so you can play until late hours while exploring the Akihabara retro game culture.
Address: 1-9-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00-23:55
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 050-1809-0145
Official Website: https://www.yamazakiya.co.jp/shop/syutoken/
Namco Akihabara
Source:Official website
Namco Akihabara, operated by Bandai Namco, is a large Game Center located in front of Akihabara Station. Opened in 2023, it's one of the newer Game Centers in Akihabara and houses an official shop for Bandai's popular card games, adding a modern twist to the traditional Akihabara retro game landscape.
The venue also features an official shop selling Ichiban Kuji character lottery tickets where you can win original goods, and a popular Gashapon Shop with various capsule toys that perfectly complement the Akihabara retro game collecting culture.
The Gashapon Shop, where you can obtain various capsule toys, features approximately 800 machines - the largest in the region. It's the perfect environment for Gashapon enthusiasts and those interested in Akihabara retro game collectibles, so definitely visit and try your luck.
Address: 1-15-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00-23:00
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6278-7400
Official Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/game_center/loc/akihabara/
For Arcade Game Enthusiasts: The Unique Concept "TOKYO VIDEO GAMERS" is Also Recommended
Source:Official website
TOKYO VIDEO GAMERS, located near Akihabara Station, is a cafe & bar with a video game concept. The establishment features many arcade games that were once hugely popular in Japan, offering an authentic Akihabara retro game atmosphere where you can enjoy games for free with food and drink purchases.
The games range from classic titles to nostalgic favorites, perfectly capturing the essence of Akihabara retro game culture. These games are periodically rotated, so there are fresh discoveries with each visit - this is part of TOKYO VIDEO GAMERS' unique charm.
TOKYO VIDEO GAMERS also abundantly sells original goods created in collaboration with game manufacturers that you can only purchase there, making it a treasure trove for Akihabara retro game enthusiasts. They offer a wide selection of drinks including beer, sake, and cocktails, so you can enjoy dining while immersing yourself in gaming.
Address: 13-1 Kanda Neriboricho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00-23:00
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3257-8730
Official Website: https://tokyovideogamers.com/
To Fully Enjoy Akihabara's Pop Culture: Tours with Knowledgeable Guides are Recommended
If you want to experience the world of anime and games, including the legendary Akihabara retro game scene, join a tour that explores Akihabara's pop culture.
This tour visits shops selling anime goods and Gashapon shops where you can obtain capsule toys, allowing you to experience Akihabara's unique interactive entertainment, including its famous Akihabara retro game heritage.
You'll also visit locally popular maid cafes and chat with cute maids. At maid cafes, you can have magic cast on your food and eat unique dishes with illustrations - a truly mysterious experience that perfectly complements the Akihabara retro game culture.
While maid cafes might seem difficult to enter on your own, participating in this tour makes it easy to experience. If you want to enjoy Japan's pop culture in Akihabara, including its iconic Akihabara retro game scene, be sure to participate.
Meeting Point: JR Japan Retro Game Shop Ticket Office
Tour Area: Akihabara
Start Time: 14:00