Akihabara Retro-to-VR Game Experience Tour — From Pixels to Virtual Worlds
- Tokyo, Japan
- 3.5 hour tour
- Small group tour
- English speaking guide
- Instant Confirmation
What makes this tour unique
- A 3.5-hour game tour through Akihabara, the holy land of gaming, with a local guide. Visit game centers and shops while playing 4 different games, both classic and modern.
- Play games recommended by your local guide, from early retro titles to the latest VR experiences, learning about gaming's evolution while having fun.
- Your local guide will teach you how Japanese gamers enjoy their games!
- Wrap up the tour by playing the latest VR games and experience a new level of immersion where the boundary between reality and virtual space disappears.
- Perfect for avid gamers, and even those who are curious about games but don't usually play!
Tips and recommendations by our official guides
Get ready for a 3.5-hour dive into Akihabara’s gaming culture as you hop between retro arcades and cutting-edge VR spots with a friendly local guide who shows you five unique games that trace how gaming evolved from pixel classics to immersive virtual worlds.
As gaming has grown from a childhood pastime into a global form of expression and connection, Akihabara has transformed into a vibrant hub where fans from around the world gather, and this tour lets you feel that energy firsthand.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves games—or is simply curious—whether you want to explore the city with a local, try everything from nostalgic retro hits to the newest VR tech, learn about otaku culture in a fun way, or enjoy playing alongside your partner, friends, or even completely solo. And no need to worry if it’s your first time in Japan or if you’re new to gaming—your guide will walk you through every game step by step. Solo travelers are especially welcome, and all game fees are included, so just bring your excitement and come ready to play!
Official guide
What's included
Retro Arcades & the Birth of Gaming in Akihabara
Meet your local guide at Akihabara Station and dive straight into the history of Japan’s gaming capital. As you explore famous landmarks, learn how this once-niche district grew into a global pop culture hotspot. Your first stop is a rare retro arcade floor filled with classic machines you don’t often see anymore. Play legendary arcade games that once became nationwide sensations and discover how gaming first captured people’s hearts in Japan—through hands-on play, not just stories.
Nostalgia Meets Competition: Retro Consoles & Game Centers
Next, visit one of Japan’s top retro game specialty shops, packed with iconic titles from Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation. Browse shelves full of gaming history while learning how playstyles shifted from arcades to home consoles. Then head to a large, lively game center loved by locals of all ages. Enjoy friendly competition with your group by playing classics like Street Fighter or choosing between Taiko no Tatsujin and Mario Kart, just like Japanese gamers do today.
From Pixels to Virtual Worlds: Fully Immersive VR Finale
Wrap up the tour with a leap into the future at a cutting-edge VR gaming studio. After a clear introduction, gear up with high-performance VR headsets and controllers. Step into a fully immersive, room-scale VR game where you physically walk around, solve puzzles, and cooperate with your teammates. With around 50 minutes on the clock, work together to clear the mission and experience the moment when reality and virtual space truly blur—an unforgettable finale to your gaming journey.
Meeting Point
In front of Ticket Office right outside of Electric Town Gate of JR Akihabara station
- Your guide will be holding a red/orange sign saying "MagicalTrip"
Itinerary
- Meet at JR Akihabara Station (Electric Town Gate)
- Stroll through Electric Town
- Explore a game center
- Check out a retro game store
- Play retro and latest arcade games
- Immerse yourself in a VR game
- End near JR Kanda Station
- Please bring comfortable walking shoes and any personal necessities, as the tour involves walking and standing.
- The itinerary includes some locations that are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
- This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we strongly recommend booking a private tour.
- Out of respect for other guests and to ensure a smooth experience, please arrive on time as the tour will start promptly.
- If you arrive late and miss the group, you will not be able to join the tour, and refunds or rescheduling will not be provided.
- Japan’s climate can be extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows around -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly.
- Photography is welcome, but please be respectful of other guests and any photo restrictions at certain venues.
- For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- Free date or time changes are allowed up to 24 hours before the tour start time, subject to availability.
Inform us about any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance.
| Dietary request | Availability |
|---|---|
dairy-free | ✓ possible |
gluten-free | ✓ possible |
vegan | ✓ possible |
vegetarian | ✓ possible |
We cannot be held responsible for any food allergens present at street food stalls during the tour.
No known allergens included
