As we stumble out of our third Japanese arcade and onto the glowing sidewalks of Tokyo’s Akihabara ward, I catch eyes with my partner and laugh. In this perfect moment together, we’re equally content but exhausted from a day of vigorous gaming. Holding hands as we squat outside on a slender metal railing and chug melon sodas from a nearby vending machine, I promise the next game center will be our last stop in today’s marathon.
Popular in Japan since the 1970s, video game arcades took a major hit during the coronavirus pandemic. Strict limitations on public gatherings led to businesses shutting down. And even though game centers may not be as popular as the entertainment destinations were at their previous peak in the early 1990s, make no mistake—the arcades in Tokyo are still vibrant, lively, and absolutely worth visiting during your next journey to Japan.
During a recent trip, I played arcade games at nine locations across Tokyo. Based on my experience, here’s some advice to help travelers interested in visiting some game centers have an enjoyable experience. Overall these arcades were my favorite part of Japan, other than the delicious food, of course. I’m including my pick for the best arcade if you only have time to visit one, and which options are best if you’re traveling with kids.
