Japan is known for its influence on popular culture globally. Whether it is anime or food, the country’s left its mark.
One other niche Japan is important is renowned for is video games and as a result, Japan has many places for video game lovers to visit in places like Tokyo, Osaka an Kyoto.
In this article, we will list eight of the best video game attractions you should consider checking out when in Japan.
1. Sony Store
The Sony Store is located in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. The showroom in Ginza Place All kinds of technology, from headphones and cameras to video games, fill the showroom in Ginza Place. Sony’s display is your place if you like video games and other general tech.
2. Nintendo Headquarters
Nintendo Headquarters is in Kyoto, Japan. You can’t do much here since there aren’t any tours. You can’t even enter the building. But this is a mecca for video game fans – particularly Nintendo fans. Fit this HQ into your plans if you are a video game lover.
3. Akihabara: A Town for Video Game Lovers
This area is one of the top 10 places visited by tourists in Japan. The district is known for serving as the global mecca for anime culture. There is a lot to do and see. Akihabara should be top of the list to visit if you are an anime, video game, or electronics enthusiast.
Read our article about Akihabara, and it’s the background here.
4. Square Enix Café
If you’re a video game lover in Tokyo, the Square Enix Café has to be on your visit list.
Taste some Square Enix branded food. You can find your favorite Square Enix characters and related products. If you are a big Square Enix fan, this is your place. A meal and drink cost about 2,000 yen (as low as $14 and up to $18).
Slime Meat buns, Philosopher’s Stone drink, and Square Enix Café Natural Mineral Water are some of the menu items. So you will know what you are in for when you visit the Square Enix Café.
5. Tokyo Game Show (TGS): A Video Game Lover’s Expo
Video game lovers, rejoice!
Tokyo Game Show is a video game expo held in September each year in Chiba, Japan – on the outskirts of Tokyo. The point of this show? Games. Japanese games, primarily but also some international games by developers around the globe. The event lasts four days.
If you are in Japan around September, go to one of the general public days during the last two days of the expo.
6. Nakano Broadway
Described as a mini-Akihabara, Nakano Broadway is a shopping mall in Nakano of, Tokyo, Japan. Initially, it was a luxury mall. Nowadays, the mall is a destination for products targeted at otaku.
7. Pokémon Centers
Pokémon Centers in real life aren’t places to heal your Pokemon. Instead, Pokemon Centers sell high-quality official Pokemon products.
There are several locations across Japan:
Chubu
• Nagoya
• Kanazawa City
Chugoku
• Hiroshima
Hokkaido & Tohoku
• Daimaru, Sapporo
• Sendai
Kansai
• Kyoto
• Osaka DX
• Osaka
Kanto
• Tokyo DX
• Nihombashi
• Tokyo Mega
• Tokyo-Bay
• Shibuya
• Skytree Town
• Yokohama
Kyushu & Okinawa
• Fukuoka
• Okinawa
If you are in Tokyo, then visit the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo. It is in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City mall. This center is undoubtedly the world of Pokemon.
8. Original Nintendo HQ
Nintendo’s original 1930s headquarters just reopened as a hotel. Now, you can stay at a boutique hotel with a rich history. The building keeps intact the building’s original characteristics.
The original Marufuku nameplate is on the building. The hotel is inclusive.
You get all the drinks, snacks, and access to the hidden library. Staff carries your luggage up to your room for you.
Rooms feature modern touches. A flat-screen TV, for instance. Fridges with a total stock of drinks. Also, an entire supply of amenities and dual showers. In addition, room service is available on request.
There is a 24-hour snack and drink area, including a coffee machine.
The hotel has 18 rooms.
If you’re a video game lover, visiting Nintendo’s old headquarters is an experience not to be missed.
Plan Your Japan Video Game Attraction Itinerary
If you’re a video game lover, then you will appreciate the diverse range of places available to visit in Japan.
Whether it is attending Tokyo Game Show or visiting Nintendo’s original headquarters, there are several amazing and iconic locations for you to see.
These places make Japan a mecca of sorts for video game culture. Go there and have your fill.
Before departing you might also like to view some essential things to know before visiting Japan and some useful Japanese phrases which can really make your trip her easier and more fun.
