Japanese cartridges are region locked on some consoles, so check compatibility before you buy. Boxed and complete copies are where Japan shines.
Akihabara 3 floors mapped
The most famous retro game shop in Japan, with Famicom, Super Famicom and Game Boy titles stacked to the ceiling.
Retro games, Arcades
Tip: Take the stairs, the lift is tiny. Boxed games are cheaper on floor 4 than in the glass cases on floor 3.
Nakano Broadway 3 floors mapped
Over 25 small Mandarake branches spread across the building, each with its own specialty.
Figures, Doujinshi, Retro games, Trading cards
Tip: Most shops open around noon, so come after lunch.
Nakano Broadway 1 floors mapped
Independent stalls selling boxed Famicom games, Game & Watch and vintage Pokémon goods.
Retro games, Gachapon
Den Den Town 1 floors mapped
Osaka branch of the famous retro shop, usually calmer than Akihabara.
Retro games
Den Den Town
Official Capcom store with Street Fighter and Monster Hunter goods in Umeda.
Arcades, Figures
Where to stash your shopping bags at Akihabara, Nakano and Ikebukuro stations so you can keep hunting.
Suica, PASMO and ICOCA work on trains, in lockers and even at many gachapon and arcade machines.
Track your Pokémon card collection and plan which originals to hunt for in Japan.
