As we make our way out of yet another Japanese arcade and onto the illuminated sidewalks of Tokyo's Akihabara ward, a sense of shared contentment and exhaustion washes over me and my partner. In this precious moment together, we've just spent a day immersed in the world of vigorous gaming. Standing hand in hand outside on a slender metal railing, sipping on melon sodas from a nearby vending machine, we promise each other that the next game center will be our final stop of this gaming marathon.

Uncover Tokyo's Arcade Magic - A Gamers' Paradise

Advice for Getting Started

When exploring arcades from the street, appearances can be deceiving. Especially in Akihabara, don't be deterred by the first floor filled with claw machines. In most mega-arcades, each floor is organized by game type. Take a moment to check the wall map and discover which game types are available and which level suits your interests.Actually, claw machines, or UFO catchers, are worth a try. Even the most dedicated gamers should experience these lighthearted activities. With a bit of luck and skill, it's possible to win an oversized animal plushie, a kaiju figurine, or a cute sticker pack. If you're having trouble, simply press the attendant button and a staff member will assist you. They might even place the object you desire on the edge for you.Most arcade games require a 100-yen coin (about 70 cents), or sometimes a couple. There's no need to worry about getting coins in advance. We easily found change machines at every game center to convert cash into coins. Don't forget to bring a small coin purse or baggy to keep your loose change organized.The digital Suica card I downloaded to my iPhone was a great convenience in the arcades. Many newer machines accepted it as a tap-to-pay option. When I ran out of physical cash, it was simple to top off the Suica card on my smartphone and continue playing without leaving the arcade.

Movement Games and Gashapon Vending Machines

If you enjoy games that involve a lot of body movement, like Dance Dance Revolution, be prepared for some onlookers. It's okay to take off your backpack and place it in one of the baskets near the machine instead of on the floor.Arcades often have gashapon vending machines, which are dedicated to mystery capsule toys. Inserting coins allows you to receive one of the pictured trinkets. These machines are not only an interesting part of Japanese culture but also a fun way to get souvenirs. Try cranking the handle on a few gashapon and bring home miniature bottles of Kewpie mayo or tiny bullet trains. We ended up with a pair of buff, bodybuilder bird figurines.For a less crowded experience, going during the day on a weekday is ideal. Most arcades are open late into the evening, making for a fun after-dinner escapade. And seeing Akihabara lit up at night for the first time is truly breathtaking.

If You Only Have Time for One

If you only have time to visit one Japanese arcade during your trip to Tokyo, I highly recommend Gigo Building 3 in Akihabara. I had a great time at the nearby game centers, but Gigo 3 stood out with its wide variety of games. There's a whole floor dedicated to vintage experiences, including classics like Street Fighter and more obscure picks like Armadillo Racing.Even on the weekend when the arcade was busy, we were able to play any machine without waiting more than five minutes or getting distracted by nearby machines. On the claw machine floors, roaming staff attendants were always available to help with snagging an anime figurine or oversized plushie.If you're a racing game enthusiast, this is the place for you. The arcade's history as a Sega arcade means there are many cool classic racing games to choose from, such as Manx TT Super Bike and Rad Mobile. I could have spent hours bouncing between the different steering wheels of these retro machines.Compared to the Namco game center down the street, the selection of rhythm games was similar. However, in Gigo 3, we could play multiple rhythm games without feeling rushed by other patrons waiting in line. My personal favorite was Sega's Maimai machine. Watching nearby players smash the buttons at the right time was amazing, and I was content to play on the easier difficulty levels.Another fun experience in Gigo 3 is the picture booth section. While it's mainly filled with teenage girls perfecting their makeup, we had a great time taking photos and laughing as the software warped our faces. One booth even had a horror theme with a light narrative.We played hard at the games and never spent more than 5,000 yen (around $33) at any of the arcades in Tokyo. Overall, our experience at Gigo 3 was both budget-friendly and captivating.

Mario Rules His Home Turf

After taking an outdoor escalator to reach the entrance of 1-chome Playland on Tokyo's artificial island of Odaiba, I was greeted by nostalgic neon hues and some of the most mechanical arcade games I've seen on this trip. While there were other game options, the main attraction was an assortment of vintage machines with interactive mechanical elements. Despite their age and public use, most of the games were in great condition.The space may not be large, but around every corner, we found unique experiences. We happily spent our yen coins on various games, using a tiny chef's skillet to mash rodents and competing in ping-pong soccer. I almost landed three pinballs in a row while playing the Sailor Moon-themed tic-tac-toe.We saw many families with young children and couples on aesthetic dates at 1-chome Playland. It's easy to overlook this location next to family-oriented places like Legoland Discovery Center and Tokyo Joyopolis, but it's definitely worth the train ride. We spent an hour and a half playing and could have stayed longer on a less busy night.Just be prepared that any family outing here is likely to end with a trip to a nearby ice cream shop on the way back to the hotel. It's a perfect way to end the day.Looking for other great Japanese game centers in Tokyo? We also had a great time at Namco, HEY Taito, and GiGO #1, all in Akihabara and just a few blocks apart. For a more intimate experience, head to Takadanobaba, where the Mikado Game Center has a great selection of retro machines, and the nearby Natsuge Museum is a must-visit for pinball fanatics.