Do you want to know more about Japanese games or try retro games? There are several places where you can enjoy Japanese retro games that you don’t often see these days.
In this article, we will introduce 8 spots where you can experience retro games. In addition to arcade games, we also explain spots where you can play home video games, so please take a look.
■Spots where you can experience retro games 【Arcade game edition】
Here, we will introduce five spots where you can experience popular works now known as retro games and play them with valuable cabinets.
Among retro games, arcade games are game machines that are mainly installed in game centers and amusement parks. The feature is that you can enjoy inserting coins and special medals for each play.
“Mikado”, the sacred place for retro games
Mikado is a game center that is attracting attention from all over the world as a sacred place for retro games.
There are about 100 arcade games, which can be said to be a symbol of the game center culture of the 90s, and the attraction is that you can play them in the original cabinets. There are about 50 games lined up in the store, and there is also a pinball game, giving you an even more retro atmosphere.
Competitors of various ages, from their 20s to 40s, participate in the game tournament held inside the store. It is characterized by the gathering of game lovers of all ages.
You can feel the vibrancy of those days in a space where games are used as a communication tool, such as showing off your proud skills and praising the results of your practice.
“RETRO:G” where you can enjoy a wide range of games
RETRO:G is a retro game specialty floor located on the 6th floor of GiGO Akihabara Building 3. There are some games that retro gamers will be surprised to find that are still running today.
We also have games that can be enjoyed by one person, games that can be played by two people, and even cabinets that can be enjoyed by everyone. Another feature is that it has a wide range of genres, and in addition to fighting games, there are rhythm games, gun shooting games, and other games that you can easily enjoy.
Inside the store, there is a vending machine where you can eat cup ramen on the spot. Enjoy the ramen along with the game!
“Kasuga Entertainment Center” where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere
Kasuga Entertainment Center is a game center located in Osaka’s Shinsekai shopping district that has been running for over 50 years.
In addition to popular competitive games and rare games that can only be enjoyed here, there are also games that can be played for 50 yen, medal games, etc.
In addition to retro games, we also have familiar experience games such as UFO Catcher, as well as the latest games, so that a wide range of generations can enjoy them.
Original goods such as T-shirts, keychains, and tin badges make perfect souvenirs.
“Retro Game Center Zarigani” where you can enjoy rare games
“Retro Game Center Zarigani” is an experience spot where you can find rare games that even enthusiasts can enjoy.
Among the approximately 200 game consoles set up, some of them are said to be premium products that can fetch millions of dollars each, making it a must-see spot for retro game fans. The 2nd and 3rd floors have a large selection of fighting games, mainly popular titles.
In addition, two sister stores within a 5-minute walk have installations of the popular “Golgo 13” series and performances such as the world’s narrowest arcade.
The retro atmosphere makes it a popular photo spot among young women.
In addition, the game has been designed to be beginner-friendly, such as providing a play guide and adjusting the difficulty level, so it will be easy to enjoy.
“Royal Game Center” is easy for beginners
Royal, located in Umeda, Osaka, is a game center that has been around for about 40 years and retains a retro feel. Approximately 100 devices can all be played for 100 yen. You can enjoy works from the 1980s in the original cabinet, but the difficulty level is moderate so that even beginners can enjoy it.
As it is a famous place where retro game fans gather from all over the country, there are many high scorers in shooting and puzzle games, so you can have fun just watching the advanced players play.
■Spots where you can experience retro games 【Home games】
Here we will introduce spots where you can experience retro games that have become popular for home use, mainly on the Famicom. The inside of the store is even more influenced by hobbies than a game center, and is a space full of charm for game lovers.
The original game bar “8bit cafe”
8bit Cafe, a famous game bar that attracts many tourists from overseas, has everything from the classics to rare home game consoles.
The original game can be played by up to 10 people, so even a large number of people can have fun at the same time.
We are particular about our food and drinks, and our original cocktails inspired by the world of the game are especially popular. Another great feature is that you can enjoy your meal at a table in the game center where you can actually play.
In addition to retro games, the store is filled with music, manga, figurines, and more, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to Japan in the 80s and 90s.
“Retro game bar Toybox1102”, a relaxing place filled with hobbies
Toybox1102 is a reservation-only game bar where you can enjoy over 5,000 games, including retro games. The software on display is also filled with the store manager’s hobbies, and you may even find rare pieces that you’re completely unaware of.
It’s popular for its cozy atmosphere that feels like a friend’s home, while offering a full range of services such as reasonably priced food and drinks and a DJ booth.
This is an experience spot that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from those who want to casually enjoy playing a game for the first time to those who want to passionately talk about retro games.
“Famicom Bar Dendo” where you can enjoy games and drinks
Famicom Bar Dendo, whose signboard is designed to resemble the Famicom, is a spot where you can enjoy everything from retro games to the latest games.
There are over 1,500 titles of software purchased by the store owner, ranging from familiar popular games to nostalgic masterpieces, which you can play while drinking alcohol.
With 8 seats at the counter, it’s easy to communicate naturally, so even if you’re alone, you’ll have fun.
■Enjoy more of Japanese culture at a retro game experience spot
We introduced spots where you can enjoy arcade games and home video games, which are once again attracting attention as retro games.
At the spots we introduced, you can have fun playing arcade games at game centers with a retro atmosphere, or enjoy playing home video game consoles while drinking alcohol in spaces where gamers gather.
Why not use the contents of this article as a reference and enjoy a spot where you can experience retro games, which can be said to be the beginning of Japan’s gaming culture?
【Q&A】
Q.Are there any spots where you can casually enjoy retro games?
A. In Japan, there are game centers with retro games and bars where you can enjoy home game consoles. At these spots, you can easily experience retro games.
Q.Can I try out rare retro games?
A. “Retro Game Center Zarigani”, which is introduced in this article, sells rare retro games. There are other spots where you can enjoy rare retro games such as rare works and old cabinets, so it’s a good idea to check in advance to see if they are in operation.
