Japan’s arcades are no different from western arcades for the most part, but they do put a unique spin on things that’ll leave you in awe!
Car racing games
Just about any arcade you visit in Japan will have several lanes of car racing games to play. The most common is the Initial D car racing games, a franchise that is based on a popular car racing anime series from the 90s.
It’s not all Initial D though, as you will find countless franchises of car racing games in Japan’s arcades. The love and passion for these games go deep, and at certain times of the day, you may see flocks of high schoolers and college students energizing the atmosphere through fierce races and competition with one another.
Drum games
Drum games are nothing new in the world of arcades, but there is a unique twist to them that you’ll only find in Japan’s arcades. Unlike the typical drum game, these ones feature Japanese “taiko” drums which are made from animal skin and can produce sounds louder than 130 decibels, rivaling that of a jet engine sound.
Of course, it is unlikely that a human drummer will be able to hit the drum hard enough to produce that kind of sound output in an arcade, so there is no need to worry about going deaf here. However, taiko drums do offer a unique sound when the impact is made with the wooden drum sticks that are likened to old Japanese folk music and
Claw machines
Another recurring theme of Japan’s arcades is their claw machines, which I assure you, there is no shortage of. From anime plush toys to detailed figurines and even machines for grabbing food and drinks, there is no claw machine you won’t find in the arcade hub of the world.
Truthfully, I’ve never succeeded at these claw machines before, albeit I don’t try them too often. There must be a trick to it as you’ll often find either extremely lucky or extremely talented individuals pulling themselves a hoard of collectible goods from these classic arcade machines.
“Gachapon” machines
“Gachapon” is a Japanese word with a very specific meaning which doesn’t quite have an English equivalent. Possibly having its roots in the English word “Gotcha,” the term Gachapon refers to these types of dispensers that hold plastic capsule toys inside.
A “Gacha game” refers to any game, be it these physical dispensers or an electronic mobile game, which involves the concept of “pulling” and hoping to get a “top-tier” character. These machines can be found everywhere in Japan from arcades (you’ll find heaps of them here) to train stations and in random spots on the streets!
Vending machines!
Last but not least, every arcade in Japan will have multiple vending machines for drinks and snacks, the same machines you’ll see everywhere on the streets. Conveniently placed, they provide sustenance and hydration for enthusiastic gamers that spend hours on end immersed in their favorite arcade activities.
For the most part, these vending machines are no different from the ones you’ll find outside on the streets. However, you will occasionally come across a cool themed vending machine such as this retro one that matches the unique retro theme of this particular arcade in Tokyo.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!