Tokyo Arcades and Gacha Machines: Crane Game Tips and the World's Biggest Capsule Toy Store
Published: 2026-10-15
Whole buildings full of games, and walls lined with capsule toy machines: Japanese game centers and gacha are uniquely Japanese fun. Here are crane game tips, the Guinness-record gacha store, and the rules worth knowing.
The short answer
| Game centers | Gacha | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Crane games, rhythm games, purikura and more | Insert coins, turn the handle, and get a small toy in a capsule |
| Where? | Station areas in Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya | Dedicated stores, station buildings, game centers |
| Payment | Mostly coins, with change machines (some take e-money) | Mostly coins, with change machines |
| Top pick | Akihabara's big multi-floor arcades | Gashapon Department Store in Ikebukuro |
Every game center has change machines. Break your notes into coins before you start.
What you can play
Crane games (UFO catchers)Prizes include anime figures and plush toys you can't get outside Japan.- Big chains include GiGO, Taito Station and Round1. Akihabara has several multi-story arcades side by side.
SEGA's arcades, famous for the red building in Akihabara, have since been renamed GiGO.
Crane game tips
- Study the prize first: pick one close to the chute or shaped so it's easy to hook.
- Don't expect a one-shot win: the usual way is to nudge it closer bit by bit.
- Ask the staff: they may reposition the prize or give you a hint.
It's easy to spend more than planned once you're hooked. Set a budget before you start.
Gacha: the world's biggest capsule toy store
Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro SohontenInside Ikebukuro's Sunshine City. In March 2021, its 3,010 machines earned the Guinness World Record for the most capsule toy machines at a single venue.
IkebukuroA neighborhood packed with anime shops. Combine it with the arcades for a full day.- Anime characters, hyper-realistic miniature food and much more. They're small and light, so they make great souvenirs.
- See our Ikebukuro and Akihabara pages.
Rules worth knowing
- Late-night limits for minors: under-18s can't stay late at night, and other age-based time limits apply.
- Photos: some arcades ban photography inside. Check the signs.
- No reselling prizes as a business: play for fun.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the most arcades in Tokyo?
Akihabara is the most famous. Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya also have big arcades near the stations.
Can I pay by card at Japanese arcades?
Most games take coins, and there are change machines. More machines now take e-money too.
Where can I find lots of gacha machines?
Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro Sohonten in Sunshine City holds a Guinness World Record.
Can I bring kids?
Yes, families are common during the day. At night, age-based entry limits apply.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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