Korean Job Discussion Forums

[positive]

So, I've got a couple days of vacation to tack on to a weekend this January. I like to play video games, and just picked up a modded Neo Geo (I said I like video games, right?) I'd like to spend a few days in Japan doing video game stuff, especially picking up Japanese games for my Neo.

Does anyone have any insight on:

1. Shopping for older games in Japan- Is there a good area or city to go to, or a Yongsan-like video game market where I'd discover lots of good retro "finds"?

2. What about a video game museum? I'm getting nothing in my search results.

3. And finally, sweet arcades, preferably filled with classics from my childhood, like "The Simpsons Arcade Game" and the six-player "X-Men" game with shoddy translation.

I am now open to suggestions, insight and ridicule. Please proceed.

[piratebryan]

there's an international manga museum in kyoto...sort of a tertiary interest in most gamers.

i don't know anything about it, just saw it on my last trip to japan.

[oskinny1]

I have been to the Manga museum, Kyoto is great, but don't go just for the museum, it isn't that great.

Akihabara in Tokyo is what you want, it's Japan's Yongsan. They have some arcades but not sure if you are going to find the classics you're looking for. You'd probably have a better chance in Busan's Nampo-dong finding older machines.

Another place to try is Nakano (in Tokyo). When you get off the train there is a long covered shopping area. Walk to the end of this and you will come to a building loaded with 4-5 floors of otaku delight. There is a chance they will have what you want.

[reactionary]

try this place in kyoto

http://www.ofriceandzen.org/2009/06/cafe-la-siesta

then go to osaka (40 minutes away) and go to Den Den Town - a few shops have older consoles. just walk down the main strip and peer inside any video game shops you see.

you can see the nintendo building in kyoto as well. cant go inside though.

[Bloopity Bloop]

GO TO SUPER POTATO IN AKIHABARA, TOKYO, JAPAN!

After you have browsed through all those awesome retro games, visit the Akiba Crossroads building and locate a ramen-ya called Kouryu Ramen.

Order the chyashyuu ramen for the best bowl of ramen you will have.

I guarantee it.

Lived in Japan for quite a while.

[positive]

This is what I was looking for! Thanks folks! If I were Santa, I'd be leaving Metal Slug X and a 32X with Spiderman: Web of Fire.

[adjective_noun]

I just spent a year in Tokyo, and I found Akihabara to be disappointing. It has become a tourist trap because everyone says "go to Akihabara for electronics." I found the gaming there to be pretty lame: unless you know Japanese, you probably won't be able to enjoy it much (just my opinion).

If you want to buy random games and technology, keep your eyes out for a big chain called Hard Off. They sell second-hand everything at good prices and I often spent hours drooling at the games, consoles, synthesizers, cameras and other gadgets they had. The stores are all over the place, so the international nerds don't get their greasy mitts on the gear so much.

IMHO the most awesome place for arcade games in Tokyo is Machida. Its about 30mins from Shibuya/Shinjuku but there are about 4 massive game centres there. Its more considered a youth/fun district than a nerd district, but its so awesome that I probably spent more money there than anywhere else in Tokyo.

Also, if you're into Sega arcade games, then check out the 3 story indoor Sega amusement park Joypolis in Tokyo Bayside. I recommend going there in the evening because the crowds are gone, so you can ride most attractions without waiting. House of the Dead 4 Special FTW!!

If you cant already tell... I miss Tokyo...