Nakano Broadway — Attraction in Tokyo

I had heard about Nakano Broadway as being an alternative otaku mecca in Tokyo versus the more famous district of Akihabara but hadn't had a chance to visit on previous trips to Japan. This time I made it a point to check it out and it was certainly worth the trip and I would highly recommend it to any fellow otaku but with some caveats.

First off, Nakano Broadway is primarily a great place to shop for pre-owned merch rather than new stuff. It's an older commercial center with the bulk of the anime and pop culture-themed shopping being made up of the 27 different Mandarake shops scattered all over the second to fourth floors of the mall. Yes, that's right TWENTY-SEVEN, but each shop specializes in a particular category of pre-owned goods ranging from manga to anime figures to diecast cars to kaiju/tokosatsu goods to cosplay items and so on. Mandarake is one of Japan's biggest pre-owned retailers and Nakano Broadway houses their headquarters so you'll find an ample selection of items but that also means a lot of searching through often tightly-packed stores to find any items you're interested in. Scattered amongst the Mandarake shops are various smaller stores selling a mix of new and used items. The new stuff that's for sale tends to be goods from older series and not merchandise from the latest and greatest shows or games – for that you'll want to stick to Akihabara where there's a far greater selection of new release goods.

Another caveat is that Nakano Broadway can feel like an absolute maze with a scattershot arrangement of stores and corridors going every which way so allot plenty of time to browse if you're here for otaku goods shopping. The basement level is mainly groceries and the first floor is mainly clothing and everyday items so head straight to the second, third, and fourth floors if you're only interested in pop culture stuff. Yes, Akihabara is far more confusing due to its sheer size, especially to the newbie, but Nakano Broadway can still be pretty maddening considering it's just one building and especially given the normal Japanese propensity for orderliness.

If you have the time and can put up with Nakano's eccentricities it can be very rewarding though. After the first few stores seemed to be yielding squat on my visit I did find a new figure for a favorite character from a not-so-recent but still popular anime series for a rock bottom price, several unique die-cast cars, and a promotional Nissan GT-R DVD I'd never seen before for cheap. Other items also tempted me but luggage space considerations helped save my wallet from more suffering. Go into Nakano Broadway with patience and a treasure hunting mentality and you'll...

A Treasure Trove for Anime Fans and Watch Enthusiasts: Nakano Broadway Our recent visit to Nakano Broadway in Tokyo was an absolute delight and a must-see destination for anyone with a passion for anime, manga, vintage toys, and especially, watches. This multi-level complex truly lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem. Spread across what we understood to be four floors (though the fourth seemed largely closed or inaccessible during our visit), the first three floors were a vibrant and exciting maze of shops catering to a wide range of niche interests. For me, as a watch enthusiast, Nakano Broadway was nothing short of breathtaking. To witness such an incredible collection of diverse and rare watches in one place was an experience I never anticipated. I encountered timepieces that I had only ever dreamed of seeing, and the sheer variety and historical significance of some of the models on display were truly mind-blowing. However, it's worth noting that the pricing of the watches did lean towards the more expensive side. Coming from Hong Kong, where I have some familiarity with the watch market, I observed that certain models were available in HK at a relatively lower price point, perhaps 5 to 10% cheaper. While this difference can be significant when dealing with high-value timepieces, it didn't diminish the overall allure of Nakano Broadway. Despite the slightly higher prices, the sheer volume and rarity of the watches on offer make Nakano Broadway an invaluable destination for collectors and enthusiasts. Even if you're not looking to buy, simply browsing the incredible selection is an experience in itself. In conclusion, Nakano Broadway is a fantastic and unique place to visit in Tokyo. If you have any interest in anime, manga, vintage collectibles, or especially watches, you absolutely must make time for a visit. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety and the opportunity to see some truly exceptional and rare pieces. Just be mindful of the pricing, and enjoy getting lost in this fascinating and unforgettable...

I came here both cause I'm a Digimon fan and played Digimon Cyber Sleuth where the main detective agency is based, but also as an anime fan. I'm an early bird, so I was aware the mall doesn't open til 11, so I was shopping at stores in the hall leading up to it....but even then, there are many stores that don't open til 12. I got some food from outside, but there are NO SEATS anywhere inside the broadway. I tried to just sit on the floor, but less than 3 minutes later, a random japanese man who was walking by gestured for me to get up. I was tired as I was dragging my luggage and suitcase just to get there (no big lockers as I hoped by the station), and then I can't even sit as I wait for stores to open...well I could have tried again, but I wasn't trying to start problems when I'm the foreigner. Thankfully, I was able to get a seat by the arcade section upstairs and no one told me to move (no one was there anyways). I only ended up checking about 3-4 stores, got a few anime related keychains and plushies, but didn't really have a mission when it came to shopping, just wanted to look around, and enjoy the digimon nostalgia. I will admit to being a bit dissappointed as it seems to be one of Japan's older shopping buildings? Similar to the feel and mustiness of a flea market. The shop owners are nice, and when I asked one shop owner if they had digimon stuff, they got a map out and showed me which shop to go to to find some. I used the washroom a couple times in my short stay, it was the first time I came across a washroom without papertowel or blow dryers. I was aware that this could happen in Japan, and thus the popularity of hankerchiefs, but it is a bit of an issue when you aren't prepared for it. Either way, nice mall to check out, but be prepared to stand and walk the whole time unless you are eating at a...