Taito Station - Ameyoko, Ueno

Ueno's best selection.

You'd be hard pushed to persuade any gamer to take the short ride away from Akiba and go arcade touring in Ueno. Dramatically less variety and only a few actual video game arcades, Ueno can't offer what Akiba has, but does have some pretty strong communities.

Taito station gets it right though. 3 floors, UFO catchers, rhythm games and old school gaming on the top floor makes attracts a slightly different demo to those in Akiba. Most prominently as a date spot, with UFO catchers, rhythm and shooter games getting the youngsters in. The top floor with StreetFighter, Tekken and Gundam catering for the local hosts, hostesses and salarymen in the area.

Definitely the one to visit if you're around Ueno way.
DD

Playlot Joy - Kichijoji, Tokyo

The most arcadey of arcade names.

One of the best arcade hubs in Tokyo, with three top notch arcades within 2 minutes of one another, "Playlot" ticks all the right boxes.

The classic 3 floors of gaming goodness starts with UFO catchers and Taiko on the ground floor. Second floor dedicated to rhythm and gun games, and the third to the fighting game community.

As has become pretty common, some of these lesser known indie arcades are actually either part or fully owned by Taito corporation.

Although you'll struggle to find any retro classics, their affection for old school decor is a site to behold, maintaining what seems to be the original 90's color scheme and neon lights. Couple this with an onslaught of posters from video games past and present and you'll glad you came.

プレイロットジョイ
〒180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 1 Chome−8−23, 河田ビル
http://goo.gl/maps/6etgq

Taito Station - Kinshicho, Tokyo

Kinshicho's gaming hub.

A year or so back Kinshicho would've been a gamers paradise with SEGA, Adores, Mitoya and Taito all within a 10min radius. Time rolls on though, leaving just the big two to tussle for custom.

Taito's setup, always strong, teams with patrons, catering for all kinds of gamers and prize hunters. Just a single floor but extremely spacious, this one has everything you're looking for, from Gundam and StreetFighter to every up to date rhythm game and UFO catcher imaginable. Although lacking retro games or any surprises, respect as always to Taito for knowing their demographic.

Absolutely worth popping in if you're around the way.
DD

Arcade "Oslo Game" - Shinjuku, Tokyo

Contender for smallest arcade in Japan.

Just a few cabs and a bunch of UFO catchers but still worth a mention. Deep in the heart of Kabukicho there are a few of these places tony arcades scattered around, essentially pandering to the Hosts and Hostesses working in bars around the local area.

Ground floor has a few throw away games, but good fun if you're wantin to up your Mario kart skills. Mainly UFO catchers..
Second floor - darts, with just a few Gundam cabs.

Oslo itself is an independent arcade chain spread around a few places in Tokyo (Tachikawa's being the biggest joint).

MeetUp - Takadanobaba "Mikado"

Much thanks for comin down tonight gents, good games all round!

Arcade "Namco" - Nakano, Tokyo

Hell of a spacious and well thought out floor space makes this an awesome place to game. Definitely supporting the UFO catcher scene first and foremost but also have every current Namco cab on release too.

Central Tokyo arcades have a tendency to over-cab their places leading to a lot of distractions while playing. Blows trying to focus whilst gettin nudged in the back.

Being a Namco arcade they also hold fortnightly tournaments to keep things fresh, hygienic and non-smoking areas make it a cert for our upcoming meet ups.

Arcade "Vortex" - Roppongi, Tokyo

4 months back the last arcade in Roppongi shut down. It truly blows to see a place with potential just boarded up. 

Being located on the outskirts of a red light district might sound like a detriment to a game center, but actually some of the most successful indie places have that in common. Often hosts, hostesses take to the arcades before, after and during catering hours to kill time.

Signs read:
"December 27th 2013, Game Center operations will stop."
"Roppongi has become a town without a Game Center."
"Thank you for 18 years."

"Amusement Land Kyonta Gon", Okubo

Real old school arcade in the heart of Korean Town, Gon has been rolling for 15 years plus. 50¥ games, old and new, one of the few arcades selling potato chips (shocking).

Thought Okubo had dropped off as an arcade town last year but realizing there are actually 3 joints in the area.. Dope.

Located just a 10minute walk from Shinjuku, Okubo is perfect for some casual games, drinks and laughs.