Nakano Broadway is a renowned shopping complex situated in the Nakano district of Tokyo, celebrated as a sanctuary for subculture enthusiasts. This vibrant area is a treasure trove of unique shops dealing in anime, manga, figurines, and retro toys, attracting a plethora of visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Access and Address
Reaching Nakano Broadway is a breeze. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the North Exit of Nakano Station, served by the JR Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. The address is 5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, 164-0001.
Highlights and How to Enjoy
Nakano Broadway is more than just a shopping mall. It’s a place where you can enjoy art galleries, game centers, and print shops where you can create your own original goods. Additionally, there are other tourist spots nearby, such as Nakano Sunplaza and Nakano Central Park.
Born in 1966 during Japan’s rapid economic growth fueled by export-driven policies, Nakano Broadway emerged as a pioneering commercial and residential complex. It has since undergone various transformations, eventually gaining fame as a “subculture sanctuary” post the 1991 economic bubble burst. A key player in this transformation was “Mandarake,” a manga specialty second-hand bookstore that started its journey in a mere 2-tsubo (approx. 6.6 square meters) space in 1980. As traditional shops declined, various niche genre enthusiasts and shop owners gathered around Mandarake, creating a unique blend of old and new, mainstream and subculture.
However, not everything in Nakano Broadway is painted with the subculture brush. The complex houses a mix of community-based stores from its early days and the more recent, subculture-oriented shops, creating a unique coexistence that adds to its charm. In recent years, it has also become a focal point for venture businesses, with an increasing number of shops dealing in new business forms like Bitcoin and 3D printing.
Recommended Shops
Embed from Getty ImagesMandarake Main Store
Highlights: One of the largest manga shops, offering a wide variety of genres. Look out for the staff-recommended books section.
- Address: 3rd Floor, Nakano Broadway
- Phone: 03-3228-0007
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Closed: Open daily
Mandarake Henya
Highlights: A vintage shop selling quirky Showa-era toys and corporate novelties.
- Address: 4th Floor, Nakano Broadway
- Phone: 03-3228-0007
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Closed: Open daily
BIGYARD Railway Models
Highlights: A specialty store with a vast selection of second-hand railway models, primarily N gauge.
- Address: 2nd Floor, Nakano Broadway
- Phone: 03-6322-6441
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Please check their website for confirmation)
- Closed: Tuesdays
Toys Giallarhorn
Highlights: A store filled with Showa retro soft vinyl toys and capsule toys. Their original tote bags are also popular.
- Address: 4th Floor, Nakano Broadway
- Phone: None
- Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular (Please check their Instagram for updates)
Conclusion
Embed from Getty ImagesNakano Broadway is an irresistible spot for subculture enthusiasts, bustling with people searching for unique items such as anime, manga, and retro toys. With its convenient location, just a short walk from Nakano Station, it is a must-visit destination when touring Tokyo. While retaining its Showa-era ambiance, Nakano Broadway has transformed into a hub for the latest in pop culture, attracting tourists from around the world and fostering international exchanges among enthusiasts.
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