Game Centers:

A Local’s Guide to Sunshine 60 dori

April 5, 2024

If you're looking for places to go in Tokyo, Sunshine 60-dori in Ikebukuro is a great stop to add to your itinerary. In addition to shops and restaurants, its main appeal is that it’s lined with game centers full of claw machines, arcade games, and gacha. It’s a great stop whether you’re with family, on a date, or just passing time on your own. In comparison to shops on the street which open at 11am, these game centers open at 10am and don’t close until 10pm or later, it’s an easy addition to any Tokyo itinerary when you have a bit of free time and want something fun and low-effort.

Read to the end for a local’s guide to the best game centers to visit—plus tips and tricks to help you win big.

GiGO 1

Pokemon stuffed animals in claw game at Ikebukuro

After exiting Sunshine City and passing Nitori and ABC Mart, the first game center you'll encounter is GiGO 1 (there are three GiGO locations on this street alone). The ground floor is packed with claw machines featuring both small and large plush toys, with many of the larger prizes showcasing the latest Pokémon characters. While the upper floors house more niche items like manga figurines and snacks, I find the first floor to be the most worthwhile—it has the most popular items.

In the past, I managed to win a medium-sized Eevee plush here, though I haven’t had much luck since. Because this is usually my first stop, and the larger machines cost 200 yen per play, I try not to linger—or spend too much—before moving on.

Namco

Next on my stop is Namco, which has a spacious first floor filled with claw machines, arcade games, and gacha capsules. From what I remember, this is where we’ve had the most success—we’ve won more stuffed animals here than anywhere else. Like most other game centers, the machines here cost 200 yen per play, but thanks to the better win rate, it feels like a more worthwhile stop.

One small detail I’ve noticed: the stuffed animals here rest on a layer of fake grass, which might make a difference. At places like GiGO, they’re often placed directly on plastic balls, which can make them harder to grip. I’m not sure if the surface really makes a difference, but it does feel like the prizes fall in your favor a little more often here.

Round1

Next up is Round1, best known for activities like bowling and karaoke—but they also have a surprisingly good selection of claw machines. Not only is there a wide variety of stuffed animals, but each play is just 100 yen, which makes it one of the more affordable stops.

One thing to keep in mind: Round1 is cash only. Unlike other arcades that accept IC cards or mobile payments, you'll need coins here. They do have machines where you can break 1,000 yen bills into change, but it’s also a good idea to charge your IC card at the station beforehand or use your mobile wallet if you have one.

To be honest, the cash-only rule makes it easier for me to walk away and save some money—but we’ve had decent luck here too, so I usually end up sticking around anyway. The claw machines use a mix of setups: some use plastic balls, others those little plastic “rocks” like you'd see in a fish tank. I haven’t won enough to figure out which setup is easier, but once you're playing, it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference.

Chiikawa stuffed animals from a claw machine

GiGO Main Branch

Last on the list is the GiGO main branch, and as the largest location on the street, it’s pretty hard to miss. By the time you get here, you might be tired and out of coins—but it’s still worth popping in. They usually have a wider range of characters than the other locations, including some you won’t see elsewhere.

Like the other GiGO branches, plays for larger stuffed animals are 200 yen, and most of the prizes sit on plastic balls, which might make things trickier. I’m usually running low on energy (and money) by the time I make it here, so I haven’t played much—but I haven’t won anything here yet. Still, it’s fun to browse and take in the atmosphere.

These arcades are open from 10 AM to 11 PM, so even if you skip it at first, you’ll probably have time to circle back if you get a second wind.

Tips and Tricks

Check the bags people are carrying – Winners often get a clear bag with the game center’s logo, so you can spot which locations people are winning the most at.
Charge your Suica or IC card in advance – Avoid dealing with too many coins, especially at arcades that accept cashless payment.
Ask staff to reposition prizes – If a prize is stuck or in a weird position, staff are happy to adjust it to its original position.
Ask for tips – Staff can also give hints on the best strategy for certain machines.
Watch out for tricky shapes – Round or top-heavy plush toys are much harder to win.
Check how many prizes are left in a machine – Fewer remaining prizes can be a good sign that it’s been winnable for others.

Don’t forget to check our map for all the specific locations