Nakano Broadway: Tokyo’s Hidden Treasure Trove for Anime, Manga, and Pop Culture Enthusiasts

Nakano Broadway, located in the heart of Nakano, Tokyo, is a haven for pop culture enthusiasts. It offers a rich blend of anime, manga, and Japanese subculture.

Though Akihabara often takes the spotlight as the ultimate destination for otaku (geek) culture, Nakano Broadway is a more specialized and eclectic alternative, gaining popularity among collectors and enthusiasts. Unlike Akihabara’s high-tech, modern vibe, Nakano Broadway exudes a retro charm, where visitors can find rare, vintage, and second-hand treasures.

With its convenient location, just minutes from JR Nakano Station, this four-story shopping complex is a must-visit for anyone exploring Tokyo’s pop culture landscape.

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What is Nakano Broadway?

Nakano Broadway, which opened in 1966, was originally intended to be a high-end shopping mall aiming to replicate the energy of New York’s Broadway.

The name “Broadway” was chosen to establish it as a cultural hub, just like its namesake. However, over the years, it transformed into something quite different—a mecca for pop culture, particularly anime and manga.

After Japan’s economic bubble burst in the 1990s, the space evolved into what it is today: a treasure trove of niche stores catering to anime, manga, and subculture enthusiasts.

Nakano Broadway is famous for its diverse collection of anime and manga-related stores, rare collectibles, and second-hand goods.

The building is spread across four levels, with the upper floors being especially popular among collectors. The second and third floors house specialty shops selling everything from figurines and manga to rare animation cels and vintage toys. The first floor and basement level offer more conventional shopping, including groceries, clothing, and everyday essentials.

It’s this unique mix of the mundane and the fantastical that gives Nakano Broadway its quirky charm.

What to Do at Nakano Broadway

Explore Anime, Manga, and Pop Culture Shops

Nakano Broadway’s greatest appeal lies in its collection of stores catering to the anime, manga, and subculture worlds.

Among the highlights are the MANDARAKE stores, a chain that specializes in second-hand goods, with its flagship store located right here. MANDARAKE began as a second-hand bookstore in the 1980s and has since grown into one of the largest chains for anime, manga, and collectibles in Japan.

Here’s a breakdown of the must-visit shops inside Nakano Broadway:

MANDARAKE Honten

Located on the third floor, MANDARAKE Honten is the original store in the chain and boasts one of Tokyo’s largest selections of used manga. Whether you’re a long-time collector or a newcomer to manga, this store offers something for everyone.

The sheer volume and variety of manga here is astounding, with entire shelves dedicated to vintage and out-of-print editions. If you’re looking to expand your collection or discover a rare title, this is the place to do it. For international visitors, it also serves as an excellent opportunity to pick up manga in Japanese, which can double as a fun and immersive language-learning tool.

MANDARAKE Special 2

Also located on the third floor, MANDARAKE Special 2 focuses on anime figures, ranging from popular Shonen Jump characters like Dragon Ball and One Piece to beloved Japanese Disney icons like Duffy and ShellieMay.

The shop carries both new and second-hand figures, often featuring rare or limited-edition collectibles that are no longer in production. Prices can be high, but the quality and rarity of the items make it worth the cost for serious collectors.

MANDARAKE Special 3

This third store on the same floor specializes in Sentai Hero merchandise, the Japanese equivalent of superheroes. If you grew up watching Power Rangers or Kamen Rider, this store will take you on a nostalgic journey.

Here, you’ll find action figures and memorabilia from both current and older generations of Japanese superhero shows. Some of the items are second-hand, but they’re well-maintained and offer a chance to own a piece of Japanese superhero history.

MANDARAKE Henya

MANDARAKE Henya, often described as the strangest of the MANDARAKE stores, sells quirky and bizarre items that you won’t find anywhere else. Located on the fourth floor, this shop features vintage goods from the Showa era, including old toys, random collectibles, and strange memorabilia.

The store’s layout is intentionally chaotic, combining old-fashioned Japanese items with futuristic displays. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth visiting just for the experience.

The shop even attracts foreign tourists who come just to take photos of its eccentric displays.

Other Shops

In addition to the MANDARAKE stores, Nakano Broadway is filled with niche shops catering to very specific interests:

Luxury Watch Shops:

Surprisingly, Nakano Broadway also houses several high-end watch stores. These stores reflect the complex’s original concept as a luxury shopping center in the 1960s. Whether you’re a watch collector or just browsing, these shops offer a glimpse into Japan’s fascination with luxury timepieces.

Electronics Stores:

You’ll also find a few electronics stores, some offering tax-free options for international visitors. While not as abundant as in Akihabara, these stores are great for picking up gadgets, headphones, or cameras.

Cosplay Stores:

For those into cosplay, Nakano Broadway has several shops selling everything from school uniforms to wigs and accessories. There are even stores offering props and clothing for specific anime characters, perfect for fans preparing for the next big cosplay event.

Collectible Shops:

Nakano Broadway is a haven for collectors. Whether you’re into old Japanese currency, stamps, bromides of Japanese idols, or military uniforms, there’s a store for you here. One shop even specializes in printing custom images onto phone cases and accessories, offering a unique way to personalize your gadgets.

How to Get to Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is located just a 5-minute walk from JR Nakano Station, which sits on the JR Chuo Line.

If you’re traveling from Shinjuku Station, it’s just one stop away, making it a quick 5-minute train ride. From Shibuya Station, the trip takes about 20 minutes, including a transfer in Shinjuku.

Once you exit Nakano Station, you’ll walk through Nakano Sun Mall, a covered shopping street filled with local stores, cafés, and restaurants, which leads directly to Nakano Broadway.

View InformationHide

Information

Access	5 minute walk from Nakano Station (JR Chuo Line, Chuo-Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
Business Hours	Depends on the store. Stores open sometime from 10am to 12pm, and close around 8pm.
Official Website	https://nakano-broadway.com/

*Note: Regarding the business hours, most stores open around 10:00 AM. However, many specialty shops, particularly those on the upper floors, open later, usually around 11:00 AM or noon. Closing times vary but are generally around 8:00 PM. It’s recommended to visit in the late morning or early afternoon when all the shops are in full swing.

Tourist Reviews of Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway enjoys a strong reputation among visitors, with a 4.2/5 rating on Google from over 11,000 reviews, a 4.0/5 rating on Tripadvisor with over 500 reviews, and 84% of Facebook users recommending the location. It is also ranked as the #1 thing to do in Nakano on Tripadvisor, reflecting its popularity among both local and international visitors.

Here’s a look at some individual reviews from various platforms:

“This is the spot if you’re collectible hunting and want to try something that’s not Akihabara. This is a bit smaller but there are more rare items here.
Prices vary from store to store. Sometimes you’ll find items with stores next to each other with a huge difference in price. That’s just the way it is. There are four floors of goodies, so it can take some time.
Hours are all over the place for the stores. One second a store is closed, and the next it’s open. Try your luck and you might find a toy or CD/Video Game you’re looking for.”

– from Yelp.com

“We didn´t have much infos about this shopping centre but it was a stunning experience. From the outside this looks like every random shopping centre but if you go inside and pass the first floor you will discover lots of Mandarake Shops which have litteraly everything. It is impossible to go there and have a fast look because everything is so interesting and every little shop wants to be seen.”

– from Facebook

“What a great place to walk around looking at a mix of new and vintage toys and memorabilia. Prices ranged from reasonable to not so.
Shop operators were accomodating and obliging as requests came through. Enjoyed the few hours wandering, there was plenty of food/drinks and more re replenish your energy.
Overall great, would recommend – only downside was many shops were not open (maybe don’t open) and it was 2pm.”

– from Tripadvisor

Many reviewers love the mix of vintage and new items, the accommodating shop staff, and the overall vibe of the complex. However, a few visitors mentioned that not all shops are open during the day, suggesting it’s best to visit in the late morning or early afternoon. Overall, Nakano Broadway is well-loved for its quirky, retro charm and vast selection of collectibles, making it a must-visit for pop culture enthusiasts.

Tourist Attractions Near Nakano Broadway

While Nakano Broadway is the main attraction, there are several other interesting spots nearby that are worth exploring:

Nakano Sun Mall

This vibrant shopping street stretches from JR Nakano Station to Nakano Broadway. The covered arcade is lined with an array of shops, from traditional Japanese food stalls to modern clothing boutiques. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants offering everything from ramen to sushi. The lively atmosphere makes it a great place to stroll and grab a bite before or after visiting Nakano Broadway.

Nakano Central Park

Nakano Central Park is a nearby green space just north of Nakano Station. The park features open lawns, cafes, and a large fountain, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the urban setting. It’s also home to occasional events and markets, making it a lively spot on weekends.

Koenji

Just one stop away on the JR Chuo Line, Koenji is another charming neighborhood that’s worth visiting. Famous for its vintage clothing shops, quirky cafés, and underground music scene, Koenji is a hub for Tokyo’s alternative culture. If you have time, take a quick trip to explore the area’s unique shops and street art.

Is it worth going to Nakano Broadway?

Nakano Broadway is undoubtedly a must-visit for fans of Japanese pop culture and subculture. Its unique blend of vintage and modern shops offers something for everyone, from die-hard anime and manga collectors to casual visitors curious about Japan’s geek culture.

Its quirky, retro vibe sets it apart from Akihabara, offering a more laid-back yet equally fascinating experience. Whether you’re hunting for rare collectibles, looking to immerse yourself in anime culture, or simply want to explore an iconic part of Tokyo, Nakano Broadway is well worth the trip.

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