Nakano, Tokyo - 10 Brilliant Things To Do + Photos

The bright lights of Tokyo’s better known neighbourhoods often means travellers to Japan negate Nakano, but this is one must do district (and handily very close to Shibuya and Shinjuku).

From the shopping bonanza that is Nakano Broadway (‘otaku’ heaven) to towering ice-creams (plus some of the coolest looking alleys and anime / gaming galore), here is our to the best things to do in Nakano, Tokyo in Japan.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Nakano, Tokyo

1. Sun Road / Sun Mall Shopping Street

As you exit the main JR station in Nakano (North Exit), likely the first thing you’ll encounter is the vast entrance pillars to Sun Road Shopping Street, a huge and brightly lit shopping strip that has ‘Flash Gordon’ vibes (no really!). It entices you in with all manner of sights, sounds (and most importantly, smells).

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Sun Road / Sun Mall Shopping Street Nakano Tokyo

A nice way to start your Nakano trip, this is an old-school single lane shopping centre with a variety of chain stores, restaurants and independent shops. There are lots of street-food stalls in Nakano’s Sun Road Shopping Street so make sure you arrive hungry.

One other casual thing we loved about Sun Mall shopping street – the tinny sound system played some incredible soft rock tunes from the 80s and 90s; quite the audio experience!

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2. Nakano Broadway

Perhaps the currently best known ‘attraction’ in Nakano, this vintage shopping plaza is an aladdin’s cave of anime and gaming shops, plus home to hundreds of everyday stores, restaurants and homewares.

Based over several levels including an eclectic basement bazaar, Nakano Broadway is perhaps most famous for its Mandarake stores, which opened in the 1980s.

Whilst the Nakano Broadway building itself feels a little dated (it opened in the 1960s and seems to have barely changed since then), it is a place to seek out bargains and release your inner ‘otaku’ with gachapon galore on the basement level, thrift / vintage stores plus one of the biggest Daiso’s we’ve even to!

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3. Manadrake Nakano

Mandarake Tokyo is renowned worldwide as one of the best chains to buy all manner of modern and retro collectables, from manga models through to 70’s trading cards or dated Doraemon relics.

Seriously, we could happily spend hours browsing in Mandarake. There are multiple Manadrakes in Tokyo (the most famous one is the multilevel Manadrake in Shibuya) and Nakano is no exception with several Manadrakes dotted around Nakano Broadway, each specialising in different items.

We also really liked the bargain bins outside the main Mandrake shop by the Nakano Broadway entrance, a treasure trove of items for 100 Yen or else.

Mandarake stores suck you in, as you browse thousands of cool collectibles so allow plenty of time to visit their Nakano stores.

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4. Lotteria’s Koala Taiyaki / Koara no Machi Yaki

We couldn’t ‘bear’ to visit Nakano without trying this unique koala shaped snack at Nakano’ Lotteria fast food restaurant.

Whilst Lotteria’s themselves are hardly novel (it is one of Japan’s and South Korea’s most popular hamburger chains), the Nakano Lotteria branch in the Sun Road Shopping Street serves up a special treat – their own take on taiyaki, in the shape of a koala bear (Lotte’s company mascot). This is only available to buy in Lotteria’s Nakano store.

Lotteria’s Koala Taiyaki / Koara no Machi Yaki in Nakano, Tokyo

Such is the demand, there is a special Koala Taiyaki / Koara no Machi Yaki serving hatch (although to note on the day we visited, the hatch was closed so we had to go inside to order our koala taiyaki).

We’ve had a few taiyaki during our trips to Tokyo and Lotteria’s koala version was pretty good – the custard inside wasn’t too sweet or boiling hot, and the wafer tasted fresh and not stale like some other versions we’ve tried.

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5. Oodles of Noodles

Locals rave about the ramen shops in Nakano, with dozens of ramen restaurants to choose from and to suit all budgets. Nakano’s noodle big hitters including Jiraigen and Tokyo Michelin Guide awarded Aoba Nakano.

We opted to try Dan Dan (tantan) soupless noodles from a branch of King Ken in Nakano as they looked so colourful with the bright red chillies and lashings of fresh green coriander / cilantro.

For whatever reason, whilst the dish looked pretty, neither of us particularly enjoyed the king ken tantan noodles as they tasted so very salty.

There are lots of Nakano noodle restaurants (soba, ramen) to choose from so this is a foodie heaven.

6. Nakano Fureai Road

Eat, drink and be merry around Fureai Road (which also translates as ‘Getting to Know Each Other’ in Japanese). From the merriment of maid cafes to copious beers in the numerous izakayas here, this is Nakano’s top nightspot and nocturnal playground.

A myriad of bars and restaurants, Nakano’s Fureai Road is also one of Tokyo’s most photogenic streets.

At night, all the various eateries and bar’s signs light up to create an incredible nightscape, reminiscent of a Hong Kong street-scene. Given all the reflections, it is also a popular photography spot when it rains in Tokyo.

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7. Daily Chiko

N-icely does it – Nakano’s most famous ice-cream shop Daily Chiko produces HUGE ice-creams. We are talking colossal cones with soft serve that is bigger than your head; just remember to eat it quickly in the summer months.

With some ice-creams over 20 cm in height and almost ten layers of luscious dessert, you may recognise Daily Chiko’s offerings from Instagram.

Better still, you can combine flavours. There are around 10 varieties to choose from but the most popular combo at Daily Chiko appears to be matcha and vanilla; tasty AND traditional.

If you would rather have an ice-cream as dessert and start with something savory, Daily Chiko also operates a noodle stall next door – handy for when you are super hungry eh and fancy a two course meal.

Head to the basement of Nakano Broadway to find Daily Chiko – you will not be disappointed!

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8. Araiyakushi Baishoin

A little distance away from the main shopping streets (around a 15 minute walk) of Nakano brings you to Araiyakushi Baishoin, a beautiful Buddhist temple that originally dates back to the 16th century (although most of the site today is much more modern).

Renowned for its special festivals and sakura showing in the spring, Araiyakushi Baishoin is the perfect respite from the hubris of Nakano’s bars, restaurants and shops.

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9. Nakano Shiki no Mori Park / Nakano Central Park

Whilst not the most beautiful of parks or worth a special visit, Nakano Shiki no Mori Park is one of Nakano’s nicer green areas and a perfect spot to eat your street-food or have a park picnic.

If you fancy a coffee or snack but haven’t bought anything with you, you’ll also find a pleasant eatery here called J. S. Pancake Cafe.

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10. Juke 80’s Bar

Finally, we love a bit of 80’s music and with the whole Nakano vintage / retro feel, it seems fitting to round off your day trip to Nakano with a stop at legendary late night bar, Juke 80’s Bar.

One of the best underground bars in Nakano and with no cover fee, you can request and listen to your favourite 80’s hits All Night Long (All Night) – see what we did there?