GiGO Akihabara

Fun and vibrant place right in the heart of Akihabara! Great selection of crane games, from cute plushies to anime collectibles. It can get busy, but that just adds to the energy. Everything is clean, well-lit, and the staff is helpful if you get stuck. If you’re into arcades or just want to try your luck with claw machines, - definitely worth a visit. I may or may not have spent too much trying to win a stuffed Pikachu

Definitely the most iconic arcade in Akihabara. It was more famous when it was the SEGA arcade, but the building is very iconic. Bit more expensive then other arcades but I ended up winning a Miku figure and a CityHunter figure. Staff was helpful resetting prizes and making them a bit easier.

GiGO Akihabara is still one of the most recognizable and energetic arcades in Tokyo, but for those of us who remember the golden era of the Sega building, there’s definitely a bittersweet feeling walking through it now. The exterior is largely the same—bright red, bold signage, that unmistakable Akihabara energy—but something in the air carries a bit of history with it. For years, the Sega arcade was a landmark, not just geographically but emotionally. It was a symbol of what Akihabara was all about—pure, unapologetic dedication to gaming culture. The change to GiGO hasn’t stripped that away, but it does feel like the end of a chapter. That said, GiGO has done a respectable job keeping the spirit alive. Inside, it’s everything you’d want in a modern arcade—rows of crane games, rhythm games like maimai and Taiko no Tatsujin, fighting games, and the newest releases sitting right alongside fan favorites. The UFO catchers are loaded with limited-edition anime figures and plushies, and even if you don’t win, it’s fun to just walk around and soak it all in. The staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is still buzzing with that otaku charm. The upper floors often have pop-up exhibits or themed events, sometimes collaborating with popular anime or game franchises, which keeps things feeling fresh. But for longtime fans, it’s hard not to glance at a corner and remember what used to be there—a particular machine, a gathering spot, a moment frozen in time. So while it’s no longer called Sega, and the logo on the building has changed, GiGO still holds the heart of what made this place special. It’s a place to play, to connect, and to celebrate the culture of gaming and anime. And for those of us who remember when it said “SEGA” in bold blue letters, it’s also a place to quietly say thank you.

I remember when this was named SEGA building. It has since been renamed GiGO following GENDA’s share acquisition. I wonder how this news was received in Japan. Sega Arcades seem like such an iconic brand there from what I understand. I guess nothing is forever.

A very dangerous place for your wallet to wonder alone in. Ask the employees for help if you need it.