Nakano Broadway is a four-story shopping complex built in 1966 that has evolved into the world’s largest hub for vintage anime and manga collectibles. Located just 5 minutes north of JR Nakano Station, this retro Showa-era mall houses an incredible 27 Mandarake stores—Japan’s premier chain for pre-owned otaku goods—along with dozens of other specialty shops selling everything from 1980s Dragon Ball figurines to rare Pokemon cards.
Unlike the tourist-packed streets of Akihabara, Nakano Broadway retains an authentic, almost underground atmosphere. As one visitor described it on TripAdvisor: “This place feels like a treasure hunt through someone’s nostalgic attic, but that someone has impeccable taste in vintage anime.” The building’s deliberately dated architecture—complete with narrow corridors and fluorescent lighting—adds to its charm, creating a time capsule experience that serious collectors worldwide consider a pilgrimage destination.
According to Japan Travel Bureau Association (JATA), Nakano Broadway ranks as the 3rd most wanted Tokyo subculture destination among foreign tourists. Google Trends data shows search interest has surged 50% since 2022, with visitors from the US, UK, France, and Australia leading the charge. What draws them? The combination of affordable pricing (often 30-50% cheaper than Akihabara), rare vintage finds you won’t see anywhere else, and the thrill of discovering something truly special in this maze-like wonderland.
Nakano Broadway vs. Akihabara
Aspect
Akihabara
Nakano Broadway
Scale
Entire district (multiple buildings)
Single 4-story shopping mall
Atmosphere
Futuristic, neon-lit, tourist-oriented
Retro, Showa-era, underground vibe
Price Range
Tourist prices (higher)
Local prices (30-50% cheaper)
Product Focus
Latest releases, mainstream items
Vintage, rare, pre-owned collectibles
Crowd Level
Very crowded, especially weekends
Moderate, more breathing room
Best For
New merchandise, maid cafes, gaming
Vintage hunting, serious collectors, deals
What Visitors Say:
“Nakano Broadway seems to have way cheaper prices and a more unique and rare selection of items… It’s a very good place to find old anime stuff… nostalgic/vintage and you can find little treasures.”
— TripAdvisor Review, 2024
Why Foreign Collectors Love Nakano Broadway
Ranked #3 in JATA’s survey of most-wanted Tokyo subculture destinations, here’s what makes it irresistible
1
Vintage Treasure Trove
Find discontinued items from the golden age of anime (1980s-2000s) that you simply can’t get anywhere else. From original Dragon Ball Z Bandai figures to first-edition Pokemon cards, the selection is unmatched.
Popular Finds:
1989-1996 Dragon Ball Z merchandise
Original Sailor Moon transformation compacts
1995 Evangelion garage kits
First-gen Pokemon cards (1996-1999)
2
Mandarake Empire
With 27 specialized stores under one roof, Mandarake’s Nakano complex is the world’s largest marketplace for pre-owned manga, anime goods, and collectibles. Each store focuses on specific genres or eras.
Store Specializations:
Vintage toys & figures (1970s-1990s)
Doujinshi (fan-made comics)
Animation cels & production art
Retro video games & consoles
3
Affordable Pricing
As Tokyo Cheapo reports: “Nakano Broadway has really ousted Akihabara as the go-to place for finding deals.” Expect to pay 30-50% less than tourist-heavy areas.
Price Examples:
Vintage figures: ¥3,000-30,000
Animation cels: ¥10,000-100,000+
Trading cards: ¥500-5,000
Manga sets: ¥2,000-20,000
4
The Thrill of Discovery
The maze-like layout and overwhelming selection create a genuine treasure hunt experience. You never know what rare gem you’ll stumble upon in the next shop.
“Found my childhood here! Dragon Ball figurines from the 90s, original Pokemon cards, so many memories. Spent 3 hours and could have stayed longer!”
— Visitor from France, 2024
What Vintage Treasures Can You Find?
1980s-1990s: The Golden Age
Dragon Ball Z
• Early Bandai figures (1989-1996)
• Original Jump magazine inserts
• Carddass trading cards
• Game Boy cartridges
Sailor Moon
• Transformation compacts (1992-1997)
• Original dolls & plushies
• Food toy collectibles
• Animation production cels
Evangelion
• 1995 broadcast merchandise
• Early garage kits (unbuilt)
• Rare posters & pamphlets
• Laserdisc box sets
Early 2000s: Modern Classics
Pokemon
• First edition cards (1996-1999)
• Monster Ball merchandise
• Game Boy Color games
• Early Bandai figures
Digimon
• Original Digivice (Tamagotchi-style)
• Early action figures
• Card game first editions
• Food toy collections
Card Captor Sakura
• Clow Card replica sets
• Magic wand (early versions)
• Original plushies
• Animate limited goods
Ultra-Rare Collectibles
Animation Cels
Hand-drawn production art from pre-digital era anime. Prices: ¥10,000-100,000+
Limited Edition Box Sets
Laserdisc boxes, limited production runs. Extremely rare. Prices: ¥20,000-200,000+
Discontinued Figures
Out-of-production garage kits and limited releases. Prices vary wildly by rarity.
Getting to Nakano Broadway
From JR Nakano Station
JR Chuo Line (Rapid): From Shinjuku (5 min), Tokyo Station (20 min)
JR Sobu Line (Local): From Akihabara (15 min)
Exit through the North Exit (北口), walk straight for 5 minutes through the Sun Mall shopping arcade. Nakano Broadway is at the end of the covered street.
After your long flight, skip the train hassle and arrive at your hotel relaxed and ready to explore Nakano Broadway.
Private Narita Airport Transfer
A private vehicle with an English-speaking driver will meet you at arrivals and take you directly to your hotel near Nakano or anywhere in central Tokyo. No navigating confusing train stations with jet lag.
Save 30-60 minutes vs. navigating trains with luggage
Stress-free after a long flight—no language barriers
Cost-effective for groups of 2+ people
Plenty of space for all your luggage (and collectibles!)
BEYOND TOKYO
After Nakano: Experience Japan’s Icon
Once you’ve hunted for treasures in Nakano, venture beyond Tokyo to witness Japan’s most celebrated natural landmark.
Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip
This full-day guided tour takes you from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) and the scenic Hakone area, famous for its hot springs, Lake Ashi, and stunning views of Japan’s most iconic mountain.
After exploring Tokyo’s retro subculture in Nakano, this tour offers the perfect contrast—traditional Japan, natural beauty, and centuries-old hot spring culture. It’s the balance that makes a Japan trip unforgettable.
Duration
~12 hours
Difficulty
Easy walk
Departure
Central Tokyo
Group Size
Small group
Weather Note: Mt. Fuji is often cloud-covered. Tours run in all weather, but summit visibility is not guaranteed. The Hakone area remains beautiful regardless of conditions.
Your Vintage Treasure Hunt Awaits
Nakano Broadway isn’t just a shopping mall—it’s a time machine to the golden age of anime, a sanctuary for serious collectors, and increasingly, a must-visit destination for foreign tourists seeking authentic Japanese subculture experiences at honest prices.
While Akihabara dazzles with neon and spectacle, Nakano Broadway rewards patience and curiosity. Every corner turned, every shop explored, every dusty shelf examined could reveal that one treasure you’ve been searching for—whether it’s a childhood memory made plastic or a rare collectible that completes your collection.
As one American collector perfectly summarized: “Akihabara is where you buy what you know you want. Nakano Broadway is where you discover what you didn’t know you needed.”
Budget ¥10,000-30,000
For a good haul of vintage treasures
Plan 3-4 Hours
Minimum to explore thoroughly
Bring Extra Luggage Space
You’ll find more than you planned!
Welcome to Nakano Broadway
Where every visit is a treasure hunt, and yesterday’s nostalgia becomes today’s prized possession.
