Where to buy retro games, cameras and records in Tokyo

The city of Chiyoda, Tokyo is a charming blend of historical significance and modern innovation, with all the retro charm in between. In addition to iconic landmarks like the Imperial Palace, the city is bathed in the glow of ancient culture, from the specialty shops of Kanda to the hidden record shops of Ochanomizu to the lively atmosphere of Akihabara.

For those craving a nostalgic trip or curious about the technology that shaped the analog era, Chiyoda Ward is a haven for all things retro. Vintage video games, classic cameras, vinyl records, and other treasures from the pre-digital era sit quietly waiting to be rediscovered. Wandering through these shops feels like stepping into an accessible, slightly unwieldy yet charming past.

Where to buy retro games in Tokyo

Chiyoda City’s Akihabara and Kanda neighborhoods are a haven for gamers, especially those who grew up playing cartridges and hoping for the best. Often hailed as Japan’s number one retro gaming stock, Super Potato Akihabara is more than just a gaming super center. It’s a living museum filled with merchandise that chronicles the game’s evolution from its pixelated beginnings to cult classic.

Browse an unparalleled collection of classic video games, consoles, controllers, accessories and merchandise spread across multiple floors. Starting on the third floor of the Kitabayashi Building, you can find products such as the Famicom (NES), Nintendo 64, Game Cube, Game Boy, Wii, and more. The fourth floor is dedicated to Playstation, PSP, Nintendo DS, Xbox and PC games, as well as game music and collectibles. Don’t forget to visit the game room on the fifth floor, which has retro game consoles where you can play with old-school games starting from just 100 yen per session his hair (Japanese Penny Candy) A wave that runs through childhood.

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Also in Akihabara, Retro Game Camp is a compact but crowded retro game store that sells a variety of games, controllers, and parts at some of the area’s most affordable prices, making it a favorite among collectors and bargain hunters. Every vintage item is checked for functionality, and staff will replace decades-old batteries with new ones so players can seamlessly relive their favorite memories. The store even offers a five-year battery warranty to ensure satisfaction.

As the name suggests, Kanda Rare Items Studio has a wide range of rare treasures, including consoles and cartridges, toys, trading cards, and software. Specializing in retro products from the ’80s and ’90s, the store is a gold mine for lovers of the unique flavors of that era. In addition to technology, you’ll find vintage magazines, vinyl records, DVDs, posters and other hard-to-obtain pre-digital artifacts.

Where to buy vintage cameras in Tokyo

Smartphones and digital cameras certainly have their advantages, but old-school cameras have a unique charm and character to them—something you just can’t capture with a touch screen. Whether you are a professional, a collector or just enjoy analog photography, Chiyoda Ward has something for you.

Seekbase feels like a cave hidden beneath the train tracks between Akihabara and Okachimachi. Here you’ll find a village full of specialty shops, including 2nd Base (designed as 2ndBASE by sanpou Camera). This is a vintage camera shop with a beautiful collection of different models – from cute toy cameras to beautifully crafted vintage film cameras. The store not only sells used cameras, but also stocks brand new products, including film rolls, accessories and a wide range of lenses from well-known brands such as Fuji, Canon and Leica.

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Lemon-sha Akihabara is another photography specialty store with an impressive collection that’s sure to make any movie lover’s heart beat faster. Their imported models include legendary brands such as Hasselblad, Rolleiflex and Ringhofer. The store’s product lineup is an exhibition of the history of photography. Lemon-sha also offers instant cameras, antiques, videography equipment, and more for entry-level artists and seasoned veterans. The store also has its own photo studio, where professional photographers can take ID photos, audition photos and commemorative family photos.

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Where to find vinyl records in Tokyo

For music lovers, time disappears as you browse through boxes after boxes of albums in Chiyoda Ward, where second-hand music shops hide forgotten favorites. The walls of the aforementioned Rare Items Studio are filled not just with games, but with music from the Japanese urban pop era, anime soundtracks, and other global hits.

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Disk Union has several shops around Ochanomizu Station offering different music genres including classical, soul, hard rock and heavy metal. The Disk Union Ochanomizu Ekimae store has a wider selection, including a variety of styles to suit the needs of all kinds of music lovers. They have a vast inventory of over 70,000 items, including CDs, cassettes, records, books, collectibles, and even music-branded liquor for those who enjoy nostalgic music.

Back in the space below the tracks, Recofan Akihabara Seekbase has an extensive library of vinyl, CD and cassette tapes from Japanese and international artists. With over 20,000 records, 50,000 CDs, and new items added daily, it’s easy to get lost in the music as you rediscover old favorites and stumble upon something new. RecoFan organizes its inventory neatly and provides each category with clear labels for easy exploration. The store is also stocked with 100 yen discs, an irresistible deal for anyone digging through the box.