Travel blogger La Carmina tries her luck in a Nakano Broadway game center. (Photo by Said Karlsson, hair by Kukukachoo)
Retro video games(02 of16)
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Inside, you can play with arcade games from the 1980s. (Photo by Said Karlsson)
Gate to geekdom(03 of16)
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This isn\'t the entrance to a Shinto temple, but to a shop filled with robots and figurines. (Photo by Said Karlsson)
Ramen shop(04 of16)
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Nakano has plenty of inexpensive little eateries, such as this ramen joint near North Exit. (Photo by Said Karlsson)
Jump, jump(05 of16)
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It\'s a neighborhood chock full of character, lit up by colorful signs. (Photo by Said Karlsson)
Glowing lanterns(06 of16)
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At night, there are plenty of eccentric bars to visit. (Photo by Said Karlsson)
Japanese monster bar(07 of16)
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Such as this dai-kaiju bar, dedicated to Japanese monsters and strange beasts. (Photo by Naomi Rubin)
Toys and cosplay(08 of16)
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Visitors can try on monstrous costumes, play with toys, and watch old Ultraman films. (Photo by Naomi Rubin)
Night lights(09 of16)
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Nakano station is a five-minute direct ride from Shinjuku, making it a convenient location for travelers to stay.
Living local(10 of16)
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It\'s pricy to live in a Tokyo hotel, so I recommend renting a fully furnished apartment from a foreigner-friendly company like Live in Asia.
Nakano Broadway(11 of16)
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One of the best places in Tokyo to find pop culture underground goods.
Robot toys(12 of16)
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Inside, you can find collectible items such as these retro figures.
Japanese hentai (13 of16)
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Some stores sell racy comic books and toys.
Totoro donuts(14 of16)
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On the innocent side, a bakery features Totoro-shaped pastries, based on characters from the Hayao Miyazaki film.
Goth cafe(15 of16)
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Omega Algea is a spooky tea room, filled with skeletons and chandeliers.
Dark arts(16 of16)
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The back room is an art gallery for underground works. For more about Tokyo Goth culture, including shopping and nightlife guides, visit La Carmina blog.