Part of our Things to Do with Kids in Tokyo series. Last checked: November 2026.
Can kids go to arcades in Tokyo? Yes. Tokyo’s game centres (ge-sen) are a fun, cheap treat for children during the day, with crane games (UFO catchers), rhythm and driving games, kids’ medal games and photo booths. Most games cost ¥100–¥200 a play, and there’s no entry fee. But arcades have age rules in the evening: in most of Japan, under-16s must leave by 18:00 unless they’re with a parent or guardian (and then usually by 22:00), and under-18s by 22:00. Each arcade posts its rules at the entrance.
What arcades cost
- Entry: free. You pay per play.
- Crane games: usually ¥100–¥200 per try, often with a discount for paying ¥500 up front. Winning a prize can take many tries; set a limit before you start.
- Kids’ and rhythm games: typically ¥100–¥200 a play.
- Medal games: buy a cup of tokens for a set price and play coin-pusher and slot-style games for tokens (no cash prizes).
- Photo booths (purikura): typically several hundred yen a session.
- Payment: many arcades take coins only, with change machines; some accept IC cards or e-money.
A simple rule that works: give each child a fixed budget, such as ¥1,000, in ¥100 coins.
Age rules for children
- Daytime: children of any age can visit with a parent.
- Under 16: generally not allowed in game centres after 18:00 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian; with a guardian, usually until 22:00. Most prefectures adopted this in 2016; before that, under-16s generally had to leave by 18:00 even with a parent.
- Under 18: not allowed after 22:00.
- Arcades inside larger venues (shopping malls, entertainment complexes) may follow the same rules; check the signs.
Rules are set by national law and prefectural ordinances, so check the notice at each arcade’s entrance.
Family-friendly arcades and game parks
- Big-chain arcades such as GiGO, Taito Station and Namco are found near major stations (Akihabara, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya). Lower floors usually have crane games; upper floors may have more intense video games.
- Shopping-mall game corners (for example, in large AEON malls) tend to be calmer and have games for small children.
- Round1 has arcade floors alongside bowling and its Spo-cha sports zones.
- BIGFUN Heiwajima combines a game centre with the Tondemi trampoline park, bowling and a cinema.
- Namja Town (Ikebukuro) is an indoor theme park run by Bandai Namco, with ticketed attractions rather than pay-per-play games; children 4–12 from ¥2,900 for the all-attractions passport (official).
For bigger indoor theme parks, see our family entertainment centres guide.
Tips for parents
- Go in the daytime on weekends, when arcades are family-busy rather than crowded with teenagers and adults.
- Noise: big arcades are loud; ear defenders help small children.
- Ask staff for help with crane games: staff will often reposition a prize if it’s stuck, and some machines show a “help” button.
- Prizes: crane-game prizes are often exclusive character goods, a big part of the appeal.
- Smoking: indoor smoking is restricted in Tokyo, but some arcades have smoking rooms; check before you go with small children.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Tokyo arcades?
No. You pay per game. Indoor theme parks like Namja Town and Joypolis charge entry.
Can my 12-year-old go to an arcade alone in the evening?
Not after 18:00 without a parent or guardian. Check the notice at the entrance for the arcade’s exact rules.
Sources and further information
- Bandai Namco Amusement — Namja Town tickets (Japanese)
- Tottori Prefecture — Background on the 2016 game-centre age rule changes (Japanese)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department — Tokyo youth ordinance overview (Japanese)
Rules and prices vary by arcade. Check the notices at each venue. TokyoParents has no commercial relationship with any arcade or venue listed. See our editorial policy.
Featured image: UFO Catcher Arcade Game, Shinjuku by Stephen Kelly, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
