Nakano: 15 Things to Do in Tokyo's Retro Pop Culture Hub

Nakano - The Ultimate Retro Pop Culture Hub in Tokyo

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Located less than 5 minutes by train from bustling Shinjuku, Tokyo's Nakano district somehow retains much of its historical atmosphere and nostalgic character.

As well as being home to one of Tokyo’s main hubs for anime-related shopping, the area boasts numerous old-school shopping streets, and is simply oozing Showa-era (1926-1989) charm! It’s also home to a vast range of unique shops, restaurants, and activities, and is a great stop for a day out while in the city!

Below we list 15 of the best spots and activities to enjoy in Nakano, one of Tokyo's iconic neighborhoods.

Things To Do in Nakano

1. Nakano Broadway
2. Coffee Zingaro
3. Nakano Sunmall Shopping Street
4. Renga Zaka
5. Shopping at Marui Nakano
6. Nakano History and Folklore Museum
7. Yakushi Ai Road and Showa Shindo Shopping Streets
8. Arai Yakushi Baisho-in Temple
9. Tetsugakudo Park
10. Nakano Central Park and Shiki no Mori Park
11. NYAcafe
12. Nakano Manga School
13. Experience Ikebana in Nakano
14. Kotobuki Yu Onsen
15. Nightlife in Nakano
Explore Nostalgic Nakano, and Beyond!

1. Nakano Broadway

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Viewed by many as the area’s star attraction, Nakano Broadway should definitely be on your radar if you’re a fan of anime and Japanese pop culture!

This sprawling shopping mall spans four floors and houses shops specializing in everything from super niche anime goods to high-end watches.

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While Tokyo’s otaku haven Akihabara is famed for its modernity, Nakano Broadway charms visitors with retro nostalgia - perhaps a huge part of the mall’s appeal lies in the fact that it feels almost as though it’s frozen in time. It’s a true treasure trove for anime, manga, and authentic vintage merchandise, including niche items such as rare figurines, vintage promotional posters and even original animation cells from legendary anime series!

Not limited to just pop culture fare, Nakano Broadway is also home to a wide variety of specialist shops, unique cafes and several small art galleries. With artworks and novelty shop fronts scattered throughout the complex, wandering its halls is an adventure in itself.

Nakano Broadway
Location: Tokyo, Nakano City, Nakano 5-52-15 Map
Website: https://nakano-broadway.com/ (Japanese)

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2. Coffee Zingaro

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Though Nakano Broadway is home to several fantastic cafes, Coffee Zingaro undoubtedly deserves a special mention!

Renowned artist Takeshi Murakami opened this eye-catching, retro-themed establishment in 2023 after the closure of Bar Zingaro.

The atmospheric space is lit by an array of neon lights and rainbow-colored orbs. Playful pop art motifs adorn the walls, animations of Murakami’s colorful characters play on a widescreen, and glass-topped tables feature gaming consoles with classics such as the original Street Fighter games. There’s even a replica of a traditional red bridge crossing an imitation river - every detail in this unique cafe’s decor is nothing short of delightful!

The menu offers a range of colorful and incredibly photogenic beverages and desserts; many featuring Murakami’s iconic flower character.

A trip to this colorful cafe is a sensory experience and an absolute must for lovers of pop art!

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3. Nakano Sunmall Shopping Street

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Adjoining Nakano Broadway is the retro shopping arcade Nakano Sunmall - a glass-roofed street filled to the brim with a wide variety of shops and dining establishments. These include everything from places selling fashion and cosmetic items to restaurants and convenience stores!

Particularly known for Japanese eateries and small food stalls selling sweets, the street provides a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat!

Despite its proximity to Nakano Broadway and old school atmosphere, a stroll down Sunmall is a very different experience from exploring the somewhat more chaotic Broadway - it’s a more typical Japanese-style covered shopping street, and is the perfect place to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of one of these historical arcades.

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4. Renga Zaka

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Step back in time to Japan’s Showa Era heyday with a visit to one of Nakano’s most distinctive areas. Also known as Nakano Brick Street, Renga Zaka’s charming little alleyways are lined with small shops, cafes, traditional restaurants, and characteristic little bars! Both old school and trendy, it's the perfect spot for those who love everything retro and nostalgic.

Illuminated by traditional street lamps and enchanting fairy lights at night, Renga Zaka’s atmosphere seems far removed from its hectic central Tokyo location, and a stroll down its laneways feels truly magical.

Renga Zaka
Location: Tokyo, Nakano City, Nakano 3 Map

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5. Shopping at Marui Nakano

Those looking for a department store shopping experience need look no further! The famed fashion and dining hub Marui has a location in Nakano, right near the South Exit of JR Nakano Station, and its selection of stores certainly won’t disappoint!

This expansive shopping complex covers seven floors, and is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, sweet shops, women's fashion outlets, and more!

With its vast range of dining options, Marui provides the perfect spot to indulge in a snack, take a coffee break, or even enjoy a full meal.

Chocaholics can get their daily fix by sampling the divine Belgian chocolate provided by the Godiva store, while those who prefer Japanese desserts can grab some mochi at the famed Japanese confectioner Ginza Akebono.

Beloved Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI also has a branch here, providing goods with the iconic minimalist design they’re renowned for.

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6. Nakano History and Folklore Museum

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A small museum dedicated to Nakano’s past, the fascinating Nakano History and Folklore Museum covers the ward’s extensive history, from prehistoric times right into the modern age.

Permanent installations include impressive scale models of important historical buildings, and the museum also houses many cultural items and crafts from the Edo Era (1603-1868) onwards. Temporary exhibits include a particularly grand Hina doll exhibition held each year in February and March.

The museum also has an outdoor exhibition area, as well as tea rooms and beautiful traditional gardens.

As the museum is run by the ward it is entirely free to enter, making it a great stop during a visit to the Nakano area!

Nakano History and Folklore Museum
Location: Tokyo, Nakano, Egota 4-3-4 Map

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7. Yakushi Ai Road and Showa Shindo Shopping Streets

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Despite its central Tokyo location, the nostalgic atmosphere of Nakano’s many retro shopping streets really make visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back into the Showa Era, and each street truly has its own unique character!

One of Nakano’s most popular shopping streets, Yakushi Ai Road is home to a vast variety of shops, including many selling traditional Japanese fare such as confectionary, tea, and miso!

Its many excellent shops and quaint, local atmosphere make it a hugely popular spot among those living nearby, and it is home to Arai Yakushi Baisho-in Temple and Kotobuki Yu Onsen.

Also dripping in Showa Era charm, the super retro Showa Shindo Shopping Street is made up of several enchanting little laneways located close to Nakano Broadway and Sunmall.

Lined with distinctive traditional street lights and lanterns, its narrow alleys are packed with characteristic small bars and restaurants, offering a great contrast with the nearby pop culture focused Nakano Broadway!

Yakushi Ai Road
Location: Tokyo, Nakano City, Arai 1-8-8 Map

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8. Arai Yakushi Baisho-in Temple

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Founded towards the end of the 16th century, Arai Yakushi Baisho-in Temple offers a slice of history right in the heart of the city.

A characteristic Shingon Buddhist temple, its impressive grounds are home to multiple Jizo statues, as well as a distinctive two-story pagoda.

A visit to the spiritual site is said to heal eye ailments, and the Goma Fire Ritual is also held there on the 8th, 18th, and 28th day of each month. The temple also hosts a popular antiques market on the first Sunday of each month.

Its historic grounds are home to numerous cherry trees, with its scenery being particularly stunning during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Arai Yakushi Baisho-in Temple
Location: Tokyo, Nakano, Arai 5-3-5 Map

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9. Tetsugakudo Park

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Among the many famous parks located within the Tokyo area, the meaning-rich Tetsugakudo Park is particularly special and inspiring.

Founded in 1904 by renowned philosopher Enryo Inoue, it aims to provide a refuge for philosophical thinking and deep contemplation.

Every single detail within this serene space is intended to be thought provoking, and it houses structures and sculptures dedicated to great thinkers across entire eras and continents. These include the Buddha, Socrates, Confucius, Kant, and many, many more.

Stepping through Tetsugakudo Park’s distinctive Tetsurimon Gate entrance will prove a transformative experience for many, and the park acts as a haven for spirituality and contemplation right in the center of one of the world’s most bustling cities.

Tetsugakudo Park
Location: Tokyo, Nakano, Matsugaoka 1-34-28 Map

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10. Nakano Central Park and Shiki no Mori Park

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An oasis of greenery in the heart of Nakano, Nakano Central Park is a great spot for a relaxing escape during a day of shopping.

The park’s main green area, Shiki no Mori Park is lined with trees and home to several fountains and is a particularly popular spot to sit and have lunch.

The park is bordered by restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores, making it very easy to enjoy a bite to eat while there. Food carts also operate within the park during certain periods, and the space hosts a variety of events and festivals such as flea markets and Bon Odori in summer.

Nakano Shiki no Mori Park is also a popular local spot for cherry blossom viewing.

Nakano Central Park
Location: Tokyo, Nakano City, Nakano 4-10-2 Map

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11. NYAcafe

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Located on the first floor of the Nakano Ward Office, the recently opened NYAcafe aims to connect people more deeply with the Nakano area.

The cafe’s front is decorated with 16-inch screens that highlight information about the area, city initiatives, as well as various upcoming events!

The cafe serves full meals, including highly nutritious and beautifully presented Japanese sets. The drink menu isn’t just limited to coffee and tea - a variety of alcoholic beverages are also available (including beer), and an all-you-can-drink option is even possible!

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While at the Nakano Ward Office, why not also take the opportunity to stop by the Inu Yashiki monument located outside the building?

This touching collection of dog statues is dedicated to shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi and his commitment to protecting dogs, and Nakano was once home to Japan’s oldest recorded animal protection facility.

Nakano Ward Office - NYA Cafe
Location: Tokyo, Nakano City, Nakano 4-11-19 Map

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12. Nakano Manga School

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The Nakano area is well known for its connection to manga and anime. However, an anime-themed shopping spree at Nakano Broadway isn’t the only way to get in touch with this iconic aspect of Japan’s pop culture, as it’s also possible to do a hands-on experience via a manga drawing class!

Among Tokyo’s most renowned manga drawing schools providing classes in English, the Manga School Nakano offers a broad range of classes taught by professional manga artists.

One-time experiences are available, as well as full courses spanning weeks or more. Essential tools such as drawing pens and screen tones are provided, and a variety of skills are taught depending on the course - including the history of manga, character design, and the development of a full comic. All levels of artists are welcome!

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13. Experience Ikebana in Nakano

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Japan’s ancient art of flower arrangement ikebana is a truly exquisite and expressive cultural practice, loaded with historical significance and meaning. And now it’s possible to experience an authentic ikebana class right in the heart of Nakano!

Perfect for beginners, this class provides the foundational knowledge for creating an aesthetically stunning piece of flower art, as well as delving deeper into this age-old activity.

Expert instructors guide participants throughout, giving them plenty of time to craft their own unique arrangements, as well as take a ton of incredible photos afterward!

Japan has a particularly significant relationship with nature and flowers, and ikebana extends far beyond mere aesthetic appeal - it espouses deeper concepts such as creativity, spirituality, and harmony, and is a fantastic way to get a more profound understanding of Japanese culture.

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14. Kotobuki Yu Onsen

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Japan’s bathing culture is wholly unique, and one of the most memorable experiences visitors can take part in while here is undoubtedly a trip to an onsen or public bathing facility!

Nakano happens to be home to Nakano Kotobuki Yu Onsen - a small yet popular public bathing facility located on Ai Yakushi Road. This humble, old-school bath house feels like a remnant of times past, and is a great stop for an authentic Japanese bathing experience. Be sure to brush up on your bathing etiquette before visiting, as this knowledge will be expected of all patrons!

After a day spent wandering the expansive halls of Nakano Broadway or the area’s many shopping streets, why not take the time to unwind in a quintessentially Japanese public bath?

Nakano Kotobuki Yu Onsen
Location: Tokyo, Nakano City, Arai, 1-14-13 Map

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15. Nightlife in Nakano

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Though not viewed as a central nightlife hub in the same vein as Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Roppongi, Nakano offers its own unique take on the Japanese nightlife scene - one steeped in nostalgia.

Imbued with an atmosphere reminiscent of Showa Era Japan, Nakano’s streets truly come alive at night. The numerous small bars and izakaya which line the retro laneways of Renga Zaka and Showa Shindo Shopping Street make them the perfect spots for an atmospheric bar hopping experience!

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Lovers of 80s music should definitely make a stop at the JUKE 80’s and JUKE 80’s JPOP music request bars - both of these music-oriented establishments give visitors the opportunity to experience the energy and creativity of the 80s Japanese music scene.

Spanning 63 years between 1926 and 1989, the Showa Era is particularly tied to nostalgia for many people in Japan, and encompasses the iconic music and fashion movements of the 1970s and 80s. Be sure to get a taste of this legendary period in Japan’s history while on a night out in Nakano!

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Explore Nostalgic Nakano, and Beyond!

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The nostalgia definitely doesn’t end in Nakano, as the area borders on two more beloved retro neighborhoods, Asagaya and Koenji!

The trendy Koenji is known as a hub for alternative culture and vintage fashion stores, and its retro shopping streets are also home to beautifully designed bars and cafes, as well as numerous stores selling vintage toys and other nostalgic items!

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Many animation studios are famously located in the old-school streets of Asagaya, and though not open to visitors themselves, the neighborhood is home to A-san no Niwa; a little-known park designed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and reminiscent of My Neighbor Totoro.

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Both areas are also famed for their festivals - Koenji hosts Tokyo’s lively Awa Odori, and Asagaya’s colorful Tanabata festival is hugely popular.

So be sure to explore Tokyo’s nostalgic side with a visit to Nakano and its nearby neighborhoods!

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