Just Passing Through Nakano Broadway

Today I couldn't help myself.

The Chuo line conveniently stops at Nakano, meaning that I couldn't fight my urge to NOT get off that train and have a look around Nakano Broadway.

The last time I was here, I knew, just like in Roma, that I'd be returning here soon once more. The only difference is there was no "Trevi Fountain" to waste my one yen coins.

I looked for some more Bandai games.

The only one they had was Mr Franken for about 7300 yen in the original box. I passed on it thinking I got a good deal with the ones I already got. There was a Nintendo Game & Watch for about $1000. That's just crazy.

I really like this place. It's one of those special places you don't find in guide books. It's only one express stop away from Shinjuku, so if you have nothing better to do and want an alternative to Akihabara, this is it.

Tachikawa has a whole lot less appeal.

It looks a little more lively than some other 'burbs in Tokyo (strangely Tomioka comes to mind vividly). But sadly this place feels more Fujisawa than anywhere else.

I walked around a little bit today, but apart from a few shopping centres it feels devoid of any kind of soul. Lucky then, that as usual I had heaps of classes today.

Let the weekend come quickly. Please.

Nakano Broadway

First mistake. Gf asked where I wanted to go today. I said Nakano Broadway.

For those that don't know, Akihabara isn't the only sanctuary for geeks.

Nakano is probably more so, because as Akihabara's popularity and maybe coolness rises, the outcasts have to make their place somewhere to call their own.

While Akky is convenient for computer products, Nakano has a large selection of manga and a heap of figurines.

If you weren't looking for it, you'd probably miss it.

To get to Nakano Broadway, you have to make your way from the station down an avenue of shops, with a partial transparent ceiling. It reminds me of the same types of avenues in Osaka and Hiroshima.

If you keep going you'll see the Nakano Broadway complex, with the name in shiny chrome.

Once inside, just go up the escalator to the next floors and you'll find a maze of shops. Some specializing in manga, others in doll figures and computer games. Probably pointless to mention but yes, I enjoyed it A LOT. The gf, not so much.