Located in Western Tokyo, Nakano offers a distinct and authentic experience, setting it apart from massive hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya. It’s a city where the world-renowned “Holy Land” of subculture meets historic temples and unique gourmet alleys.
This comprehensive guide covers everything a first-time foreign visitor needs: how to get there, the essential deep-dive spots, and local tips to unlock Nakano’s unique charm.
Contents
Access and Transportation Hub: Nakano Station
Nakano Station is an exceptionally convenient hub for accessing central Tokyo.
| Key Line | Destinations & Features | Travel Time (Approx.) |
| JR Chuo Line (Rapid) | Direct connection to Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. Primary commuter and tourist line. | Shinjuku: 5 min / Tokyo: 20 min |
| JR Sobu Line (Local) | Connects to Akihabara and Ochanomizu. Useful for local stops. | Akihabara: 25 min (requires transfer) |
| Tokyo Metro Tozai Line | Direct service to business centers like Iidabashi and Otemachi. | Otemachi: 20 min |
| Direction | Primary Attractions |
| North Exit | Nakano Broadway, Sun Mall Shopping Street, and the lively local areas. |
| South Exit | Nakano Renga Zaka (gourmet street), Nakano Central Park, and quiet dining. |
Nakano’s Essential Spots and Subculture Mecca
Nakano’s personality is defined by its deep cultural institutions and hidden historical gems.
Nakano Broadway
The undisputed “Holy Land of Subculture,” Nakano Broadway is a massive complex that started in 1966 and is now globally famous among collectors and anime fans.
Address：5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo
Access：5 minutes walk from Nakano Station North Exit via Sun Mall Shopping Street
Hours：Varies by store (generally midday to evening)
URL：https://www.nakano-broadway.com/
Four floors of commercial space (B1 to 3F) are packed with niche goods: anime cels, vintage toys, manga, idol merchandise, antique watches, and rare collectibles. The building’s older, maze-like atmosphere adds to its unique, authentic charm, drawing passionate fans from around the world.
Mandarake: The Core of Broadway
Mandarake, a giant second-hand manga and hobby retailer, is the central pillar of Nakano Broadway.
Address：Multiple specialized shops spread across all floors of Nakano Broadway
Hours：12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (varies)
URL：https://www.mandarake.co.jp/
Mandarake operates over 30 specialized shops within the complex, each dedicated to a specific genre (e.g., retro games, boys’ comics, dolls, vinyl records).
Tip for First-Timers: Use the floor guide to find your interest (e.g., 2F for figures and toys, 3F for comics and trading cards, 4F for books and collector items). Visitors often discover “lost treasures”—rare vintage figures, old animation magazines, and Showa-era idol posters—that are impossible to find elsewhere.
Sun Mall Shopping Street
This is the main, covered walkway leading directly from Nakano Station North Exit to Nakano Broadway.
Address：5-59 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo
Access：Located right outside the Nakano Station North Exit
Features：224-meter covered arcade with approximately 110 stores
The arcade is bustling and convenient, sheltering shoppers from rain and sun. It features popular chain stores (Uniqlo, drugstores, cafés) alongside long-standing local businesses, serving as the lively entrance to Nakano’s northern entertainment district.
Nakano North Exit Dining Alleys
Nakano City is famous for having over 60 shopping streets. The area immediately north of the station is the most concentrated, with 14 unique alleys branching off the main Sun Mall.
| Key Information | Detail |
| Atmosphere | Nostalgic, retro Showa-era vibe, popular with locals |
| Specialty | High concentration of Izakayas (Japanese pubs), ramen shops, yakiniku restaurants, and small, deep bars |
| Recommendation | Ideal for deep-dive food exploration—just wander the side streets and stop at any place that catches your eye for authentic Japanese dining. |
History and Relaxing Spots
Beyond the subculture boom, Nakano offers spiritual and cultural retreats.
Arai Yakushi Baishoin Temple
A highly respected Shingon Buddhist temple, located a short walk from the station.
Address：5-30-4 Arai, Nakano City, Tokyo
Access：Approx. 15 min walk from Nakano North Exit, or 5 min walk from Arai Yakushi Mae Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
Blessings：Reputed for healing eye diseases and for successful childcare
URL：http://www.araiyakushi.or.jp/
Founded in 1586, this temple holds a long history, including the legend that it cured the eye disease of the 5th daughter of the second Tokugawa Shogun. The temple also hosts lively antique markets on the first Sunday of every month, attracting about 30 vendors and many visitors. Look for local festivals (Ennichi) on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month.
Nakano Renga Zaka
A chic and modern gourmet alley located near the South Exit, offering a contrast to the North Exit’s rustic taverns.
| Key Information | Detail |
| Access | Approx. 2 minutes walk from Nakano Station South Exit |
| Atmosphere | Stylish, paved (brick) slope lined with modern bars and restaurants |
| Vibe | Popular with adults seeking a quieter, more sophisticated dining or drinks experience |
Renga Zaka Dining Highlight:
- Rokuya-sha (六曜舎): A highly-rated café and Western-style restaurant known for classic Japanese yōshoku favorites like Omurice (omelette rice) and Hamburg steak.
Tabelog：https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131902/13013531/- Address: 3-34-23 2F Nakano, Nakano City
- Aonisai (中野青二才): A Japanese sake bar specializing in Izakaya dishes paired with dozens of premium Japanese sake varieties, available for small-portion tasting.
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/nakano_aonisai/
Tabelog：https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131902/13153222/- Address: 3-35-7 Nakano, Nakano City
Nakano Hikawa Shrine
The main guardian shrine (Sōchinju) of the Nakano region.
| Key Information | Detail |
| Address | 1-11-1 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo |
| Access | Approx. 15-20 minutes walk from Nakano Station East Exit, OR 3 minutes walk from Higashi-Nakano Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Lines, Toei Oedo Line) |
| Highlight | A historical local shrine providing a peaceful break from the bustling subculture hub. |
This shrine is a peaceful retreat, perfect for a moment of quiet reflection, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Nakano ZERO & Planetarium
Nakano’s public cultural center, located on the South side of the station.
Address：2-9-7 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo
Access：Approx. 8 minutes walk from Nakano Station South Exit
Features：Concert halls, exhibition space, and a popular Planetarium.
URL：https://www.nices-net.jp/facility/zero/
The facility hosts various cultural events, from orchestra concerts to traditional Japanese performing arts. The Planetarium is a highlight, offering a relaxing and educational experience with beautiful star projections and live commentary by expert staff. At a very low cost (Adults: ¥200), it’s a fantastic low-key activity for tourists.
Note: Nakano Sun Plaza (a former iconic music venue/hotel) closed in July 2023 for redevelopment. It is still a memorable landmark for many, but is currently inaccessible.
Conclusion: Nakano—The City of Hidden Gems
Nakano is a unique Tokyo destination where subculture, deep history, local gourmet, and modern redevelopment intersect. It offers more than just big-city attractions; it provides genuine immersion into niche interests and authentic Japanese local life.
Use this guide as your starting point to explore beyond the main street—into the many Mandarake sub-shops, the narrow North Exit alleys, and the stylish Renga Zaka—to discover your own personal “hidden gem” in Tokyo.