Going to Akihabara? Visit NAKANO BROADWAY too!

[@VarietyVideoDad]

Going to visit Nakano Broadway this week, been to akihabara twice now as we are staying in kanda just short walk away

[@cakeswithfaces]

Enjoy!! You can find all sorts of treasures there! Have you been to Ikebukuro? The world's largest anime store's open there now!

[@VarietyVideoDad]

@@cakeswithfaces Yes, we both went on the first full day here and it was great hopefully going back before we head to chiba

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@VarietyVideoDad Hope you found some good stuff!!

[@SierenH]

Cute necklace. I wish we had a place like this in my town.....I live in big town but oddly enough, it doesnt have alot.....I know, weird right? Does it have elevator?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! My necklace is made by Little Miss Delicious - she makes such cute stuff: littlemissdelicious.com/ I'd love it if somewhere like this was round the corner! In the UK there are only a handful of anime stores in the whole country. Yes, there are elevators! They're pretty common in Japan with all the high rise buildings.

[@briandemodulated]

Nakano Broadway was incredible. I bought a bunch of retro game soundtracks for way cheaper than I could find them in Akihabara and Tower Records. My wife got lots of manga for cheap as well. We had so much fun browsing here and can't wait to go back.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Excellent, glad you got some good finds!! I didn't want people to miss out! (Now we call it the "Akiba tax" as everything costs slightly more there!).

[@rodrigorocha2935]

Really helpfull! Gotta a trip planned to may 2023. I'll check your channel more deeply. Do you have a travel itinerary for 15 days? Thanks in advance.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Excellent - May's a great time to go! I don't offer a standard itinerary, because everyone's interested in different things, and I'm a big believer in doing what you're interested in rather than a standard top 10 things to do! There are lots of ideas here on my channel though, and in my book, which also has lots of help for planning your trip and all the resources I use to discover places to go: www.cakeswithfaces.co.uk/product/japan-travel-guide-book/ Hope that helps! :-)

[@pewdiepiedkek4273]

I want to visit it one day :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hope you can make it there one day!

[@TransConBrilliance]

Super useful and practical video.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Nakano Broadway 101 😝

[@rhomotor]

I went to Nakano Broadway my first time in June and will be my must visit the next time I go back.😊

[@cakeswithfaces]

You never know what you'll find there! It's a real treasure trove!

[@Omni0404]

You always have such fun hair and clothes 😭

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks, I like to be colourful! (The dress is my design!) :-)

[@stmarysmusicbox]

Hiii Amy, I know this vid is almost a year old but I loooove your hairstyle in this one! So cute. Right now my plan is to hit Nakano and Shinjuku (including Kabukicho) in one day, so this vid was very helpful. Hopefully we can do it!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you! That sounds like a great plan! I always forget how quick it is to get to Nakano from Shinjuku on the train - because it's not on the metro map I always think it's out in the wilderness but it's not far at all!

[@stmarysmusicbox]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks you’re the best 💕

[@FitzyALB]

Great video! Me and my girlfriend will be visiting very soon and can't wait to check this out. Thanks!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Enjoy hunting through all the shops! Hope you make some good finds!

[@FitzyALB]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks! Will let you know what goodies we find😁

[@Gazereths1234]

Nakano is great for anime merch and figures, not so great for tech and video games. Though i got some good old camera stuff there, mostly filters IIRC. Some good food places there as well and a decent arcade Frome what I remember. Can't wait for Japan to finally open back up, my 2020 Google docs on planned itinerary is depressing to look back at 😭

[@cakeswithfaces]

I had to cross a few things off my doc that closed down! But there are still lots of good things waiting for us!

[@Leidnix]

Thx i will put in on the List. Will be interesting to see how "up to date" your Travel Guide is....when i will actually be able to use it XD.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Agh I know!! That's the thing with books I guess! There's a link in the book to a webpage with updates since the book was printed. And the second edition was updated in 2021!

[@Leidnix]

@@cakeswithfaces Nah its 2020 Edition...the shirt is great though ;)

[@Virgo8580]

So lovely!!! Toy hunting would be ao fun! Thank you for showcasing Nakano B!

[@cakeswithfaces]

You could find anything there! Such an interesting place to visit.

[@drskelebone]

Ahh! Currypan! My weakness! ;_;

[@cakeswithfaces]

So goodddd!!!

[@OnlyOneNights]

I totally missed out on Nakano during my last trip in March of 2020. I'm definitely going to make it a priority for the next trip. Thanks, as always, for the fantastic videos!

[@cakeswithfaces]

There's always somewhere like that, that you only think of when you get home! Next time!!

[@AzrallDRG]

Thanks for another great video! Nakano Broadway is another place on my "go to" lists. I can't wait to raid all the glass cabinets! 😅

[@cakeswithfaces]

Good call! Hope you find lots of good stuff!!

[@ianpidgley9720]

thanks for the videos, my excitement is building as I depart for Japan in 20 days! i hope to swing by Nakano Broadway as part of my tour of Japanese model railway shops

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ooh so exciting!! Have an amazing time for all of us!! Is this on your itinerary - it's a model railways cafe in Osaka, with cats: instagram.com/diorama_syokudou/

[@ianpidgley9720]

@@cakeswithfaces unfortuanlty i think its closed the day i visit Osaka, but not to worry i have a pretty packed itenery of railway shops and museums to make up for it

[@TheHollowShrine]

This is why I love your videos. I went over to check out your Nakano video to see whether it's a nice idea for photography and, sure enough, you pointed out that it might be for people with that hobby, even though it's not your hobby. You really try to cover everyone's interests every time, thank you!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!! Hope you get some great photos if you go there! All those alleyways 😍

[@dawgbrooks5706]

Hi Amy, thanks for the very useful info! Take care!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you! You too!

[@JohnMiller-zr8pl]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@cakeswithfaces]

🙌🙌

[@thenerdytiger9306]

I want to say thank you for your videos (and your guide to Japan book) me and my friend are planning a trip to Japan at some point in the future and we both get travel anxieties about different things so the way you break things down and explain is really helpful

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! When I first went to Japan I had so many questions - even though I was excited, there was a lot I was worried about too so I try and remember that when I make my videos, and my book! Enjoy planning your trip - it'll definitely be worth the wait!

[@Woof_woof]

" Hey Amy with cakes with faces" (yep, cheapo rip off of your greeting) Japan is finally opening up to tourism. We all know you're going back. How about a poll from us on where or what you should show us?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Still deciding on plans myself! 😅😅 So many places to choose from. Where would you most like to see/go?

[@Nelsea7190]

Nakano Broadway was put on my list 1-2yrs ago. when travel is possible (solo travel+ no quarantine) its on my list. hopefully not too many shops have closed down. they took a decent hit in 2020... its like Akihabara, you can easily see yourself spend 3-4 hrs to explore the shops in (Nino?) Nakano Broadway. 3-4 floors to explore is alot.. i saw another person do a Nakano walkthrough/explore on yt and the plain appearance does seem like any normal stripmall in any other country can remind you of it. great advice regarding wednesday.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes you can definitely spend a whole afternoon there! And Akihabara - a whole day (and then still want a return visit if you have any spending money left!). Hopefully not too much will have closed down in Nakano Broadway as lots of locals go there; it's not somewhere that relies so heavily on tourism.

[@Nelsea7190]

@@cakeswithfaces that's for sure though try not to visit 3 times per day or too often in a few days. It doesn't hold that magical feeling as much then. A 2nd visit for a secondary search is fine as there is Merch overload the first time. So easy to miss something or decide to buy it after a days consideration...

[@ironreaver4589]

Nakano is my go to shop and eat! So much to see but there’s also some great themed bars and restaurants in the local area just around Nakano Broadway.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Looking forward to exploring that area again, I need to get to know it better!

[@3ayouche]

Hi! Are you living in Japon 🇯🇵? Thank you

[@cakeswithfaces]

I live in England, but I travel to Japan whenever I can. I'll definitely be back to film more videos when I can!

[@sometimeswegoplaces]

Can’t wait for Japan to reopen to general tourism and check out Nakano Broadway!

[@cakeswithfaces]

It'll be worth the wait!

[@nickykirk6558]

If you want a decent second hand watch there are several amazing watch shops in here and the best tempura ive ever had

[@cakeswithfaces]

Oh yes I forgot to mention the watch shops! Always seems unusual that there are several!

[@weebmerchdestroyedwallet-k1283]

I always thought that Akihabara is one on the "must see" list if I ever go to Japan but at the same time I'm a little scared about sensory overload situations and needing a place to relax. I have noted some good cafes and a shrine close by if that ever happens but now I'm rethinking Nakano now, thinking it my be a little less chaotic and still have great stuff. Thanks!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Akihabara can be quite loud and intense - that's good you've looked up some quieter spots, and the backstreets are always calmer. I think for anyone, a whole day there can be quite exhausting!

[@Gunbu]

Love Nakano Broadway! So many designer vinyl toys both new and old, as well as legit sofubi. I was able to pick up a mid 2000's Hong Kong vinyl toy that I missed out on back in the day. The only thing I would say it's lacking otaku wise is retro games. There are few shops that sell them, but there are better places to go for that. The closest thing I can compare Nakano Broadway to is a really awesome Japanese version of Frank and Son's in SoCal.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'll be looking out for konatsu vinyl figures when I go back! And VAG! (Vinyl Artist Gacha!)

[@TheRealKarmaquarius]

do they take visa in most of the shops? especially the food and the rental vitrines for anime figures?

[@cakeswithfaces]

They do in a lot of shops, but smaller restaurants/snack kiosks can be cash only so it's a good idea to take cash too (you'll need it for the arcades!).

[@Raszero]

I was thinking of going here soon but forgot the name, good timing! P.S. Anyone who can get a working holiday visa should look into it...went to Senso-ji the other day, it was just perfect compared to the crowded videos online.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sounds good, I'd love to be able to make the most of it at the moment. Especially places that are usually busy like Kyoto. Enjoy it for all of us!!

[@largesmallworld]

Volks building at 6:13 in akihabara has been empty since closing & moving to a smaller building up the street. It was a very colorful building day & night. Hope akihabara does not lose its colour.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I hope so too! As placers develop, often they try and become more sophisticated-looking (and less fun!) so I hope that doesn't happen to Akihabara!

[@etherdog]

Amy, if you have a particularly valuable collectible, having the original box can double the resale value of it. That is one of the key take-aways from Antiques Roadshow.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, very true! Luckily (unluckily?) most of my figures are quite cheap!! But I love them anyway!

[@RexZShadow]

@@cakeswithfaces For me its more the fact that I can't physically imagine moving these figures without their original boxes XD

[@alpha4072]

I am watching japanese news every morning for updates on independent travel returning. I know both major parties are pushing for it with plans to open either September or November...waiting to book my flights and get that travel insurance, visa and everything locked in.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes there were a flurry of updates a month or two ago but nothing since then! Was hoping we might get some news now the elections are done, but maybe the rise in covid cases there right now isn't helping.

[@RenerDeCastro]

Nakano Broadway and Ikebukuro, from my own personal experiences looking for anime and gaming merch in Tokyo, are great alternatives to Akihabara. What I normally couldn't find in one of these places, the other two covered.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes!! All great places to visit if you like anime and figures (and Ikebukuro even if you don't!).

[@Mandamonster89]

When are you going back dear?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I don't know yet! Waiting for definite news of the border opening more freely for tourists before I book anything. Don't want to have to cancel again!

[@Mandamonster89]

@@cakeswithfaces Very true dear! I just want you to go back soon so you can have a nice time 😊 I have not been yet, but hope to go one day.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Mandamonster89 It'll happen one day! And it'll be worth the wait, for both of us! :-)

[@craigmaddison8254]

It's a great place, yeah, a bit old fashioned but still enjoyable. I've been a few times, only went for the giant ice creams, they can get a bit messy, it started running down my arm before I could finish it! I'm not really into the 'Otaku' stuff but have to admit the figurines are mighty impressive.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hehe I think you need a team of people to finish the giant ice cream without making a mess! A rainbow mess 😂🌈

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Hey Amy. Me and my friend Ryan are planning going to Japan in 2025

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ooh exciting! Glad you have a trip booked"

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

I will .

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Amy thumb up

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you 🤗

[@jonribeiro266]

Potentially going to Tokyo the last week of October, so I'm excited to see what Akihabara has leading up to Halloween! If not too personal to ask, what's keeping you from planning to go now? COVID restrictions are loosened regarding the US, but I don't know if there's any on travelers from the UK

[@cakeswithfaces]

Exciting! There was so much Halloween stuff in Japan even at the start of October when I went! (Did you see my video? :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSadJ5oi56sg7c ) Currently foreign tourists aren't allowed into Japan. They're only allowing a very small number in on quite restrictive organised tours. At the moment we don't know when it'll be opening more freely. I don't want to have to cancel again, so personally I'm waiting until there's definite news on when the border will be opening for tourism without so many restrictions. I won't be jumping on the first plane out though, as things are still quite unpredictable - even though I can't wait to go! :-)

[@me4vampires]

So desperate to get to Japan, have been planning for 3yrs now because of the pandemic 😂

[@cakeswithfaces]

Aww I know that feeling!! I have a Google doc called "Japlanning 2020" for my cancelled trip in May 2020. I've been adding to it whenever I see something interesting and now it's sooo long!!

[@BrettHuynhTiger4466]

Do you Need A Ticket to go to Nakano Broadway ?

[@cakeswithfaces]

No, it's a shopping mall, so anyone's free to walk in and browse the shops! :-)

[@evicencio31863]

Correction: 'took out taken horribly'!

[@primokarma9841]

Not really a place for me then haha

[@cakeswithfaces]

😝😝

[@coffeetime1001]

It's killing me watching this video. It's like there's a candy in front of you but you can't take it. When is Japan going to allow free roaming tourist? Current tour restriction is a joke.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I know right!! No news on re-opening yet I'm afraid - we can wait a little longer!