"Crane games" involve maneuvering a mechanical claw inside a box or case to grab a prize and drop it into a hole to win. You can find these machines at game arcades and amusement facilities. The prizes vary widely, from plush toys to snacks. In this article, we’ll introduce large-scale specialty stores located in bustling Tokyo areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, as well as nearby Yokohama!
【Shinjuku】GiGO Shinjuku Kabukicho
This location boasts the largest number of crane game machines in the Shinjuku area (according to the store’s own research). One of its main appeals is its long operating hours, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM. It’s conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station’s East Exit and about a 3-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station. Many international tourists also visit this spot.
There are many machines where you can win plush toys. Three types of popular crane game machines are especially well-loved: "GiGO Mini Crane," which contains small items like keychains, pins, and mascots; "UFO Catcher 9," the classic two-arm claw machine for plushies and figures; and "UFO Catcher Triple," a three-arm machine for grabbing large plush toys.
GiGO Shinjuku Kabukicho
Address: 1-21-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1st Floor, Daini Toa Kaikan
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit; about a 3-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–25:00
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 170
- Store Area: About 2,660㎡ per floor
【Shinjuku】TAITO STATION Shinjuku South Exit Game World
Located about a 1-minute walk from the Southeast Exit of Shinjuku Station, TAITO STATION Shinjuku South Exit Game World is easy to spot thanks to its bright red sign featuring the iconic Space Invader logo. The eye-catching sign ensures that even first-time visitors can find it with ease.
This large-scale store spans eight floors from two basement levels to six floors above ground. The crane game area is located on the 1st and 2nd floors. On the 1st floor, you'll find crane games offering plush toys and mascots featuring popular characters. On the 2nd floor, the machines mainly contain figures from hit manga, anime, and games. Among the most popular machines are the compact "Miniccha Series" double-decker crane games and the "UFO Triple Series," which uses three arms to grab prizes, making operation easy and targeting more straightforward.
The store welcomes many visitors, including international tourists—especially families and young groups—as well as locals. In addition to crane games, there are also print sticker photo booths, medal games, card games, and video games. Downstairs, you’ll even find a bar offering craft beer and darts, making it a full-scale amusement facility beyond just crane games.
TAITO STATION Shinjuku South Exit Game World
Address: 1-35-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About a 1-minute walk from the Southeast Exit of Shinjuku Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–25:00
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 113
- Store Area: Approx. 1,530㎡ (about 463 tsubo)
【Ikebukuro】GiGO Flagship Store
About a 3-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station East Exit, this large specialty store spans four floors from B1 to the 3rd floor of the Rokumaru Gate Ikebukuro building. The entrance features a massive video display and digital signage that practically draws you inside.
Crane games are located on the 1st and 2nd floors, with around 300 machines—the highest number in the Ikebukuro area (according to the store’s own research). The interior stands out with its bright blue ceilings, and is filled with crane machines offering anime-themed plush toys and figures. Like GiGO Shinjuku Kabukicho, popular machines such as the "GiGO Mini Crane," "UFO Catcher 9," and "UFO Catcher Triple" are also available here. In addition, there’s a wide variety of GiGO-exclusive prizes you won’t find anywhere else.
Another unique feature of this store is the selection of sweets and drinks available on-site. You can enjoy "GiGO no Taiyaki," which offers taiyaki themed around popular franchises, as well as "LEMONADE by Lemonica," a stand-style shop where you can grab a refreshing lemonade—all while enjoying your crane game experience.
GiGO Flagship Store
Address: 1-13-6 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Rokumaru Gate Ikebukuro B1–3F
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station East Exit
- Opening Hours: 10:00–23:00 (until 25:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before holidays)
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 300
- Store Area: Approx. 3,140㎡ across four floors
【Ikebukuro】namco Ikebukuro Store
Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station, the namco Ikebukuro Store can be found on the first floor of the Humax Pavilion Ikebukuro Sunshine 60 Street building. One of its main features is the extensive and frequently updated lineup of brand-new figures. The popular "Cranea" series includes machines like "Cranea Gran" for large plush toys, "Cranea 3" filled with Jump franchise figures such as One Piece and Demon Slayer, and "Cranea Hybrid" featuring anime figures. The store attracts many international tourists and families.
Inside, you’ll find a special "Nuigurumi Photo Spot" where visitors can place their won plush toys and take cute photos. There are 25 themed rooms in total, including pink-themed rooms, ocean-inspired rooms, and other uniquely designed spaces.
namco Ikebukuro Store
Address: 1-22-10 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 1F Humax Pavilion Ikebukuro Sunshine 60 Street
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–23:00 (last entry at 22:50)
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 130
- Store Area: Approx. 1,035㎡
【Shibuya】TAITO STATION Shibuya Store
TAITO STATION Shibuya Store is just about a 1-minute walk from the Miyamasuzaka Exit of Shibuya Station, located next to the East Exit branch of Bic Camera. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by rows of crane games filled with large prizes. Many machines are dedicated to popular characters, and figures from anime and games are grouped together in easily navigable sections, making it easy to find your favorite items.
In addition to crane games, the store also offers print sticker photo booths, medal games, and more. Like TAITO STATION Shinjuku South Exit Game World, this location features compact machines such as the "Miniccha Series" and easy-to-use three-arm machines like the "UFO Triple Series," which are particularly popular.
TAITO STATION Shibuya Store
Address: 1-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Shibuya Toei Plaza
- Access: About a 1-minute walk from the Miyamasuzaka Exit of Shibuya Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–24:00
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 86
- Store Area: B1 to 1F, approx. 840㎡
【Akihabara】GiGO Akihabara Building 3
Located about a 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station’s Electric Town Exit, this store is situated along Chuo-dori and boasts the largest number of crane game machines in the area. In addition to the latest game machines, the 6th floor features "RETRO:G," a collection of retro arcade machines that have been operating since the 1980s. You’ll also find popular crane games such as the "GiGO Mini Crane," "UFO Catcher 9," and "UFO Catcher Triple." As you’d expect from Akihabara, there are many machines filled with anime-themed plush toys and figures, and the store offers a rich lineup of GiGO-exclusive prizes you won't find elsewhere.
GiGO Akihabara Building 3
Address: 1-11-11 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Sotokanda 1-chome Building
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit
- Opening Hours: 10:00–23:30
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 210
- Store Area: Approx. 2,310㎡ across 7 floors
【Yokohama】Supuraza Yokohama Asobi Town
Located on the 6th floor of the large shopping center "Northport Mall," about a 3-minute walk from Center-Kita Station on the Yokohama Municipal Subway, Supuraza Yokohama Asobi Town is a massive entertainment space packed with themed attractions, including the "Crane Game Shopping Street."
With over 500 crane game machines, the store was recognized by Guinness World Records on July 19, 2022. The setup mimics the vibrant feel of old-school festivals and night markets, offering a lively and exciting atmosphere.
As the largest crane game venue in the region, the store features numerous beginner- and child-friendly areas, such as "Bakugaku Yokocho," where you can fully enjoy the thrill of crane games, and "10-Yen Market," where games start at just ¥10. One particularly popular attraction is the Asobi Town-exclusive "Jutte Kannon" (¥100 per play), a machine with ten arms moving at once—so popular it draws long lines on weekends.
In addition, there are fun and quirky attractions such as "Genki Daimyojin," a shrine-themed spot that offers blessings to visitors, and "Omikuji Shrine," both featuring clapping robots. These elements offer entertainment beyond crane games alone.
Being inside a shopping mall, the store welcomes a wide variety of guests—families, friend groups, couples, and visitors of all ages. A full store renewal is planned for July 19, 2025.
Supuraza Yokohama Asobi Town
Address: 1-25-1 Nakagawa Chuo, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Northport Mall 6F
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Center-Kita Station (Blue Line & Green Line)
- Opening Hours: 10:00–22:00
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Over 500
- Store Area: Approx. 4,800㎡
【Yokohama】namco Yokohama World Porters Store
Located on the 5th floor of Yokohama World Porters, about a 10-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line, this store is a popular stop for tourists exploring the Yokohama Minatomirai area. It attracts a wide range of visitors including friends, couples, and international tourists.
The store is known for always featuring the latest machines and prizes, along with a diverse selection. It houses 39 units of the "Cranea 3," a crane game with the "Free Hole Function" that allows for adjustable prize chute size and shape, and also features the latest model in the Cranea series, "Cranea Gran."
namco Yokohama World Porters Store
Address: 2-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Yokohama World Porters 5F
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line
- Opening Hours: Parking-side entrance 10:00–23:00, Ferris wheel-side entrance 10:30–21:00
- Closed: Open every day
- Number of Crane Game Machines: Approx. 190
- Store Area: Approx. 1,056㎡
Comments