Let me introduce you to the recommended ranking of concept cafes in Nakano.
The ranking includes cafes that are close to the station or have a comfortable interior, so please take it as a reference.
The Charm of Nakano: A Town Where Showa Nostalgia and Subculture Meet
Nakano is located on the western side of Tokyo and is a vibrant town with a unique cultural atmosphere. The area around Nakano Station retains a strong Showa-era feel, while also developing as a bustling spot for young people and subculture enthusiasts. As you walk through the arcade shopping street “Nakano Sun Mall” from the station, you’ll reach the famous “Nakano Broadway.” This building is home to numerous stores specializing in subculture items like anime, manga, and figures, and it is extremely popular among both domestic and international tourists and devoted fans.
Moreover, Nakano’s downtown area is packed with various eateries, ranging from affordable izakayas and cafes to stylish bars, offering a rich array of choices. At night, the area around the shopping streets lights up with neon signs, creating a lively atmosphere filled with locals and visitors alike. In particular, small side streets are lined with hidden bars and izakayas that have a warm, cozy ambiance. Some of these establishments have quirky themes or are local favorites, each exuding a unique sense of character and friendliness.
At the same time, Nakano is an area where old and new are seamlessly blending, with traditional shops standing side-by-side with trendy stores. This mix of long-established businesses with authentic tastes and newer, stylish shops for young people enhances the distinctive charm of Nakano.
– Ranking –
Here’s a ranking of various concept cafes!
10th Place: Miko Bar Nakano
Located in Nakano, Tokyo, “Miko Bar Nakano” is a concept cafe with a theme based on traditional Japanese shrine maidens. You can experience a touch of Japan’s beautiful culture while enjoying the subcultural atmosphere that Nakano, known as a subculture haven, offers. The pure and charming shrine maidens enhance the warm and cozy environment of this unique space.
9th Place: Anisong Karaoke Bar Z
Anisong Karaoke Bar Z lights up Nakano’s nightlife! This bar is a paradise for anime lovers, where you can sing along to a wide range of anime songs, Vocaloid, and voice actor tracks. The friendly staff is there to liven up your karaoke time, making it an ideal spot for both people who love to sing and those who enjoy watching others perform. Come and enjoy the fun atmosphere and let your inner anime fan out!
8th Place: Neko no Oka
Neko no Oka, located in Nakano, is a unique cafe bar where staff members wear cat ears while serving. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Nakano Station’s north exit, it’s perfect for after-work relaxation or meeting up with friends. With a budget-friendly starting price of 3,000 yen, it’s an accessible option for everyone. The friendly staff is happy to chat, making it easy to enjoy casual interactions.
7th Place: Lilium Nakano
Lilium Nakano is a classic maid cafe known for its elegant maid style. The maids, dressed in long skirts, warmly welcome guests, creating a retro atmosphere mixed with a modern touch. Their serious approach to work leaves a lasting impression, and the calm ambiance allows visitors to enjoy a relaxing experience. Step into this unique, timeless space at Lilium Nakano.
6th Place: AngelDream
On the 5th floor of a quietly lit building, AngelDream welcomes you with its “angels” dressed in refreshing light blue and white maid uniforms. These angels, dreaming of one day becoming “goddesses,” have descended to deliver warmth and happiness to their guests. The soft light inside the chic, dark-toned interior creates an atmosphere that truly feels like “heaven.”
5th Place: Hanista
Hanista in Nakano is a dream come true for anime fans. The staff, dressed in cosplay costumes, warmly welcomes visitors into a cozy space filled with anime, manga, and game posters and tapestries. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in your favorite characters and maybe even discover a new “oshi” (favorite character).
4th Place: Starlit Lounge
Starlit Lounge offers a luxurious experience where you can enjoy delicious cocktails under soft lighting. This cozy spot, hidden away in Nakano, provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its fantasy-like, star-lit atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening.
3rd Place: Usatopia
Usatopia is a rabbit-themed concept cafe & bar in Nakano. With green walls and wooden interiors, it feels like stepping into a cozy rabbit den. The relaxing atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind. Rather than the typical “bunny girl,” Usatopia features adorable lop-eared rabbits with fluffy Gothic Lolita-style outfits, making it tempting to snap a Polaroid with them!
2nd Place: Choa me
Located just a 1-minute walk from Nakano Station, Choa me is a K-pop idol concept cafe where visitors can casually enjoy the vibe of the Korean pop world. With a great location and convenient access, it’s the perfect spot to pop by and immerse yourself in a K-pop-inspired atmosphere.
1st Place: Black Cat Maid Magic Cafe Nakano Main Store
The Black Cat Maid Magic Cafe Nakano Main Store offers a cozy experience any time of day. Here, maids with cat ears warmly welcome their “masters” in a relaxed cafe space. With prices starting at a budget-friendly 1,100 yen and a prepayment system, even first-timers can feel at ease. Casual conversations add to the cafe’s charm, making every visit a memorable and special return home.
We’ve carefully selected and ranked concept cafes in Nakano. Be sure to check out any cafe that interests you!
Tourist Spots Around Nakano Station, Where Subculture and a Warm, Nostalgic Atmosphere Coexist
The area around Nakano Station is filled with numerous tourist spots that offer visitors a mix of unique culture and a nostalgic, retro atmosphere. At the heart of this area is “Nakano Broadway.” Located past the arcade shopping street “Nakano Sun Mall” extending from the station, this complex overflows with items that delight subculture fans, such as anime, manga, figures, and vintage toys. Popular among tourists and dedicated fans from both Japan and abroad, Nakano Broadway hosts a variety of stores, including “Mandarake” and figure shops, as well as collections of retro capsule toys, providing a treasure-hunting experience on each floor.
Additionally, close to the station is “Yakushi Ai Road Shopping Street,” a lively street with a downtown feel. Located a short walk from the station, it maintains a local atmosphere without being overly commercialized, featuring long-established shops and eateries that let you experience the warmth of a traditional Japanese shopping street. Lined with retro cafes, small wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops, and dining options, this shopping street offers the nostalgic charm of Japan while allowing visitors to connect with locals.
Here are five recommended spots for food walking around Nakano Station!
Oyaki-dokoro Refutei
Located right in front of Nakano Station, this long-standing sweet shop offers oyaki (filled buns) with fluffy dough and various fillings, including red bean paste, custard, and sausage.
Daily Chiko
Located on the basement level of Nakano Broadway, this soft-serve specialty shop is popular for its colorful soft-serve cones that stack up to 8 layers high.
Papabubble Nakano
Located along Yakushi Ai Road Shopping Street beyond the Nakano shopping street, this candy shop offers adorable handmade candies that are a joy just to look at.
Challenger
This crepe shop on the basement level of Nakano Broadway offers easy-to-eat items like bite-sized crepes and hot dogs.
Be sure to try these when you visit Nakano!