Where to Buy Board Games In Japan
You’ve been saving all year for your dream trip to Japan—land of incredible food, unforgettable sights, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But let’s be honest… you’re also here for the games. Specifically, you want to know where to buy board games in Japan during Golden Week 2025. Good news: you’ve come to the right place. As a board game enthusiast who’s been living in Japan for nearly a decade, I’ve explored the shelves, squeezed through the side streets, and spoken to the shopkeepers. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where to shop—and share tips to make your board game hunt even better.
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Where to Buy Second-Hand Board Games in Japan: Surugaya
If you’re looking to buy board games in Japan and want both value and variety, your first stop should absolutely be Surugaya. This beloved Japanese hobby chain specializes in everything from trading cards and anime merchandise to console games and, of course, board games. While they do sell brand-new games—often at prices lower than other retailers—the real treasure here lies in their second-hand selection.
Now, before you dismiss used games with visions of tattered boxes and missing components, let me stop you right there. Second-hand board games in Japan are a different beast. The attention to care and quality here is unmatched. In fact, I’ve opened “used” games from Surugaya only to find the punchboards untouched—or even still in shrink wrap.
Yes, some games may be opened or gently played, but Surugaya has a detailed process to ensure quality. When someone sells a game, staff inspect it on the spot, and then trained hobby-savvy employees give it a second check before it hits the shelf. Components are verified, conditions are noted, and the pricing reflects what you’re getting.
Even better? You can browse Surugaya’s online store, reserve the games you want, and have them shipped to the nearest Surugaya location in the city you’re visiting—perfect during Golden Week when time and crowds are both factors.
If you’re hunting for deals and want to explore the wide world of Japanese board games, Surugaya is the ultimate destination. Trust me—this store is where the magic (and markdowns) happen.
Surugaya in Tokyo:
- Surugaya Akihabara Trading Card and Board Game (The best board game store. Period.)
- Surugaya Shinjuku Marui Annex Store
Find the Newest Releases at Yellow Submarine
If your goal is to buy board games in Japan and stay on top of the latest releases, Yellow Submarine is your go-to destination. This well-known chain is the best spot for picking up newly published Japanese board games, along with fresh imports and recent expansions that may not yet be available back home. Japan’s publication schedule often differs from the West, so you might stumble upon games that are sold out or not yet released in your country—making Yellow Submarine a must-visit for collectors and enthusiasts.
While the store does carry some second-hand games, the selection is smaller and usually priced higher than places like Surugaya. Still, people don’t come here for the discounts—they come for the new.
In addition to board games, Yellow Submarine also stocks a wide range of collectible card games, tabletop RPGs, dice, accessories, and miniatures. It’s a great one-stop shop for tabletop fans of all kinds.
With locations in most major cities—including Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka—you’re likely to find a Yellow Submarine wherever your Golden Week itinerary takes you. Just search “Yellow Submarine [City Name]” and dive into the latest and greatest games in Japan.
Yellow Submarine in Tokyo:
- Yellow Submarine Akihabara RPG (The best Yellow Submarine)
- Yellow Submarine Ikebukuro Game Shop
- Yellow Submarine Shinjuku Game Shop
Explore Popular and Indie Titles at Jelly Jelly Store
If you’re planning to buy board games in Japan, Jelly Jelly Store offers a fantastic blend of both mainstream and indie titles. As part of Japan’s largest board game café chain, Jelly Jelly Store is not just a café—it’s a fully stocked retail shop with a wide range of Japanese board games, imports, and family-friendly hits, much like Yellow Submarine.
What sets Jelly Jelly Store apart, though, is its strong focus on independent Japanese publishers. Alongside well-known international games and local bestsellers, you’ll find shelves filled with small-batch indie releases—games that rarely make it overseas and often aren’t even covered by major board game media.
These games can be quirky, experimental, and surprisingly clever. Yes, a few might be duds, but the thrill of discovering a hidden gem more than makes up for it. You could walk away with the next indie hit before anyone outside Japan has even heard of it.
Jelly Jelly Store doesn’t deal in collectible card games, so the shop feels more focused and easier to browse. If you’re looking for a well-rounded selection of board games in Tokyo or some other major cities—with the added bonus of finding something truly one-of-a-kind—Jelly Jelly Store is a must-visit.
Jelly Jelly Store in Tokyo:
Hunt for Bargains at Yodobashi Camera
While Yodobashi Camera isn’t a dedicated game shop, it absolutely deserves a spot on your list if you’re planning to buy board games in Japan during Golden Week. Known primarily as Japan’s largest electronics and department store chain, Yodobashi sells everything from laptops and rice cookers to LEGO sets and hobby goods—including a decent selection of board games.
You won’t find the depth or niche selection offered by Surugaya or Jelly Jelly Store, but here’s the secret: Yodobashi often stocks mass market and family-friendly games. Since board games aren’t their core focus, they don’t restock frequently—meaning older or slightly out-of-print titles can quietly sit on shelves, waiting for a savvy gamer like you to scoop them up at a bargain.
And the best part? Yodobashi Camera stores are everywhere. Almost every major city and tourist hub in Japan has at least one, usually located near major train stations. So even if you don’t have time to track down specialty stores, a visit to Yodobashi could still net you a great game for a great price.
For budget-conscious shoppers or collectors hoping to spot a hidden deal, Yodobashi is a reliable and convenient stop on your board game Japan journey.
Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo:
- Yodobashi Camera Akiba
- Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku Nishiguchi Hobby & Toy Pavilion (The best Yodobashi Camera for board games)
Buy Board Games Online While Traveling in Japan
If you’re spending your Golden Week racing through temples, tasting every ramen bowl in sight, and squeezing in a few onsens, you might not have time to hop from store to store. In that case, online shopping is your best option to buy board games in Japan—and luckily, it’s incredibly convenient.
Your first stop should be Amazon Japan. The service is top-notch: timely, trackable, and very reliable. You’ll find a wide range of board games, from popular international hits to Japanese exclusives. And since it’s Amazon, you already know how it works—just switch the site to English, and you’re good to go.
The second platform worth checking out is Mercari, Japan’s biggest peer-to-peer marketplace. It’s a treasure trove for second-hand Japanese board games, but keep in mind that prices vary wildly since sellers set them individually. That said, quality is usually excellent. Japanese sellers take pride in their reputation and pack their items with care.
Navigating Mercari can be tricky due to limited English support. You can search in English, but for better results, try using the Japanese game titles. A quick search on BoardGameGeek will usually provide the Japanese name of any game you’re looking for.
For travelers short on time but big on gaming, online shopping is the most efficient way to grow your collection while enjoying everything Japan has to offer.
Tips for Board Game Shopping in Japan During Golden Week
Before you dash off with a backpack full of meeples, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your mission to buy board games in Japan this Golden Week:
Popular indie games sell out fast. Some Japanese indie titles, like Nana or Scout, have gained recognition overseas. That means foreigners (just like you!) often hunt for the same games. Check Jelly Jelly Store or Mercari if your target title is sold out elsewhere.
Expect purchase limits. If a game has high resale value, stores often limit purchases to one or two copies per customer. This is common for hot releases, so plan ahead if you’re hoping to pick up extras as gifts.
Order online early. While Amazon Japan and Mercari offer fantastic delivery reliability, delays can happen during busy travel periods like Golden Week. Make a wish list before your trip, and once you’ve checked into your hotel, place your orders immediately. If delivery is too slow, canceling is easy—just act quickly.
And finally… enjoy Japan. Board games make fantastic souvenirs, but don’t forget why you came. Eat everything. See everything. Soak it all in. Let the games be the cherry on top of a truly unforgettable trip.
Conclusion
Japan is full of surprises, and the board game scene is no exception. With so many great shops and hidden gems, you’re bound to come across something special during your Golden Week trip. Take your time, explore a few stores, maybe order a game or two online—and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Most importantly, have fun and make the most of your time in this incredible country. And if you end up finding a game you love or discover something unexpected, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear what treasures you brought home from your journey!
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