【Cross Game】 Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Tachikawa City, Tokyo, is a major commercial hub in the Tama region where the JR Chuo Line and Nanbu Line intersect, with numerous amusement facilities concentrated in the area. In particular, game centers offering cross games (crane games) are well-equipped, especially around Tachikawa Station, handling a wide range of products from the latest prize merchandise to classic plush toys.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of cross game spots in the Tachikawa area, centered on Akebono-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo. We cover all the information you need to know before visiting, including each store’s characteristics, business hours, phone numbers, prize merchandise, number of machines, and access methods.
Cross Game Situation and Characteristics in Tachikawa City
Game centers in Tachikawa City actively introduce the latest amusement equipment, taking advantage of their location as a key transportation hub connecting central Tokyo and the Tama region. Particularly since 2023, with the renovation of Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C., the dedicated crane game floor has been significantly expanded, and the availability of prize games ranks among the top in the Tama region.
Cross game spots in the Tachikawa area have the following characteristics:
- Large number of installed machines: Major stores have over 300 crane game machines installed
- Abundant merchandise lineup: Diverse prizes ranging from anime and game characters to daily necessities
- Excellent accessibility: Main stores are concentrated within walking distance of Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Long business hours: Many stores operate until 10 PM
- Electronic payment support: Cashless payments are standard equipment
Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store | Tachikawa’s Largest Dedicated Crane Game Store
Store Overview and Basic Information
Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store is a large-scale dedicated cross game amusement facility that reopened on November 14, 2023, in the Tachikawa area. Operated by Bandai Namco Amusement Inc., this store features over 360 crane game machines—the most at any company facility—offering the most comprehensive prize experience in the Tachikawa Station area.
Store Information
- Address: 3F, Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C., 2-39-3 Akebono-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo 190-8507
- Phone Number: 0570-087620
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station North Exit, approximately 1-minute walk from Tachikawa Kita Station North Exit
- Official Website: Bandai Namco Amusement Unit Official Site
Overwhelming Number of Installed Machines and Product Selection
The greatest feature of Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store is its overwhelming number of over 350 crane game machines. This represents the largest scale not only in the Tachikawa Station area but also throughout the entire Tama region.
The store is organized into the following zones:
- Character Prize Zone: Latest character merchandise from anime, games, and movies
- Plush Toy Area: Diverse sizes of plush toy prizes from large to small
- Daily Essentials Corner: Practical home appliances, beauty products, and interior items
- Candy Prizes: Popular candy assortments and mini crane dedicated areas
- Figure Corner: High-quality figures for collectors
With its broad lineup and extensive product selection, the environment is enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced players.
Official Ichiban Kuji Shop Attached
Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store features an attached official shop called “Ichiban Kuji Official Shop,” part of the Bandai Namco Group. In addition to cross games, you can also enjoy Ichiban Kuji, allowing you to reliably obtain limited character merchandise, expanding your amusement experience.
Full Electronic Payment Support
All crane game machines support electronic payments, with various cashless payment methods available including credit cards, transportation system IC cards, and QR code payments. The ability to play without carrying cash is a significant advantage for modern players.
Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store | Diverse Game Machines and Abundant Cross Games
Store Overview
Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store is a comprehensive amusement facility operated by Taito Inc. In addition to cross games, it offers a diverse selection of game machines including video games, music games, and medal games, making it popular with a wide age range of visitors.
Store Information
- Operating Company: Taito Inc.
- Location: Akebono-cho Area, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
- Access: Within walking distance from JR Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Official Website: Taito Official Store Search Page
Characteristics of Game Machines and Prizes Handled
Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store offers a rich variety of crane game types with the following characteristics:
- Diverse crane game machine types: Multiple varieties including 2-claw, 3-claw, bridge, and typing-style machines
- Taito Original Prizes: Exclusive Taito merchandise unavailable at other stores
- Regular merchandise rotation: New products arrive on a weekly basis
- Difficulty settings for all ages: Options ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced player levels
Events and Campaigns
Taito Station regularly holds prize campaigns and events. By checking the official website and SNS for the latest information, you can increase your chances of playing at a discount.
WGC (World Game Circus) Tachikawa Store | Amusement Space with Its Own Unique World
Store Overview
WGC (World Game Circus) is a game center with its own unique concept, located in Hagoromo-cho, Tachikawa City. It is characterized by circus-themed interior decoration and an individual merchandise lineup.
Store Information
- Address: 101 Hagoromo Nagata Building, 2-4-13 Hagoromo-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
- Access: Within walking distance from JR Tachikawa Station South Exit
Original Prize Offerings
WGC has unique sourcing routes different from major chains, handling unique merchandise not found at other stores. It is recommended for collectors searching for rare items.
Cross Game Strategy Guide for the Tachikawa Area
How to Identify Easy-to-Win Machines
To efficiently enjoy cross games at game centers in Tachikawa City, keep the following points in mind:
- Check prize positioning: Verify if prizes are positioned close to the hole and within the arm’s reach
- Find well-adjusted machines: Distinguish machines with settings that make prizes move easily
- Ask staff for advice: Don’t hesitate to consult with staff when puzzled
- Target machines with play count limits: For probability machines, observe how many times they’ve been played
- Aim for right after opening or before closing: Timing right after setting adjustments is ideal
Time-Based Strategy
Weekday Daytime
- Relatively quiet, allowing leisurely machine selection
- Can catch new merchandise arrivals
Weekday Evening and Weekends
- Crowded, but popular machines have faster turnover and probability machines may be easier to win
- Special benefits may be available during events
Near Closing Time
- Some machines may have looser settings
- However, be mindful of business hours
Prize Merchandise Types and Latest Trends
Popular Prize Categories in 2025
Main prize merchandise categories handled at game centers in Tachikawa City are as follows:
Character Merchandise
- Plush toys of anime and manga characters
- Figures from popular game titles
- Limited merchandise tied to movie releases
- Classic characters from Sanrio, Disney, and others
Daily Essentials and Home Appliances
- Beauty appliances (hair dryers, facial devices, etc.)
- Kitchen items
- Interior decoration goods
- Seasonal products (humidifiers, fans, etc.)
Candy and Food Items
- Assortments from popular candy makers
- Small bag candies for mini crane games
- Seasonal limited candies
Collector’s Items
- High-quality figures
- Limited design merchandise
- Rare character merchandise
Appeal of Circle Catcher and Mini Crane Games
Stores in the Tachikawa area feature abundant circle catchers and mini cranes in low-price tiers with these characteristics:
- Playable from around 100 yen per play
- Easy casual challenge
- Candy and small items as prizes
- Difficulty level enjoyable for children
These are recommended for beginners and those wanting to keep costs down.
Access from Tachikawa Station and Surrounding Information
Access from Tachikawa Station
Tachikawa Station is the largest terminal station in the Tama region, with JR Chuo Line, Ome Line, and Nanbu Line services. Access to major cross game spots is as follows:
To Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store
- 3-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Approximately 1-minute walk from Tama Monorail Tachikawa Kita Station North Exit
- Safe even on rainy days due to indoor department store location
To Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store
- Within 5-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Located in easy-to-find station-front commercial area
Surrounding Stores and Attached Facilities
In addition to Namco, numerous specialty shops, restaurants, and a movie theater are located in Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C., making it a comprehensive shopping complex for all-day enjoyment. After enjoying cross games, you can:
- Go shopping
- Dine at restaurants
- Relax at a cafe
- Watch a movie
and more, with diverse ways to spend your time.
Parking Information
Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. has a large parking lot, making car access convenient. There may be parking fee discounts for game center users, so check with the store.
Comparison Table of Game Centers in Tachikawa City
| Store Name | Installed Machines | Business Hours | Features | Recommendation |
|——–|———-|———-|——|————|
| Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store | 360+ | 10:00 AM-10:00 PM | Largest number of installed machines, Ichiban Kuji attached | ★★★★★ |
| Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store | Multiple | Check with Store | Diverse game machines, Taito exclusive merchandise | ★★★★☆ |
| WGC Tachikawa Store | – | Check with Store | Unique merchandise, original world concept | ★★★☆☆ |
Manners and Rules for Enjoying Cross Games
Basic Etiquette
To comfortably enjoy cross games at game centers in Tachikawa City, follow these manners:
- Respect the queue: Wait in line at popular machines
- Avoid extended occupation: Be considerate so others can also enjoy
- Follow store rules: Comply with each store’s regulations
- No resale of prizes: Most stores prohibit large-scale acquisition for resale purposes
- Follow staff instructions: Consult with staff promptly if issues arise
How to Handle Problems
- Prize stuck: Call staff immediately (do not touch it yourself)
- Machine malfunction: Request refund or replay compensation
- Prize damage: Damage before acquisition is store responsibility; after acquisition is your responsibility
Money-Saving Information for Enjoying Cross Games in Tachikawa City
Point Cards and Member Benefits
Many game centers have point card or membership systems:
- Play Points: Points earned based on number of plays
- Member-Only Events: Campaigns available only to members
- Birthday Bonuses: Special services during birthday month
Following Official SNS Accounts
By following each store’s official Twitter and Instagram accounts, you can:
- Get first access to new merchandise information
- Learn about exclusive events
- Receive discount coupons
- Get playing tips and techniques
Utilizing Coupon Apps
By downloading smartphone apps provided by each company, such as the Bandai Namco Amusement official app, you can receive discount coupons and special offers.
Beginner’s Guide to Cross Game Introduction
First Time at Cross Games
For those new to cross games (crane games), get started with these steps:
- Select an easy-looking machine: Start with mini crane or circle catcher
- Consult with staff: Tell them you’re a beginner and ask for easy-to-win machine recommendations
- Observe other players: Learn by watching skilled players
- Start with small amounts: Set a budget and play within reasonable limits
- Prioritize enjoyment: Even if you don’t win, enjoy the experience
Recommended Practice Machines
- Candy Prizes: Lightweight prizes that move easily
- Small Plush Toys: Often set with easier winning odds
- Mini Cranes: Low cost, easy casual challenge
Latest Topics About Game Centers in Tachikawa City
Large-Scale Renovations Since 2023
The November 2023 reopening of Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store was a major topic in the Tachikawa area amusement industry. The over 360 installed machines represent a scale that overturned conventional wisdom for the Tachikawa area and has significantly influenced cross game culture throughout the Tama region.
Future Development Projections
As the commercial center of the Tama region, Tachikawa City is expected to see continued enhancement of amusement facilities. Particularly:
- Renovations of existing stores
- Potential for new openings
- Next-generation crane games with latest technology
- Facilities combining esports
Further evolution is anticipated.
Summary: Enjoy Cross Games in Tachikawa City
Tokyo’s Tachikawa City is an area with a concentration of the Tama region’s largest cross game spots. Particularly in the Akebono-cho area around Tachikawa Station North Exit, there are well-equipped amusement facilities including Namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store, with over 360 installed machines and abundant merchandise lineups that allow both beginners and advanced players to enjoy the environment.
Each store offers electronic payment support, extended operating hours, and convenient access from the station, and can be enjoyed all day when combined with shopping and dining, which is the appeal of the Tachikawa area. Latest prize merchandise information and event details are regularly updated on each store’s official website and SNS, so check before visiting to enjoy cross games economically.
Experience the charm of cross games at game centers in Tachikawa City.
