Tachikawa City in Tokyo is a major commercial hub in the Tama region where JR Chuo Line and Nanbu Line intersect, with a concentration of diverse amusement facilities. In particular, game centers offering crane games are well-equipped, especially in the area surrounding Tachikawa Station, handling a wide range of products from the latest prize items to classic stuffed animals.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of crane game spots in the Tachikawa area, centered on Akebono-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo. We deliver comprehensive information you’ll want to know before visiting, including each store’s characteristics, business hours, phone numbers, prize selections, number of machines, and access methods.
Crane Game Situation and Characteristics in Tachikawa City
Game centers in Tachikawa City, leveraging their location as a transportation hub connecting central Tokyo and the Tama region, actively introduce the latest amusement equipment. In particular, since 2023, with the renovation of Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C., the crane game specialty floor has been greatly expanded, making the richness of prize games top-class even in the Tama region.
Crane game spots in the Tachikawa area have the following characteristics:
- Large number of machines: Major stores install 300+ crane game machines
- Abundant product lineup: Diverse prizes ranging from anime and game characters to everyday goods
- Good accessibility: Major stores are concentrated within walking distance of Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Long business hours: Most stores operate until 10 PM
- Electronic payment support: Cashless payment is standard equipment
namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store | Tachikawa’s Largest Crane Game Specialty Store
Store Overview and Basic Information
namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store is the largest crane game specialty amusement facility in the Tachikawa area, which reopened on November 14, 2023. Operated by Bandai Namco Amusement Corporation, this store features 360+ crane game machines, the most ever for the company’s facilities, offering the most enriched 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: 0570-087620
- Business Hours: 10:00-22:00
- 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 Website
Overwhelming Number of Machines and Product Count
The greatest feature of namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store is the overwhelming number of 350+ installed crane game machines. This boasts one of the largest scales not only in the Tachikawa Station area but throughout the entire Tama region.
The store interior is organized into the following zones:
- Character Prize Zone: Latest character goods from anime, games, and movies
- Stuffed Animal Area: Diverse sizes of plush toys from large to small
- Daily Goods Corner: Practical home appliances, beauty products, interior items
- Candy Prizes: Popular candy assortments and mini-claw exclusive areas
- Figure Corner: High-quality figures for collectors
With a wide lineup and product count, the environment is set up for all players to enjoy, from beginners to advanced users.
Ichiban Kuji Official Shop Annexed
namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store also features an official shop “Ichiban Kuji Official Shop” from the Bandai Namco Group. In addition to crane games, you can enjoy Ichiban Kuji lottery where you can reliably obtain popular character limited goods, expanding the breadth of amusement experiences.
Fully Electronic Payment Compatible
All crane game machines support electronic payment, with diverse cashless payment methods available including credit cards, transportation IC cards, and QR code payments. Being able to play without carrying cash is a major advantage for modern players.
Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store | Diverse Game Machines and Enriched Crane Games
Store Overview
Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store is a comprehensive amusement facility operated by Taito Corporation. Featuring not only crane games but also video games, music games, and medal games, it has become popular as a store where a wide age range can enjoy themselves.
Store Information
- Operating Company: Taito Corporation
- Location: Akebono-cho area, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
- Access: Walking distance from JR Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Official Website: Taito Official Store Search Page
Game Machine Types and Prize Characteristics
Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store has a rich variety of crane game types with the following characteristics:
- Diverse crane game machine types: Multiple types including 2-claw, 3-claw, bridge-crossing, typing-style
- Taito original prizes: Limited Taito items unavailable at other stores
- Regular product rotation: New merchandise arrives weekly
- Difficulty settings for children to adults: Ranging from beginner to advanced level
Events and Campaigns
Taito Station regularly holds prize campaigns and events. By checking the official website and SNS for the latest information, you’ll have more opportunities to play advantageously.
WGC (World Game Circus) Tachikawa Store | Amusement Space with Unique Worldview
Store Overview
WGC (World Game Circus) is a game center with a unique concept, located in Hagoromo-cho, Tachikawa City. It is characterized by circus-themed interior decoration and an individual prize lineup.
Store Information
- Address: 101 Hagoromo Nagata Building, 2-4-13 Hagoromo-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
- Access: Walking distance from JR Tachikawa Station South Exit
Unique Prize Offerings
WGC has its own procurement routes different from major chains, handling unique prizes not seen at other stores. It’s recommended for collectors seeking rare items.
Crane Game Strategy for the Tachikawa Area
Distinguishing Easy-to-Win Machines
To efficiently enjoy crane games at game centers in Tachikawa City, keep these points in mind:
- Check prize position: Confirm if the prize is close to the hole and within the arm’s reach
- Find well-set machines: Identify machines where prizes move easily
- Ask staff for advice: Don’t hesitate to consult staff when stuck
- Target machines with play limits: Observe how many times probability machines have been played
- Aim for opening time or before closing: Right after settings adjustment is a good opportunity
Time-Based Strategy
Weekday Daytime
- Relatively uncrowded, can select machines carefully
- Can catch new items right after stock arrives
Weekday Evening and Weekends
- Crowded, but popular machines rotate quickly and probability machines may be more likely to win
- May have special benefits during events
Near Closing Time
- Machines may have looser settings
- However, pay attention to 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 Goods
- Anime and manga character stuffed animals
- Popular game title figures
- Limited goods timed with movie releases
- Classic characters like Sanrio and Disney
Daily Goods and Home Appliances
- Beauty appliances (hair dryers, facial beauty devices, etc.)
- Kitchen utensils
- Interior decorations
- Seasonal items (humidifiers, fans, etc.)
Candy and Food
- Popular candy maker assortments
- Small bag candies for mini-claws
- Seasonal limited candies
Collector’s Items
- High-quality figures
- Limited design goods
- Rare character merchandise
Attraction of Coin Catchers and Mini-Claws
Stores in the Tachikawa area are also well-stocked with coin catchers and mini-claws, low-priced crane games with these characteristics:
- Enjoyable from around 100 yen per play
- Easy to challenge casually
- Candy and small items as prizes
- Difficulty level enjoyable for children
These are recommended for beginners or those wanting to keep costs down.
Access and Surrounding Information Near Tachikawa Station
Access from Tachikawa Station
Tachikawa Station is the largest terminal station in the Tama region, serving JR Chuo Line, Ome Line, and Nanbu Line. Access to major crane 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 in rain as it’s inside a department store
To Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store
- Within 5-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station North Exit
- Easy to find in the station-front commercial area
Surrounding Stores and Annexed Facilities
In addition to namco, Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. houses numerous specialty shops, restaurants, and movie theaters, making it a complex commercial facility where you can enjoy all day. After enjoying crane games, you can:
- Shop
- Dine at restaurants
- Rest at a café
- Watch a movie
And enjoy many other activities.
Parking Information
Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. is equipped with a large parking lot, making access by car convenient. There may be parking fee discounts for game center use, so check with the store.
Comparison Table of Game Centers in Tachikawa City
| Store Name | Machines | Business Hours | Features | Recommendation |
|——–|———-|———-|——|————|
| namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store | 360+ | 10:00-22:00 | Largest machine count, Ichiban Kuji annexed | ★★★★★ |
| Taito Station Tachikawa North Exit Store | Multiple | Check Store | Diverse games, Taito limited prizes | ★★★★☆ |
| WGC Tachikawa Store | – | Check Store | Unique prizes, distinctive worldview | ★★★☆☆ |
Manners and Rules for Enjoying Crane Games
Basic Manners
To enjoy crane games comfortably at game centers in Tachikawa City, follow these manners:
- Respect order: Wait in line for popular machines
- Avoid long-term occupation: Be considerate so others can also enjoy
- Follow store rules: Comply with each store’s regulations
- No reselling prizes: Most stores prohibit large-scale acquisition for resale purposes
- Follow staff instructions: Consult staff promptly if problems arise
How to Handle Troubles
- Prize stuck: Call staff immediately (don’t touch it yourself)
- Machine malfunction: Request refund or replay compensation
- Prize damage: Store responsibility if damaged before acquisition, self-responsibility after
Useful Information for Enjoying Crane Games in Tachikawa City
Point Cards and Member Benefits
Many game centers introduce membership cards and point systems:
- Play points: Points awarded based on play frequency
- Member-exclusive events: Campaigns only members can participate in
- Birthday benefits: Special services during birthday month
Following Official Social Media Accounts
By following each store’s official Twitter and Instagram:
- Get new product arrival information first
- Limited event announcements
- Discount coupon distribution
- Play tips and technique information
And more information becomes available.
Using Coupon Apps
Downloading smartphone apps provided by each company, such as the Bandai Namco Amusement official app, can provide discounts and benefits.
Beginner’s Crane Game Introduction Guide
Your First Crane Game
If crane games are new to you, start with these steps:
- Choose an easy-looking machine: Start with mini-claws or coin catchers
- Consult with staff: Tell them you’re a beginner and ask for an easy-to-win machine recommendation
- Observe others playing: Learn by watching skilled players
- Start with small amounts: Initially set a budget and play within reasonable limits
- Prioritize enjoyment: Enjoy the experience even if you don’t win
Recommended Practice Machines
- Candy prizes: Light prizes move easily
- Small stuffed animals: Often set with relatively easy settings
- Mini-claws: Affordable and easy to challenge casually
Latest Topics in Tachikawa City Game Centers
Major 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 360+ machine count defies conventional expectations for the Tachikawa area and has greatly influenced crane game culture throughout the Tama region.
Future Development Predictions
As Tachikawa City is the commercial center of the Tama region, further enrichment of amusement facilities is expected. Particularly:
- Renovations of existing stores
- Possibility of new openings
- Next-generation crane games with cutting-edge technology
- Facilities combining esports
Further evolution is anticipated.
Summary: Fully Enjoy Crane Games in Tachikawa City
Tokyo’s Tachikawa City is an area where the Tama region’s largest crane game spots are concentrated. Particularly in the Akebono-cho area of Tachikawa City near Tachikawa Station North Exit, there are enriched amusement facilities including namco Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C. Store, with an overwhelming 360+ installed machines and abundant product lineups, creating an environment where players from beginners to advanced users can enjoy themselves.
Each store offers electronic payment compatibility, extended operating hours, and good accessibility from the station, allowing for full-day enjoyment combined with shopping and dining. Latest prize merchandise information and event information are regularly updated on each store’s official website and SNS, so check before visiting to enjoy crane games advantageously.
Experience the charm of crane games at game centers in Tachikawa City yourself.
