Nakano Broadway is a multi-storey shopping complex in Nakano, Tokyo, a short walk from Nakano Station’s north exit through the covered Nakano Sunmall arcade. Its small specialist shops sell second-hand manga, anime goods, figurines, vintage toys, trading cards and other collectibles. Mandarake has shops across several floors, each with its own focus. The building dates to 1966 and has a lived-in, retro feel. Browse the second and third floors for much of the pop-culture stock, then look upstairs for original manga sketches and other finds.
From luxury complex to collector destination
Nakano Broadway opened in 1966 as a commercial complex with shops and apartments. It was conceived as a luxury shopping and residential development, with a rooftop garden and swimming pool. As newer shopping centres drew customers away, independent retailers moved into the building. Mandarake arrived in 1980, selling second-hand manga, and its success helped shift the complex towards manga, anime and collectible goods.
Today, the shopping floors run from the basement to the fourth floor. The upper floors are residential, so the retail maze has a compact footprint despite its many shops. The building’s older finish is part of its character: it feels like a working local shopping centre, not a purpose-built attraction.
What to look for inside
The second and third floors hold much of the anime and manga merchandise. Mandarake operates numerous small shops here, with stock spanning manga, figures, trading cards, DVDs and vintage toys. Other independent stores focus on particular hobbies, from collectibles to electronics and idol goods. Because each shop has its own specialty, browsing the corridors can turn up items that are easy to miss on a quick pass.
The fourth floor is worth exploring too. Mandarake Hen-ya, marked by a red torii gate, specialises in nostalgic Showa-era character goods and vintage toys. Another shop on the upper floors sells original manga and anime sketches. Check the labels and condition carefully when comparing second-hand items, and compare prices between stores before buying.
Getting there and planning your browse
From Nakano Station’s north exit, walk through Nakano Sunmall, a covered shopping arcade lined with local shops and places to eat. Broadway is at the far end. The walk is short, and the route makes it easy to browse the street before heading into the complex.
Many specialist shops open around noon, so an early arrival can leave you with time to explore Sunmall first. The building is maze-like, and a little unhurried wandering helps if you have a particular floor or kind of collectible in mind. If you plan to claim tax exemption at Mandarake, the stated purchase threshold is 5,500 yen; combine receipts as advised in the shopping tips and confirm the requirements in store.
Preguntas frecuentes
How do you get to Nakano Broadway?
From the north exit of Nakano Station, walk through Nakano Sunmall’s covered shopping arcade. Nakano Broadway is at the end.
What can you buy at Nakano Broadway?
The shops sell second-hand manga, anime goods, figurines, trading cards, vintage toys and other collectibles. Mandarake has multiple specialist shops across the complex.
When should you visit Nakano Broadway?
Many shops open around noon, so later in the day is a better time to browse the specialist stores. If you arrive earlier, explore Nakano Sunmall first.
How much time should you allow for Nakano Broadway?
Allow about one to two hours to browse its floors and small specialist shops.
