E-Sports Guide Tokyo / The official tourism portal for Tokyo GO TOKYO

With the world still in a competitive mood after the 2024 Paris Olympics, this time we’re turning our attention to a slightly different kind of sport. E-sports, short for “electronic sports,” refers to video games played competitively in front of spectators. Since the 2000s, e-sports has grown rapidly, captivating fans around the world and spawning leagues, tournaments, and professional players.

Japan has long been at the forefront of the gaming industry and hosts the TOKYO GAME SHOW every September, bringing together console manufacturers, leading game publishers and gamers.

As the Japanese e-sports market booms, more and more gaming facilities are popping up in Tokyo, establishing the city as a go-to place for anyone who wants to play e-sports – from die-hard gamers to absolute beginners. Thanks to the multilingual offerings of the facilities, tourists can also join in and have tons of fun.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to three facilities that offer a range of esports options, from open gaming areas with high-performance PCs to private rooms that can be used by groups. To use the PCs, you must register as a member and pay a usage fee, with spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Membership is either free or costs a small fee.

Café-Bar with e-sports in Ikebukuro — Café&Bar RAGE ST

Café&Bar RAGE ST is located at the east exit of JR Ikebukuro Station, a transportation hub in one of Tokyo’s leading pop culture districts. It’s an unusual establishment that combines e-sports with a café-bar. The two-story establishment’s café-bar is located on the ground floor and offers a diverse menu that includes the shop’s signature dish, the “RAGE Burger,” as well as various types of burgers, curries, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. While guests enjoy their meals, they can watch exciting e-sports matches on several large TVs spread throughout the dining area. There’s also a shop on the same floor that sells figurines, clothing, and more, so be sure to stop by. Upstairs is a gaming area with powerful PCs, where everyone from passionate gamers to newcomers can enjoy e-sports in a way that best suits their needs. This area is also not to be missed.

Experience exciting e-sports matches in Ueno — esports Style UENO

Esports Style UENO is a state-of-the-art gaming and event facility where you can enjoy a high-quality gaming experience thanks to 10 Gbps internet bandwidth. The facility’s central event area can accommodate up to 140 people, allowing you to watch esports events alongside passionate fans. The spectator area is impressively designed and creates a strong connection between audience and players, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the world of esports together. For up-to-date information on events during your visit, visit the Esports Style UENO website or your X-Account. The gaming area is also well-equipped for individual use, offering various rooms that cover different interests and popular games. For example, there are private rooms that can accommodate up to 11 people, allowing groups to communicate better with each other, and spaces for individual streaming experiences. In addition, there is a 76-seat cafe on the first floor where you can relax and enjoy refreshments between gaming sessions. These are not to be missed during your visit.

24-hour gaming in one of Japan’s largest esports facilities — ASH WINDER Esports ARENA

Located in Shinjuku Ward, ASH WINDER Esports ARENA is a 24-hour, 600-square-meter esports facility that is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. The five-meter-high ceilings and open-plan design ensure you have plenty of space to enjoy your favorite games. There is a spacious 80-seat PC area with five-meter-high ceilings where you can play to your heart’s content, as well as a studio suitable for live broadcasts of esports tournaments. The facility also has an outdoor terrace where you can take a refreshment break between your gaming sessions. This human touch – the spacious interior and outdoor access – combined with the facility’s high-quality gaming options create an atmosphere where you will feel inspired to start your very own esports journey.