When most people think about a video game vacation, it usually involves pizza, G Fuel, and a 48-hour video game binge. I love drawing the curtain and marathoning a new game as much as the next guy, but ever since self-isolation became mandatory, all I can think about getting back out in the world. My next vacation won’t be spent in front of a TV playing Cyberpunk 2077 until I can’t keep my eyes open, it will be spent someplace I’ve always wanted to go, video game Mecca: Tokyo, Japan.
I started thinking about my dream video game vacation some time ago, and the pieces just keep falling into place. Covid-19 is still a very real threat throughout the world and the end of quarantine isn’t exactly within our grasp, but when it’s finally safe to travel again, I’ve got some big plans. Here is my vision for the ultimate video game vacation in 2020.
Vacation Starts On The Plane
I’m not waiting until I get to Japan to start my vacation. That’s a 12-hour flight and — I know from experience — flights like that can totally kill vacation momentum. Luckily, Taiwanese airline EVA Air has a one-of-a-kind fan experience for international travelers: the famous Hello Kitty jet.
For Sanrio fans, the Hello Kitty jet is the ultimate travel experience. The eye-catching paint job is just the start, as every inch of plane is covered in images of Hello Kitty and her friends. Starting with pink ticket counters, passengers scan their bow-shaped boarding passes and enter into a world of adorableness. Everything from the meals to the sick bags is Hello Kitty themed. It truly is the ultimate Hello Kitty experience.
The Hello Kitty jet currently flies out of Chicago and San Francisco. Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from the US to Japan, as all US flights arrive in Taipei. The airline does travel from Taipei to Tokyo though, so the Hello Kitty experience never needs to end.
Super Nintendo World At Universal Studio Japan
Originally planned to open ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Super Nintendo World looks to still be on track for a 2020 opening (provided it’s safe to do so). New aerial photos of the park show that Super Nintendo World is nearing completion.
Super Nintendo world is a brand new expansion at Universal Studio Japan. It is themed after the Mushroom Kingdom and includes a number of rides, including a Yoshi-themed people mover and a Mario Kart ride that takes place within Bowser’s Castle.
Super Nintendo World is opening in Japan first, but will eventually make its way to both Los Angeles and Orlando. Universal Studio Hollywood is building their version below the lower lot in the northwestern part of the park. In Orlando, and 3rd Universal Studio park called Epic Universe is in development. Scheduled to open in 2023, the new park is expected to include both Super Nintendo World and a Pokémon-themed area.
Pokémon Center Tokyo DX & Pokémon Cafe
There are several Pokémon Centers throughout Japan, but the Pokémon Center in Tokyo is the newest and biggest of them all. Located in one of the biggest department stores in Tokyo, this Pokémon Center is a dream come true for fans.
This Pokémon Center has products and memorabilia you can’t get anywhere else in the world. From plushies to cards to apparel, your only problem will be figuring out how to get all of it stuffed in your luggage.
When you’re done shopping, the Pokémon Cafe attached to the shop has an unbelievable selection of Pokémon-themed food. There isn’t an experience quite like this anywhere else in the world for Pokémon fans.
Akihabara Arcades
In Tokyo, there is an area called the Akihabara District where all of the shops and entertainment cater to games and fandom. Here you’ll find tons of arcades of all shapes and sizes to suit whatever your interests are. There are retro-arcades, virtual reality arcades, and arcades that specialize in gachapon-style games.
You may only be able to find a US arcade scene in urban bar-arcades these days, but in Japan, arcades are more popular than ever. New, inventive games are constantly being introduced. If you’re a fan of the arcade and especially rhythm games, there’s plenty to experience in Tokyo.
Super Potato
Super Potato is a chain of retro gaming stores with locations throughout Japan, including the aforementioned Akihabara District. As a popular tourist destination, Super Potato Akihabara typically isn’t going to have the rarest or most coveted retro games, but for what they lack in rarity they make up for in sheer volume.
You can find just about every console and game as far back as the Atari at Super Potato. The store is as much a museum of gaming history as it is a retail space. This isn’t the pre-owned section at Game Stop, this is a retro gamer’s paradise.
Source: One Mile At A Time, Polygon, IGN
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