Celebrity Cruise Day 6: Arcades in Hiroshima – Winning Mofusand Plushies! ๐ฎโจ
Siva McAteer • September 19, 2025
Arcades in Hiroshima
Winning! Japanese arcades aren’t just games—they’re a whole cultural experience.
On Day 6 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stepped off the ship and into the neon world of a Hiroshima arcade. And let me tell you—it was one of the highlights of the day!
Japanese Arcades: More Than Just Games
In Japan, arcades are called game centers, and they’re everywhere. While they’ve been declining in numbers since their 1980s peak, there are still around 4,000 arcades across Japan today. At their height, there were over 44,000 nationwide—yes, more arcades than convenience stores!
What makes Japanese arcades so special is that they’re not just for kids—they’re fun for the whole family. You’ll find multi-story game centers filled with crane games, rhythm machines, retro classics, and even photo booths (purikura).
Crane Games – The Ultimate Challenge ๐พ
The most iconic part of any Japanese arcade? The crane games, also known as UFO catchers. These machines lure you in with cute prizes that look easy to grab… but are way trickier than they seem.
After a few tries (and maybe some encouragement from bystanders), I managed to win not one but two Mofusand plush toys! ๐
For those new to Japanese pop culture—Mofusand is an insanely popular series of cute, chubby cats often dressed in shark or animal costumes. They’ve become a favorite prize in gachapon machines and arcades across the country.
Arcades and Japanese Culture ๐ธ
Arcades aren’t just about winning toys—they’re about experiencing a slice of Japanese culture. For decades, arcades have been a place for students, families, and even office workers to unwind after a long day.
Fun fact: While SEGA sold off its famous arcade business in 2022, the game centers live on under the new name GiGO, keeping the arcade tradition alive.
Why You Should Visit an Arcade in Hiroshima
If you’re visiting Hiroshima (or anywhere in Japan), stepping inside an arcade is a must. Whether you want to try your hand at winning plushies, challenge friends to a rhythm game, or just soak in the buzzing atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable experience.
And who knows—you might just walk away with your own Mofusand plush to cuddle on your travels. ๐ฑ
Final Thoughts
From the history of arcades in Japan to the thrill of the UFO catchers, this little stop in Hiroshima gave us both laughs and memories. It’s these unexpected moments that make travel so special.
I’m Siva McAteer, a travel blogger and certified travel agent, and I share these adventures to inspire you to finally book that bucket list trip to Japan. And when you’re ready, I’d love to help you plan every step of the way.๏ปฟ
#HiroshimaArcade #JapanTravel #Mofusand #JapaneseArcade #UFOCatcher #GameCenterJapan #TravelBlogger #CelebrityCruises #BucketListJapan #FamilyFunJapan
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