Play Pachinko

Pachinko is a combination of a pinball machine with a slot machine, and yes, it is a form of gambling. The electronic beeps and buzzes emanating from pachinko parlors can be heard before seen, just follow the noise. Although there are many strategies to pachinko, they take years to learn, so I’ll just guide you through the basics.

Small metal balls are launched a la pinball-style and when gravity takes over fall downward and bounce off a series of metal pins. The object is to get as many of these metal balls into a hole in the bottom center, which then activates the slot machine portion of the game in the center. This animated scene is quite hypnotizing, so do not get distracted and remember to keep an eye on where your balls are going.
Winning is not the fun part; it’s exchanging your metal balls for cold hard cash. Because pachinko is technically illegal yet tolerated by the police, players must exchange their balls for a token/receipt/prize and then take that item to another establishment around the corner to exchange it for yen. Definitely an unforgettable experience, and one of the most unique and offbeat things to do in Tokyo.

Nearby: All the other exciting and delicious places in Shibuya.