Orochinagi: The King of Fighters

Updated 29th March 2011 with Shinjuku Carnival, thanks to Frionel:

– Shinjuku’s Carnival : it’s in the big place around the big theater in Kabukicho : Always crowed with very good XI/2002 UM/XIII/98UM players. You’ll meet famous faces like Kyokugendo, Cap, Oz, Dune, Infinity etc. This is were you’ll find the best average level. (1 play = 50 yens)
1F HUMAX Pavilion Shinjuku Kabukicho 1-20-1, Kabukicho,Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo

The HUMAX building is easy enough to find, but you’re looking for this arcade here called Playland Carnival. Look at the image below.

Website
Google Map link

View Larger Map

Club Sega Shinjuku
Great arcade here: lots of high level challengers and SNK games. Also a tournament hot spot (Tougeki qualifiers are held here). Go to the basement floor to enter BATTLE ARENA, with all the fighters.

Directions:

sega shinjuku map

In the map above, I’m facing Sega Shinjuku, although it doesn’t look so glamourous in the daytime.

Here is the google map link if you want to practice walking from the station.

Club Sega Shinjuku, just looking slightly better at night.

For you SNK fans, this is a definite. There is a cheaper arcade around the corner but you should visit here just to check out the competition. It’s also spacious and ermm… lovely, with game posters etc. All the latest fighting games will be here.

This club Sega is a Tougeki Qualifiers venue!

Club Sega: SNK Festival

Poster outside Club Sega letting you know the latest machines inside

Spot 21

Spot 21 is another legendary arcade, although perhaps not for fighters. Still, last time I checked, they had the latest fighters.

spot21-shinjuku-arcade-map

Here’s the google map link, but they don’t go down that alley.

SPOT 21 website

Game Plaza Frontier

EDIT: As of Autumn 2010, this arcade has now closed. Info left for prosperity

I can’t remember where exactly this arcade is, but it’s close by. I think it was the cheapest in the area.

Here’s a video of Game Plaza Frontier, inside. I think this was the arcade I found some gaijins hovering around KOF. That’s cool, right?

Anyway, just check them all out if the arcade you’re at in Shinjuku sucks for any reason, all three arcades are within easy walking distance.