Game Boy Mod Workshop in Akihabara, Tokyo

Best two hours I spent in Tokyo. Taichi and Hiroto made it so easy and fun — I walked out with a Game Boy I built myself. Insane souvenir.

If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for something genuinely memorable, building my own Game Boy here was an absolute highlight of the entire trip. From start to finish the experience was hands-on, welcoming, and a lot more fun than I expected. The staff were incredibly helpful and patient, walking me through each step without ever making me feel rushed. Even with no real electronics background, I came away with a working handheld I’d assembled myself — and a huge grin on my face. There’s something special about soldering, snapping the shell together, and then powering it on to see it actually work. It’s the kind of activity that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, and you leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir that means far more than anything off a shelf. If you love retro gaming, hands-on projects, or just want a unique break from the usual tourist stops, I can’t recommend this enough. Easily one of the best things I did in Tokyo.

Really enjoyed it! It was a great experience with a wonderful atmosphere and easy-to-follow instructions. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, which made everything so much better. I brought mine back to my country and it’s still going strong! Definitely worth doing if you’re visiting Tokyo.