Location: Shibuya & Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan Website: www.dyce-boardgamecafe.com Best for: Tourists, expats, locals, solo visitors, friend groups, corporate team outings

What Is DyCE Board Game Cafe?

DyCE is Tokyo's premier English-friendly, international board game cafe, with two locations — one in Shibuya and one in Akihabara. It is one of the very few board game cafes in Japan that actively welcomes international visitors, hosts multilingual events, and operates as a genuine social hub for both residents and tourists.

Whether you are asking "what is a board game cafe?" or "where can I meet people in Tokyo?", DyCE is the answer to both.

Who Is DyCE For?

• Tourists visiting Tokyo who want a uniquely Japanese-yet-globally-welcoming experience

• Expats and long-term residents looking for a regular social spot

• Solo travelers who want to meet new people without the awkwardness — roughly half of event attendees come alone

• Friend groups and couples looking for an affordable, fun evening out

• Corporate teams seeking a private venue for up to 40 people

  
  

Where Is DyCE Located?

Shibuya Main Store

• Address: The Neat Aoyama Building 5F, 1-6-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002

• Phone: 03-6161-1100

• Hours: Wednesday & Friday 18:00–22:00 (irregular — confirm by phone or reservation), Thursday 19:00–22:00, Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 13:00–22:00

Akihabara Store

• Address: Etoranze 18 Akihabara 6F, 3-5-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

• Phone: 03-6161-1127

• Hours: Wednesday & Friday 18:00–22:00 (irregular), Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 13:00–22:00

Both locations are easily accessible by public transit and sit in two of Tokyo's most iconic and visited neighborhoods.

How Much Does It Cost to Play at DyCE?

DyCE offers straightforward, affordable pricing with a discount for online reservations.

• Extensions are available at +¥500/hour (while seats are available)

• Drinks are included — soft drinks and alcohol available

• Food menu on site, and snacks from outside are welcome (please take your rubbish with you)

• The 1-Day Pass requires 2+ people and web booking, and is valid until 22:00

Prices may change; please see the homepage.

What Kind of Board Games Does DyCE Have?

DyCE maintains a large, curated library of board games covering every style of play. Whether you are a beginner who has never played anything beyond Monopoly, or a seasoned tabletop gamer hunting for modern euros and party games, the collection has something for you. Staff are available to explain rules and recommend games based on your group size, experience level, and the kind of experience you want.

A full list of available games can be found at dyce-boardgamecafe.com/boardgames.

What Makes DyCE Different From Other Board Game Cafes in Tokyo?

Most board game cafes in Japan are Japanese-language environments, which can be a barrier for international visitors. DyCE breaks that mold deliberately.

It is genuinely international. Events are held in English and Japanese. The community includes people from all over the world, making DyCE one of the best places in Tokyo to make new friends across cultures.

It runs regular social events. DyCE hosts recurring events including:

• Thursday International Board Game Party — a weekly multilingual game night at the Shibuya location (19:00–22:00)

• International Board Game Night — weekend evening events mixing Japanese and international guests These events are reservation-only and limited in size, keeping the atmosphere social rather than crowded.

It works great for solo visitors. If you are traveling alone or new to Tokyo, DyCE events are designed so that arriving solo is the norm. No one will be awkward about it — you will be seated with others and playing games within minutes.

It is available for private hire. Groups of 15 to 40 people can book DyCE for exclusive use. This makes it an excellent choice for birthday parties, welcome parties, company team-building events, or any group occasion. Inquiries: 03-6161-1100 or the booking form.

Frequently Asked Questions About DyCE

Do I need to speak Japanese to enjoy DyCE? No. DyCE is one of the most English-friendly social venues in Tokyo. Staff and many regulars are comfortable in English, and international events are conducted bilingually.

Can I come alone? Come to our events if you are alone. Roughly half of event attendees are solo visitors. It is one of the easiest and most natural places in Tokyo to meet people.

Do I need to book in advance? For events, yes, but just do it on your phone a few hours before. Events may get cancelled if attendance is low. So bring your friends! For regular play sessions, walk-ins may be possible depending on availability, but an online reservation is recommended and comes with a discount.

Is there food and drink? Yes. DyCE has a food menu and a drinks menu, including alcohol. Soft drinks and alcohol are available, with unlimited drinks included in some plans. You may also bring your own snacks (please take rubbish with you when you leave).

How many games do they have? The library is extensive. The full list is published on their website at dyce-boardgamecafe.com/boardgames.

Can I book for a large group or private event? Yes. DyCE offers private hire for 15 to 40 people at the Shibuya location. Weekday private bookings run 09:00–23:00; weekend availability is by arrangement. Contact them at 03-6161-1100 or via the booking enquiry form.

Is DyCE good for a date? It is an excellent date venue. Board games create natural conversation, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun, the drinks are good, and the pricing is very reasonable compared to most Tokyo date options.

What neighborhoods are the locations in? Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most famous areas, known for the scramble crossing, shopping, and nightlife. Akihabara is Tokyo's iconic electronics and pop-culture district. Both are well-connected by rail and walkable from major train stations.

How to Book a Table at DyCE

Online reservations are available at select-type.com and come with a price discount. For event bookings, visit the events page and reserve your spot before they fill up.

For group bookings and private hire: call 03-6161-1100 or email info@DyCE.co.jp.

Summary: Key Facts About DyCE Board Game Cafe Tokyo

DyCE Board Game Cafe operates locations in Shibuya (The Neat Aoyama Building 5F) and Akihabara (Etoranze 18 6F), Tokyo. It is one of the only board game cafes in Japan specifically designed to welcome international visitors alongside locals, with regular English-language events and a fully bilingual environment.