Welcome to another True Story of a Cyber Yakuza! This is part of a continuing series diving into and dissecting Sega's Yakuza video game series. Check back regularly to follow my progress through the Yakuza games so that I can finally play Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Thinking about visiting Kamurocho soon? If you really want to experience one of Tokyo's finest red-light districts, you must live like a local! Let's have a look at a day in the life of a person who grew up in Kamurocho, so you can get all the tips on the best places the locals frequent in the city.
Kazuma Kiryu is still Kamurocho's resident badass despite not currently living in the city. For the last several years, Kiryu has been running Morning Glory orphanage in Okinawa. He frequently finds himself returning to Kamurocho on business and is fortunate to always be welcome to stay at New Serena Bar in the southwest part of town. While most travelers stay in Hotel District to the north, you may be able to find a room to rent nearby.
Today, Kiryu has a rare break from helping the Tojo Clan maintain their standing in the local crime scene. Even on his day off, Kiryu is no slouch. He has a jam-packed day planned out and will need an early start to fit everything in.
Leaving from Serena, Kiryu stops by the local Poppo for a quick breakfast. On a slower day, many might prefer Cafe Alps around the corner on Nakamichi Street. However, Americans will be especially delighted to know Japanese convenience stores offer a wide range of delicious options for eating on the go.
Poppo - Too Much Good Stuff!
He orders a few rice balls then heads over to the Children's Park on West Shichifuku Street to sit down and enjoy his food. Even though Kamurocho is a bustling part of the city, you'll still find a couple of parks tucked into the neighborhoods.
Once he is done wolfing down his breakfast, he goes to the batting cages in Hotel District for a bit of vigorous exercise. You might be able to win some prizes, but good luck beating Kiryu's high scores!
After finishing up at the batting cages, Kiryu heads over to Kotobuki Drugs on Tahei Boulevard to restock. You'll be able to find everything you need, just be sure to bring your prescriptions! Kiryu is stocking up on Staminans, which he'll need to keep up his pace today.
Next, a stroll over to the Sega arcade on Nakamichi Street for a bit of leisure. Some of Sega's best titles can be found here along with some nice swag in the UFO Catchers. Fans of gaming will find a nice selection of rotating arcade cabinets!
Kiryu has a craving for a nice burger and fries, so he stops in Smile Burger for a nice, filling lunch. There are several more options available for hungry folks while traveling along Nakamichi Street.
Now that he has a full stomach, Kiryu heads over to West Park to compete in a tournament at the underground coliseum. The coliseum is located in the northeast part of town in West Park. Being a master in several fighting styles, Kiryu makes quick work of his oppenents before getting on with his night. Kiryu might make is look easy, but this is no place for amateurs!
West Park used to be taken over by the homeless, but they have been displaced for a new luxury high-rise, Kamurocho Hills
Enter tournaments at your own risk!
Wanting something fancy for dinner, Kiryu heads to Kanrai Korean BBQ on East Shichifuku Street for some fine dining. This place books up quick, so make sure to call ahead for a reservation and dress up nicely for the meal!
While you ladies will undoubtedly want to head to Stardust to be entertained by the hosts, the guys will find they have a few options for meeting hostesses. Kiryu's current favorite hostess works at Club Shine on Pink Street, so he heads there for some much needed pampering after his victory in the coliseum.
As the night goes on, Kiryu sets out to clean house yet again, this time in one of Asia's well-known pastimes, Mahjong. The Orchid Palace Mahjong parlor in Nakamichi Alley is where the locals go to play. This isn't the solitaire-style game westerners are familiar with. Be sure you spend some time at the low-skill tables or you'll find yourself broke in no time. Since gambling is illegal in Japan, gambling parlours give prizes which most people then sell off at conveniently located pawn shops. Kiryu offloads his goods for cash so he can turn his winnings into cold, hard cash.
It's getting late, but Kamurocho never sleeps. Not being one to turn in early, Kiryu heads over to the Champion District to have some drinks at Shellac. As you see, Shellac is kind of cozy. If you're looking for a little more excitement, you might want to visit Earth Angel, also in Champion District. Just don't drink too much. Kamurocho's bartenders are strict about customer conduct and won't hesitate to cut you off!
Having had his fill in more ways than one, Kiryu stumbles back to Serena to have one last drink with friends before sleeping off his adventurous day.
As you can see, there's so much to do in Kamurocho that even when you're done hitting all the must-see locations around Tokyo, you'll never run out of things to do. We hope to see you soon in Tokyo's most vibrant red-light district! Who knows, you may even wind up bumping into Kiryu and me at Shellac.
Join us next time for a post-mortem review on Yakuza 4.
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