A hobby of mine is to swing by game shops and cafes when I travel. On a recent trip to Shizuoka, I stopped by a new board game cafe Spinward Games (スピンワードゲームズ) that just opened a few of months ago in July.
The owner greeted us as soon as we stepped into the cafe, and answered our questions as we walked around. I was blown away not just by the number of games (over 2,000!), which lined every wall, but the types of games. The majority were heavier games from the owner’s personal collection. In fact, the owner bought lighter games just for the store since he didn’t have many. A fan of history games, he had an amazing selection of historic and military war games. He also likes American Football, and I saw at least one football game on the shelf.
The building itself was previously his parent’s liquor store, with much of the shelving used as-is. There was an over-twenty-year-old warning still on one of the shelves, and the exterior still had the traditional setup for selling cigarettes. The interior is spacious and clean, with a number of tables.
The name of the shop Spinward Games comes from Traveller. The owner had a number of TRPG books in the shop, but he said the majority were still at home since they are heavy to move.
The majority of customers have been newer players wanting to give board games a try. The most recent event was with eight people. There have been some Warhammer sessions as well. For October, there is a Catan event every Saturday.
I wished lived closer, as I’d be a regular there if I did. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area!
Details
Website: www.spinwardgames.space
Games List
Address: 〒431-1115静岡県浜松市中央区和地町5179-2
Hours
Mon, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 13:00 ~ 22:00
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Open holidays.
Pricing
Pricing is very reasonable, and there is special pricing available for high school students.
Weekdays
3 Hour Plan: ¥1,000
Free Plan: ¥1,500
Weekends
3 Hour Plan: ¥1,500
5 Hour Plan: ¥2,000
Free Plan: ¥2,500
Monthly Pass
All Days ¥8,000
Weekdays ¥5,000
