13 Best Japanese Board Games to Play in 2024
Discover the captivating world of Japanese board games! We’ve handpicked 13 outstanding games that offer a rich blend of strategy, culture, and fun. Our list prioritizes accessibility for new players, replayability, and thematic immersion. Whether you’re looking to introduce yourself to the genre or expand your collection, we’ve got the perfect picks to transport you to Japan’s mesmerizing landscapes. Ready to embark on an exciting journey with Japanese board games? Let’s get started!
On this list:
13 Takenoko
Takenoko is a charming game where you take care of a panda by growing bamboo. We had a ton of fun balancing the different objectives—gardener, panda, and plot tiles. The artwork is gorgeous, and the game mechanics are smooth. It’s a great gateway game for those new to board gaming.
12 Tokaido
Tokaido is like taking a vacation. You travel down the East Sea Road, collect souvenirs, eat delicious meals, and interact with other travelers. The game is very zen, with beautiful artwork and relaxing gameplay. We loved the way it captures the essence of a serene journey.
11 Hanafuda
Hanafuda cards have been around for centuries. The beautiful floral art and the simple yet strategic gameplay make this a timeless classic. It’s fascinating to play a game with so much history. We enjoyed learning the different games you can play with these cards.
10 Kanagawa
Kanagawa is a game about Japanese art. You paint a landscape with different elements, such as trees, buildings, and animals. The game is easy to learn but offers depth and strategy. The gorgeous art and the idea of completing a masterpiece captivated us.
9 Samurai
Samurai is a tile-placement game where you try to gain control over three types of regions. The game is quick to set up and play but offers a lot of strategic depth. We love how it makes you think several moves ahead.
8 Yokohama
Yokohama is a game about building a business empire in Meiji-era Japan. You manage resources, build shops, and fulfill orders. The game is rich in strategy and replayability. We liked how it made us plan our actions carefully.
7 Rising Sun
Rising Sun is a game of political intrigue and warfare set in mythical Japan. The game involves negotiation, alliances, and combat. We loved the miniatures and the tactical gameplay. It’s a game that requires both strategy and diplomacy.
6 Hanamikoji
Hanamikoji is a quick, two-player game about winning the favor of Geisha. It’s simple to learn but deep in strategy. We appreciated the lovely artwork and the tense decision-making moments. It’s a great filler game for couples or friends.
5 Yamatai
Yamatai is a game of building an ancient city. You collect resources, clear land, and construct buildings. The game is beautifully designed, and the mechanics are easy to grasp. We enjoyed the balance between strategy and resource management.
4 A Feast for Odin
Though not strictly Japanese, ‘A Feast for Odin’ has a captivating mix of worker placement and resource management that fans of Japanese-themed games may enjoy. It’s a heavy game but worth the effort. We loved the complexity and the satisfaction of building our own Viking villages.
3 Trains
Trains is a deck-building game where you build railways and expand your network. The twist is that you also place train routes on a board. We liked how it combines deck-building with a board game. The theme fits well and the game is enjoyable.
2 Shōbu
Shōbu is a beautiful abstract game that involves moving stones. It’s simple to learn but offers deep strategic choices. The minimalist design and elegant gameplay won us over. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys challenging their mind.
1 Shogun
Shogun is a strategy game that offers a mix of resource management and tactical combat. Set in Japan’s feudal era, you become a daimyo, trying to control provinces and collect points. We loved the depth, the wooden pieces, and how every game felt unique. This is our top pick for its perfect blend of theme and gameplay, making it the best of the Japanese board games.
