Hello! I’m GOK, the editor of Daily Shinjuku, your local guide to everything Shinjuku.
Capsule toys, or “gachapon,” are not just for kids anymore. They’re nostalgic for adults and incredibly popular with international visitors too. From rare anime figures to quirky everyday miniatures, the variety is endless.
In Shinjuku, you’ll find an impressive lineup of capsule toy shops and amusement centers. Here are 8 of the best places to enjoy gachapon in the area:
1. Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku Nishiguchi – Gachapon Hall
Located near Shinjuku Station’s west exit, this store lines up capsule toy machines both outside and throughout the store. A favorite stop for gadget hunters, it’s easy to get lost browsing its ever-changing lineup.
- Address: 1-11-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
2. Gachagacha no Mori – Shinjuku Subnade
In the underground mall Subnade lies this gachapon wonderland with around 1,050 machines! Wander through maze-like aisles packed with surprises.
- Address: 1-2-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku (Subnade 1-chome)
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
3. #C-pla Adhoc Shinjuku
Opened in March 2025, this new hotspot offers about 2,200 kinds of capsule toys. Unique features include a themed photo booth and even a “playable trash bin.” It’s the 200th shop by capsule toy company TOSHIN.
- Address: 3-15-11 Shinjuku, 1F/2F Adhoc Building
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
4. ME TOKYO SHINJUKU
Just outside Shinjuku Station’s southeast exit, this amusement facility offers a spacious capsule toy area in its basement. Great accessibility and an open layout.
- Address: 3-37-14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
5. Gashapon Bandai Official Shop – Shinjuku Marui Annex
Located on the 6th floor of Marui Annex, this massive shop features 760 machines combining Bandai’s official Gashapon Shop and Gashapon Department Store. Expect tons of anime-related goodies.
- Address: 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Marui Annex 6F
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
6. Tokyu Hands – Shinjuku Takashimaya 5F
While not a specialty shop, this department store has a dedicated gachapon area with a wide selection. Some items are also sold in boxes if you’re not feeling lucky.
- Address: 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku (Times Square Building)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
7. Capsule Rakkyoku Waseda
Located right in front of Waseda Station, this playful shop inside a convenience store is themed around the idea that “fun is the best medicine.” You’ll find a surprising number of machines packed in.
- Address: 5-1 Babashitacho, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
8. Gacha Station BIGBOX Takadanobaba
On the 6th floor of BIGBOX near Takadanobaba Station, this amusement area includes a capsule toy island. With over 500 machines, it’s a great spot for families.
- Address: 1-35-3 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku (BIGBOX 6F)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Open daily
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Shinjuku is a paradise for gachapon lovers. Whether you’re a collector, a curious traveler, or just want to relive childhood memories, these spots offer something for everyone. Explore the world of capsule toys while discovering the hidden charms of Shinjuku. Enjoy your hunt!
Read this article in Japanese on the official Daily Shinjuku website.
View the original Japanese article here.