Tokyo is renowned for its vibrant pop culture, and one of the city’s most iconic attractions is its capsule toy scene. Also known as “gashapon” or “gacha gacha,” these small toys or collectibles have become a must-try experience for visitors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned collector, two of the best chains to explore Tokyo’s capsule toy culture are Gacha Gacha no Mori and #C-Pla. These locations are home to some of the most diverse and exciting selections in the city.

Unpacking the Japanese Capsule Toy Phenomenon: History and Lingo

Japanese capsule toy vending machines have long been deeply embedded in Japan’s pop culture. Commonly referred to “gashapon,” “gachapon” (registered trademarks of Bandai Co., Ltd.) or “gacha” (a registered trademark of T-ARTS Co., Ltd. ), these terms are derived from the Japanese onomatopoeias “gasha” or “gacha,” which mimic the cranking sound made when turning the machine’s handle, or the playful noise of the capsule dropping into the collection tray. In Japan, these terms are widely used for both the toys and the machines, but you might also hear them called “gacha,” a casual shortening that’s commonly used in everyday conversation, especially by younger people.

Originally introduced to Japan from the United States in the 1960s, these machines began as simple dispensers of plastic toys for children. Over time, however, they have evolved into a form of entertainment for all ages, offering collectible and niche items that have become part of Japan’s broader pop culture.

In the 1980s and 1990s, capsule toy machines began to feature items related to anime, manga, and video games, turning into a way for fans to collect rare memorabilia that couldn’t easily be found elsewhere. Today, Japanese capsule toys have become a global phenomenon, attracting tourists from around the world flocking to the country to experience the excitement.

Gacha Gacha no Mori at Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City Alta: One of the Largest Capsule Toy Locations in Tokyo

Located in the lively Ikebukuro district, Gacha Gacha no Mori inside Sunshine City Alta is a popular chain which boasts a vast collection of over 1,200 capsule toy machines. True to its name, “mori” in Japanese, the space resembles a “forest” that creates a unique and immersive shopping experience. Drawing both capsule toy enthusiasts and casual shoppers, it offers a wide range of selection from anime characters to fun, everyday items like miniature snack foods and household objects.

The impressive number of machines makes browsing an adventure, as you’ll find everything from anime figures to limited edition collectible sets, many of which are unique to Japan. Among the offerings, Gacha Gacha no Mori also features premium machines where you can find rare, high-end collectible items priced up to ¥2,000. Gundam and Pokémon figurines are some of the sought-after treasures available here.

Gacha Gacha no Mori offers recycling stations for those who want to offload their empty capsules. This thoughtful touch makes it easier to explore without worrying about carrying around extra packaging.

Additionally, the knowledgeable staff are available to guide visitors through new arrivals or recommend popular items, helping you navigate the extensive selection. For highly sought-after items, such as limited edition toys, there are purchase limits to ensure everyone gets a fair chance to score these rare finds.

How to Get to Gacha Gacha no Mori (Ikebukuro Sunshine City Alta) from HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho

Exit HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho and walk approximately 8 minutes to JR Hamamatsucho Station. Board the JR Yamanote Line (clockwise) heading toward Shinagawa and Shibuya Stations. The journey to Ikebukuro Station takes about 30 minutes. Once at Ikebukuro Station, it’s a short 8-minute walk to Sunshine City Alta, where Gacha Gacha no Mori is located on the first floor.

Gacha Gacha no Mori Ikebukuro Sunshine City Alta Store
Address: 1F Ikebukuro Sunshine City Alta, 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Website: www.gachagachanomori.com

#C-Pla at Shibuya Center Gai: A Capsule Toy Experience Like No Other

For another fun-filled experience, head to #C-Pla in Shibuya. Located in the heart of Shibuya’s Center Gai (Center Street), just a short walk from the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, this three-floor store offers a totally different experience from other locations. Its central location makes it an easy stop for those exploring the vibrant district of Shibuya.

Each floor of #C-Pla has a distinct theme, all while maintaining the bright, pop-art-inspired atmosphere that defines the store. The first floor is ideal for those looking to pick up fresh, exclusive items that reflect the local culture. Here, you’ll find the newest items available, including Shibuya-specific products like the unique “Shibuya Scramble Crossing Arrival Certificate”. The plastic plaque version, priced at ¥1,000, comes with a stand, making it a fun and memorable souvenir.

The 2nd floor features striking “gate units”—large capsule toy machine displays that showcase premium choices. These layouts are designed to create a dynamic, visually stunning environment, drawing attention to the premium collectibles like rare figures and limited edition items. It’s the perfect floor for collectors looking for high-end, special edition toys. The “Shibuya Scramble Crossing Arrival Certificate” also comes in a paper format and is available for just ¥100 on the 2nd floor, providing a more affordable option that’s great for travel journals or as a small keepsake.

The B1F is organized by brand, making it easier for those who know exactly what they’re after to find specific items quickly. Whether you’re searching for a particular anime figure or looking for something unique, this floor streamlines the process.

The energetic, colorful atmosphere of the store spans all three levels, making the experience of browsing just as exciting as finding new toys. With 2,300 machines across all three floors, #C-Pla offers an enormous selection of collectibles, from anime figures to quirky food-themed items. For an added touch of fun, #C-Pla also offers mini photo studios where visitors can take pictures of their wins, complete with cute backgrounds, making it an even more memorable experience.

For international visitors, the store is equipped with foreign currency exchange machines and high-denomination bill change machines, making it easy to get the right coins for your capsule toy adventures.

How to Get to #C-Pla (Shibuya Center Gai) from Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho

Exit HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho and walk approximately 8 minutes to JR Hamamatsucho Station. Board the JR Yamanote Line (clockwise) heading toward Shinagawa and Shibuya Stations. The journey to Shibuya Station takes about 20 minutes. Once at Shibuya Station, it’s a 5-minute walk to Shibuya Heiwa Building, where #C-Pla is located across B1, 1st, and 2nd floors.

#C-Pla Shibuya Center Gai Store
Address: B1F-2F Shibuya Heiwa Building, 21-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 1F: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, B1F & 2F: 10:00 am – 10:30 pm
Website: https://toshin.jpn.com/

Find Your Own Favorite Capsule Toy Next!

Tokyo’s capsule toy scene has something for everyone, whether you’re after quirky mementos or rare collectibles. From the expansive collection at Gacha Gacha no Mori in Ikebukuro to the dynamic experience at #C-Pla in Shibuya, these capsule toy stores offer a fun and engaging way to dive into Japan’s pop culture. Explore these exciting spots, discover rare items, and take home a piece of Tokyo’s unique charm.

Writer

Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.