Tokyo is the Mecca for toy collectors. I created a spreadsheet of all known toy stores in Tokyo as of Feb 2017. Many have closed and I have moved those to a separate tab.<\/p>\n
Here is the spreadsheet<\/a><\/p>\n Here is the map of stores<\/a><\/p>\n Below are tips for toy hunting in Tokyo.<\/p>\n Did I miss any new stores? Have any closed or moved? Please post in the comments.<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019d like to thank the following who preceded me in collecting toy store data. I recommend checking out their book\/blogs for more detailed info on individual stores as well as future updates. I will keep the spreadsheet updated as people give me new info, but I don\u2019t blog about individual store visits or new toy releases like they do and I only go to Japan every five years or so. <\/span><\/p>\n When to go<\/b><\/p>\n Packing<\/b><\/p>\n Check if your airline allows two suitcases for your flight without extra charge – most do for international flights. Either pack a duffel in your suitcase or bring two suitcases. You might also consider a packable backpack that stores in a pouch. Move your clothes to the backpack for the return trip and use it as carry-on. You want to maximize your available space for sofubi so you don\u2019t have to ship anything back separately. I ended up with two full-sized hard-sided suitcases and two backpacks – one for the overhead and a smaller one for under the seat. If you only take one suitcase and end up overspending, you can buy a cheap suitcase on Ameyoko-dori, starting at 6500 yen. In 2013 it cost me 7600 yen to send a 14x14x18 inch box to Portland, OR in the US via EMS. In 2017 I bought a second suitcase for only 7500 yen – and I still have the suitcase. Some toys you\u2019ll want to remove from their packaging to save space. Save all your shopping bags for wrapping\/protection when packing for the return trip.<\/span><\/p>\n Shopping Tips<\/b><\/p>\n Shoes<\/b><\/p>\n Other Things To Do<\/b><\/p>\n Food and Entertainment<\/b><\/p>\n I recommend Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku and Kawaii Monster Cafe in Shibuya for over-the-top experiences. For more subtle entertainment with your dinner I also recommend Namahage<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Kagaya<\/a>\u00a0in Shimbashi and\u00a0Little BSD<\/a> in Akihabara (devil themed maid cafe). I have marked these and more on a separate layer of the google map.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>There are lots of bars all over Tokyo, but I recommend the magical area known as \u201cThe Golden Gai\u201d in Shinjuku. It\u2019s a series of alleys housing over 200 tiny bars. Avoid the ones that charge a cover so you can bar hop. My favs were Cambiare (themed after the movie \u201cSuspiria\u201d), Death Match from Hell (horror themed), Bar Plastic Model, and Bar 60s.<\/span><\/p>\n General Tips<\/b><\/p>\n Trains and Subways<\/b><\/p>\n Use the app Japan Trains. To help figure out which side of the track you are supposed to be on, compare the time it tells you to the electronic signs above both sides of the track. On my two-week trip only once did trains have the same departure time on both sides. You can also look for the route maps that show direction and upcoming stations, but you will not always see those. Lastly there is usually a sign showing direction and next station, which might be enough. Don\u2019t depend on the arrival times listed in the app. It often doesn\u2019t give you time to catch a transfer, thus you might arrive later than expected when transferring trains. Be aware of how late your train home runs as if you miss it, you’re stuck! Trains do not run 24\/7. <\/span><\/p>\n There is also an app called JapanTravel by Navitime that includes bus routes but they charge $7 PER WEEK for bus route info and I refuse to pay weekly for an app. It does tell you which buses to take for free, it just won\u2019t tell you where the bus stops are. \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n Where To Stay<\/b><\/p>\n You will be taking trains A LOT so stay near a station. The best stations to stay near (IMHO) are Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Tokyo. Reasons to stay near each:<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s the busiest train station in the world and has access to the most other routes. It can be confusing to navigate but is a great jumping off point for travel in any direction. It also has lots of nightlife, such as The Golden Gai. Nakano is only one stop away.<\/span><\/p>\n Akiba has the most toy shops outside of Nakano. It will take you more than one day to cover. It\u2019s also on both the Yamanote loop and the chuo-sobu (East-West) line.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s the entry point into Tokyo from the Narita Airport Express train. It\u2019s also on the Yamanote loop and the chuo-sobu express line. It also has \u201ccharacter street\u201d inside the station, which includes Ultraman and Ghibli shops.<\/span><\/p>\n Quick Glossary<\/b><\/p>\n Tokyo is the Mecca for toy collectors. I created a spreadsheet of all known toy stores in Tokyo as of Feb 2017. Many have closed and I have moved those to a separate tab. Here is the spreadsheet Here is … Continue reading \n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n