Akihabara Gachapon Hall — Attraction in Tokyo

Although Akihabara is littered with gachapon machines around the city, this is a dedicated store lined wall to wall and stacked as high as the ceiling. It can definitely get overwhelming, so I suggest coming through when you've got time to spare to get the full experience.

My boyfriend and I were in the area for dinner and decided to stop in just before. We came through a little late as the shop owner started to clean up and move some of the machines inside. We walked through the aisles and found a few machines to purchase from for gifts to friends.

They prices range from 100 - 300 yen and the prizes range from 1-2 items. Since they are released at random, it was just fun to see what you get. I was happy with most of my selections! However, I wish I did have a bit more time to really look at every machine.

Overall though, it was fun to explore. However, I enjoyed exploring the city and stopping to look at what restaurants, stations or stores had to offer. Even arcades had them in Akiba, so you had plenty of options...

This place is small, but it’s a full-blown capsule toy paradise. Hundreds of gachapon machines line the walls, filled with the most bizarre, cute, hilarious, and oddly specific toys imaginable. We’re talking mini ramen bowls, office-chair keychains, cats wearing sushi costumes, and anime trinkets galore.

I ended up spending way more time and coins than I intended, and it was worth every yen. The randomness is part of the fun – you never know exactly what you’ll get, and it becomes addictive. There’s always a new collection, and the machines are kept clean and well-organized.

Pro tip: bring a bunch of 100 yen coins or use the change machine near the entrance. Even if you’re not into collectibles, it’s fun just to see the wild variety.

Great for all ages, and a fantastic way to bring home small, unique souvenirs. Just don’t blame me if you leave with 20 capsule toys and want to come...

A fun Gachapon shop to spend that extra bit of yen you have on some fun souvenirs for friends back home.

It doesn't hold a candle to the large department store shop in Ikebukero by any means, but is a solid alternative if you are staying in eastern Tokyo. The shop has around 200 different machines ranging from cheap ¥100 sticker capsules to ¥500 mini toys. You have a great selection to choose from and it's fun to go around and try to grab something unique for your collection.

I personally spent maybe ¥5000 here on miscellaneous gifts that I plan to have at a future family reunion for white elephant....