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Akihabara Gachapon Hall is home to more than 500 capsule toy machines, filled with collectibles ranging from cute to quirky in Tokyo’s lively anime district.
A Capsule Toy Paradise in Akihabara
There’s something exciting about turning a crank and waiting to see which surprise drops into your hand. Just a few minutes from Akihabara Station’s Electric Town Exit, Akihabara Gachapon Hall is a multi-level shop devoted entirely to capsule toy vending machines.
Inside, more than 500 machines line the walls and walkways, each packed with tiny treasures. With prices typically between ¥200 and ¥500, it’s an easy and affordable way to take home a bit of Japanese pop culture.
What You’ll Find Inside
We found just about every kind of capsule toy imaginable:
- Mini Sanrio and Pokemon figures
- Realistic Japanese food replicas, like sushi or ramen bowls
- Capsule-sized furniture for miniature dolls
- Quirky creations such as sushi cats, dancing shrines, or mini microscopes
Some were practical, like cable holders or bag clips, while others were purely for laughs. The variety made browsing the machines half the fun.
Why We Loved Visiting
We thought we’d pop in for a quick look, but ended up spending close to an hour looking at all the different possible prizes. The ritual never gets old: insert coins, turn the crank, hear the rattle, and open your capsule to see what you got. Even duplicates were part of the fun, our kids set aside a few as omiyage (souvenirs) for their friends back home.
The aisles are narrow but colorful, and the whole space feels lively without being overwhelming.
Tips for Visiting Akihabara Gachapon Hall
- Bring plenty of ¥100 coins – Most machines require exact change. There’s a coin exchange machine on site, but it’s easier if you come prepared.
- Go early or late – It can get busy on weekends and holidays, especially with tour groups.
- Pack light – A small zippered pouch or drawstring bag makes it easier to carry multiple capsules.
How to Get to Akihabara Gachapon Hall
Train
- From the JR Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit, walk north down Chuo Dori, the main street of Akihabara. The walk takes approximately 6-7 minutes. The Gachapon Hall is located on a side street off of Chuo Dori, so keep an eye out for its sign.
- Lines: JR Yamanote Line, JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (via Akihabara), and Tsukuba Express.
- Total travel time: 5–15 minutes from major Tokyo hubs.
Pro Tip: Weekday mornings are quieter, and you’ll have more space to browse the 500+ machines.
Do We Recommend Akihabara Gachapon Hall?
If you enjoy collecting miniatures or want to experience Japan’s quirky toy culture, it’s worth visiting at least once. When we brought friends here, they had a great time exploring the endless rows of machines, and there’s really nothing quite like it in the US.
More to Explore Nearby
After exploring the world of capsule toys at Gachapon Hall, continue your immersion in Electric Town’s pop culture with visits to neighboring specialty shops, major retail spaces, or head north for a mix of museums and markets.
- Akihabara Hobby Stores – Find all your collectibles, figurines, manga, and model kits at the various multi-story specialty shops located just a short walk away.
- Akihabara Video Arcades – Experience the energetic, multi-story arcades nearby, featuring classic fighting games and modern Japanese gaming fun.
- Don Quijote – Check out the local branch of this major Japanese discount store for quirky souvenirs, tax-free goods, and late-night shopping options.
- Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno) – Take a short train ride to Ueno Park to explore an extensive collection of educational exhibits spanning natural history and science.
