Exploring Shibuya on a rainy day: Gachapons, hidden shops & nintendo store hunt
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, famous for its neon lights, massive crossings, and endless shopping and entertainment options. Even on a rainy day, the city offers plenty of things to explore! In my latest vlog, I take you along as I navigate Shibuya’s streets, hunt for gachapons, try delicious snacks, and track down the Nintendo Store.
If you love travel, Japan, or just the cozy vibe of a rainy city adventure, this vlog is for you!
Starting at Shibuya station – One of Tokyo’s busiest hubs
The day begins at Shibuya Station, one of the busiest and most complex train stations in Tokyo. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone familiar with Japan, navigating Shibuya’s train network can be an adventure in itself. The station is directly connected to many famous shopping areas, making it the perfect starting point for a day of exploring.
It was a rainy day, all we could see was a sea of umbrellas lol
Gachapon hunting – The thrill of capsule toys
One of the highlights of my visit was searching for gachapons—Japan’s famous capsule toy vending machines. I was specifically hoping to find some Haikyuu-themed gachapons, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found. However, the sheer variety of gachapons available was impressive, from anime collectibles to miniature food replicas and quirky keychains. Gachapon hunting is a fun and affordable way to take home unique souvenirs from Japan, but I didn’t find any that caught my attention lol.
The ambient song of this store was fun and annoying at the same time lol.
Trying our luck at UFO catchers – Discovering an ice cream vending machine
We couldn’t resist trying our luck at the UFO claw machines, but after failing twice on different types of machines, we realized it just wasn’t our day. The only one we actually “won” something from was an ice cream vending machine, which was a fun surprise! I had never seen one before, so of course, we had to try it. I picked a cream-flavored ice cream, and what stood out to me was the unique packaging—you open a lid, and the ice cream slowly comes out with the warmth of your hands, or you can gently squeeze the package to help it along. My sister chose an azuki-flavored one, which had a soft, gaffer-like outer layer, making it even more interesting. Definitely one of the most unique vending machine experiences we’ve had!
I bought the classic cream flavor and my sis chose the azuki one
Trying Japanese street food – A sweet and savory treat
No trip to Shibuya is complete without sampling some local food! On this adventure, I tried a sweet potato snack, which is a popular street food in Japan, especially during the colder months. The soft texture and natural sweetness made it a perfect rainy-day comfort food. My sister opted for a tuna bread, which also looked delicious. Japanese bakeries and street food stalls always have something interesting to offer, and trying new flavors is one of the best parts of traveling!
If you go to Japan in winter, try the limited edition hot beverages, I 100% recommend the yuzu tea with honey 🫶🏻
Nintendo Store – An adventure to find this store
One of the main goals of the day was to visit the Nintendo Store in Shibuya, but getting there wasn’t as easy as expected! Tokyo’s streets can be a maze, especially in busy shopping areas, and sometimes Google Maps isn’t as helpful as you’d hope. After some searching, we finally found the store, and it was worth the effort! The shop is a paradise for Nintendo fans, filled with exclusive merchandise, game-themed accessories, and even special edition consoles. If you’re in Tokyo and love gaming, this is a must-visit spot.
There are a lot of plushies, I wish I could’ve bought them all lol Btw the store was so crowded!
Exploring Shibuya Parco: Nintendo Store, Shonen Jump, and a hidden rooftop
Shibuya Parco is home to some of the coolest stores in Tokyo, including the Nintendo Store, Shonen Jump, and Pokémon Center. After visiting the Nintendo store, I stopped by Shonen Jump and found some Haikyuu merch, but the real surprise of the night was stumbling upon a hidden observation area on the rooftop! The nighttime view of Shibuya is stunning, with city lights stretching as far as the eye can see. The space has benches, a small garden, and LED lights, making it a perfect spot for photos. Best of all? It’s free! There’s even a convenience store on the same floor, so we grabbed some food and enjoyed the view—just be prepared for the wind, it gets chilly up there!
A surprise stop at the Disney Store – Because we just couldn’t resist!
We were exhausted and ready to head home when we unexpectedly came across a Disney Store, and, of course, we couldn’t just walk past it! With no choice but to step inside, we explored the magical displays, picked up a few souvenirs, and soaked in the nostalgic atmosphere. After a little more shopping than planned, we finally made our way home, ending the day on a whimsical note.
I bought a Chip (or Dale) plush, it’s adorable 🫶🏻🥹🫶🏻
Why you should watch the vlog
This silent vlog captures the real sounds and atmosphere of Shibuya, from the sound of rain hitting umbrellas to the hum of busy streets. With no narration, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience as if you were there. Plus, it’s a great way to explore Tokyo from home or get inspiration for your next trip!
You can also check my blog shopping in Tokyo Station here.
see you
