Tokyo Station is not just a major transportation hub, it’s also a shopping paradise filled with hidden gems, character stores, and delicious food. On a rainy day, my plans took an unexpected turn, leading me to explore this vibrant area in a way I hadn’t planned.
If you love Japanese culture, anime merchandise, or just want to know where to shop in Tokyo, this post is for you! also, don’t forget to watch the vlog!
Arriving at Tokyo Station – A detour worth taking!
My original plan was different, we were supposed to visit Enoshima Island but thanks to the rain, we ended up wandering into Tokyo Station’s shopping area. This place is often overlooked by tourists rushing to catch their trains, but it’s packed with amazing stores and unique finds. Getting lost in Japan isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes, it leads to the best discoveries!
As you can see, this isn’t the famous entrance with the unique architecture, we took the wrong exit and ended up on the opposite side of the station! It was confusing and we were too tired to try to reach the correct entrance.
Character Street – A must-visit for anime and pop culture fans
If you’re a fan of anime, Ghibli movies, or Japanese mascots, Character Street at Tokyo Station is an absolute paradise. This underground shopping area is packed with stores dedicated to some of the most beloved franchises in Japan, from Studio Ghibli and Pokémon to Sanrio and Jump Shop. Whether you’re looking for exclusive merchandise, limited-edition collectibles, or just a cute souvenir to take home, this is the perfect place to explore. With vibrant displays, themed decorations, and an endless selection of character goods, it’s a must-visit spot for any pop culture enthusiast visiting Tokyo!
During Sakura season, this hall was filled with pink hues and adorned with Sakura branches, creating a festive atmosphere. There were also plenty of character displays, adding to the charm!
Does anyone know who these characters are? I have no clue, but they’re absolutely adorable lol!
Highlights from my visit:
✔ Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store): Plushies, mugs, and exclusive Ghibli collectibles.
✔ Snoopy Town Shop: Stationery, accessories, and adorable Snoopy-themed items.
✔ Mofusand Shop: A huge store with a lot of mofusand merch
As soon as the store doors opened, a wave of people eagerly rushed inside, ready to explore.
First stop: Donguri kyowakoku store aka ghibli store
Our first stop was Donguri Kyowakoku, the ultimate store for Studio Ghibli fans. We arrived early and waited for it to open, which is quite common since these character stores are always in high demand. Outside the shop, there were stacks of boxes filled with adorable Ghibli merchandise, ready to be unpacked. Inside, the variety was incredible—beautifully embroidered towels, detailed pins, soft plushies, and a stunning selection of ceramics. The mugs, in particular, had a charming vintage aesthetic, making them feel like they came straight out of a Ghibli movie. Whether you’re a fan of Totoro, Spirited Away, or Kiki’s Delivery Service, this store is a must-visit for exclusive and nostalgic treasures.
The towels at Donguri were absolutely adorable, and the variety was impressive. There were so many different designs to choose from, each one featuring a unique embroidery that added a special touch. From soft pastel colors to more vibrant patterns, every towel felt like a small piece of Ghibli magic. I was especially drawn to the ones featuring Jiji, the beloved black cat from Kiki’s Delivery Service. The embroidery was beautifully detailed, capturing his curious and mischievous expression perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a cute souvenir or something practical with a nostalgic charm, these towels are a perfect find for any Ghibli fan!
The mugs were absolutely adorable, with a charming vintage style, but they were quite expensive. Plus, I was worried about them breaking into my luggage, so I decided to play it safe and only picked up some stickers and a tiny Jiji decoration as souvenirs.
Second stop: GBL – A Ghibli-inspired apparel store with a vintage touch
Right next to Donguri, there was another Ghibli-themed store called GBL. Unlike Donguri, which focuses on a variety of merchandise, GBL specializes in apparel, offering T-shirts, jackets, hats, and other fashion items. The store’s interior design had a distinct Porco Rosso vibe, with vintage planes and flying-themed decorations adding to the atmosphere. While the aesthetic was charming and immersive, I didn’t find anything that particularly caught my attention. However, if you love themed apparel and want to add a touch of Ghibli to your wardrobe, this store might be perfect for you!
GBL store decoration is unique and different, the details can be seen everywhere!
Third stop: Snoopy town – A small shop packed with exclusive merchandise
The Snoopy store may be small, but it’s filled with an impressive variety of merchandise! From plushies to keychains, there’s something for every Peanuts fan. One of the highlights of this shop is its exclusive Tokyo Station collaboration items, making it a great place to pick up a unique souvenir. The keychain selection is particularly vast, with many different styles to choose from. One of the cutest options allows you to buy keychains featuring specific birthday dates, making them perfect gifts for family and friends.
I couldn’t resist and got one keychain with my family’s birthdays and, of course, one for myself! I picked a Snoopy riding a Shinkansen, a fun reminder of my trip.
Honorable mentions: Miffy, Rilakkuma, Sanrio, and other fun shops
Tokyo Station’s Character Street is packed with so many stores that it’s impossible to visit them all in one go! While my main stops were Donguri, GBL, and the Snoopy store, I couldn’t help but check out a few other cute shops along the way. The Miffy store was full of adorable merchandise featuring the beloved Dutch bunny, with everything from plushies to home decor. If you love minimalistic and cozy aesthetics, this shop is a must-visit. Right next to it, the Rilakkuma store offered a dreamy collection of soft plushies, stationery, and lifestyle goods featuring the most relaxed bear in Japan. The pastel-colored displays made everything even more tempting!
Miffy plushies are adorable, they are available in different fabrics and sizes.
Of course, Sanrio fans also have a dedicated store here, filled with Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi items. It’s the perfect place to grab cute gifts or add some kawaii flair to your collection. Besides these bigger stores, Character Street is home to plenty of random shops selling everything from anime merch to Japan-exclusive collectibles. There are even gachapon machines scattered throughout, offering a fun and affordable way to take home a little souvenir. Whether you’re looking for keychains, tiny figurines, or rare capsule toys, you’ll likely find something that catches your eye!
My sis bought a Bad Badtz-Maru keychain from Sanrio store, the store is small but with cool items.
Last stop: Mofusand cat store – The cutest surprise of the day!
When I first came across Mofusand, I wasn’t sure what to think. The cat’s expression was both weird and cute at the same time, and I didn’t immediately understand the hype. But as I kept seeing this adorable feline everywhere I went in Japan, it slowly grew on me—until I finally caved and became a fan myself! So, when I spotted a huge Mofusand store in Character Street, there was no way I was walking past it without checking it out. The store was packed with all kinds of adorable merchandise, from stationery and accessories to plushies and household items. There were notebooks, stickers, bags, and even small kitchen goods, all featuring Mofusand in its signature playful and quirky designs.
Of course, the plush section was the highlight. There were so many different variations, including Mofusand dressed in funny costumes like sharks and strawberries. I was so close to buying one, but unfortunately, it was too big to fit in my luggage. Instead, I settled for a button pin and stickers, which were just as cute and much easier to carry home! If you’re a fan of quirky and lovable Japanese mascots, the Mofusand store is definitely worth a visit. Even if you’ve never seen this cat before, there’s a high chance you’ll leave with something—whether it’s a plush, a notebook, or just a newfound appreciation for this oddly charming feline!
Each plush has an adorable design, mofusand wears different costumes, one more cute than the other! I wish I had them all lol I also accept one as a gift! 🫶🏻
What to eat at Tokyo Station? A quick food guide
After hours of shopping, it was finally time to grab some snacks! Tokyo Station is a paradise for food lovers, packed with bakeries, convenience stores, and local food stalls offering a variety of delicious Japanese treats. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or a quick on-the-go meal, there’s something for everyone. With countless food shops catering to all tastes, you can find everything from freshly baked pastries and rice balls to regional specialties and limited-edition snacks. If you’re visiting Tokyo Station, be sure to explore its amazing food options, you might just discover a new favorite treat!
Why you should watch this vlog
If you want to experience Tokyo Station in a spontaneous and authentic way, this vlog is for you. With no voice-over, you can immerse yourself in the real sounds of the city while enjoying a relaxing, cinematic journey through Japan.
You can also check my blog shopping in Shibuya here.
see you
