
Tokyo Station Character Street
An underground shopping paradise in Tokyo Station, packed with exclusive merchandise from Japan's most beloved anime, manga, and character brands.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush

Tokyo Station Character Street
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An underground shopping paradise in Tokyo Station, packed with exclusive merchandise from Japan's most beloved anime, manga, and character brands.
"This is your one-stop shop for all the cute souvenirs in Tokyo."

🎯 Ask for Directions
It's underground and can be a maze! Don't be shy to ask station staff if you get lost.
💰 Prepare Your Wallet
Exclusive merchandise and cute finds abound. You'll want to buy everything!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pokémon Center Tokyo DX
Tokyo Station
The ultimate destination for Pokémon fans, featuring exclusive merchandise and a vibrant atmosphere. Gotta catch 'em all!

Sanrio Stores
Tokyo Character Street
Immerse yourself in the world of Hello Kitty, My Melody, and more. Find adorable stationery, plushies, and unique Sanrio collectibles.

Mofusand Store
Tokyo Character Street
Discover the irresistibly cute world of Mofusand, featuring the popular cat characters in various adorable forms.

Jump Shop
Tokyo Character Street
A must-visit for Shonen Jump fans, offering merchandise from iconic series like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Underground Maze
Budget for Souvenir Splurges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for Directions
It's underground and can be a maze! Don't be shy to ask station staff if you get lost.
💰 Prepare Your Wallet
Exclusive merchandise and cute finds abound. You'll want to buy everything!
⏰ Go Early or Late
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to visit right when it opens or a few hours before closing.
🛍️ Station-Exclusive Finds
Many items here are unique to Tokyo Station, making them perfect souvenirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for Directions
It's underground and can be a maze! Don't be shy to ask station staff if you get lost.
💰 Prepare Your Wallet
Exclusive merchandise and cute finds abound. You'll want to buy everything!
⏰ Go Early or Late
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to visit right when it opens or a few hours before closing.
🛍️ Station-Exclusive Finds
Many items here are unique to Tokyo Station, making them perfect souvenirs.
🍜 Foodie Detour
Don't miss the Tokyo Banana shop for delicious treats and milkshakes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tokyo Character Street as a fun, convenient, and treasure-filled destination for fans of Japanese characters. The sheer variety of merchandise, especially station-exclusive items, is a major highlight. While the crowds can be intense, the unique atmosphere and the joy of discovering beloved characters make it a highly recommended stop for souvenir shopping and experiencing Tokyo's pop culture.
"Super fun time here! It’s cool to see so many shops and gifts and there’s plenty of food as well. It’s very convenient since it’s right under the station so getting here is pretty simple. It can be very busy so expect crowds! Many crowds!"
Kyle Mika
"There are some amazing stores here, pick up your souvenirs, your favorite character merch and so much more. There’s food inside the stations and you can really spend a whole afternoon here! It does get crowded so be weary!! 4/5"
Jun Peng
"It was very difficult to find this place especially using Google maps. Chatgpt was helpful when taking photos of the 'you are here' map as it provided us with much better directions. Hint: don't leave the station it is hidden in da station. But it was very nostalgic with Capcom and SEGA stores"
grace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tokyo Character Street is located on the B1 floor of First Avenue within Tokyo Station. You can access it directly from the JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Underground Central Gate.
While it's within Tokyo Station, it's an underground concourse and can be a bit of a maze. It's recommended to ask station staff for directions if you have trouble locating it.
Most shops on Tokyo Character Street are open from approximately 10 AM to 8:30 PM daily, but it's always a good idea to check individual store hours.
Yes, it's accessible from within Tokyo Station. If you're coming from outside, enter Tokyo Station and follow signs for First Avenue and Character Street.
Absolutely! Tokyo Station is a historic landmark with beautiful architecture and many shopping and dining options beyond Character Street. It's worth spending a couple of hours exploring.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tokyo Character Street is a public shopping area within Tokyo Station and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely browse the shops.
There are no admission fees for the individual character stores. You only pay for the merchandise you wish to purchase.
While Klook offers discounts on various activities and transport in Japan, it's primarily for booking experiences. Discounts for direct purchases at Character Street shops are unlikely, but check Klook for potential package deals.
To avoid the largest crowds, it's best to visit on weekday mornings right when the shops open, or later in the evening before closing. Weekends can be extremely busy.
You can access Character Street via the Yaesu Underground Central Gate or by heading downstairs from the Yaesu North Exit. Look for signs directing you to First Avenue.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Merchandise
You'll find a vast array of beloved Japanese characters, including Pokémon, Sanrio (Hello Kitty, My Melody), Mofusand, One Piece, Studio Ghibli, Kirby, Miffy, and many more.
Yes, many shops offer station-exclusive merchandise that you can't find anywhere else in Japan, making it a prime spot for unique souvenirs.
The Pokémon Center, Sanrio stores, Mofusand, and the Jump Shop (for anime fans) are consistently popular.
Yes, stores like the Jump Shop cater to fans of classic and current Shonen Jump series, so you can find merchandise for many popular older anime as well.
Beyond anime, you'll find characters like Winnie the Pooh, Moomin, Snoopy, and Harry Potter represented, offering a wide appeal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Character Street itself is primarily for merchandise, the surrounding First Avenue area and Tokyo Station complex offer numerous dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
The Tokyo Banana shop is highly recommended for its delicious banana-flavored cakes and milkshakes. You can also find character-themed pastries at some locations.
Yes, you can often find character-themed bento boxes, especially those featuring Hello Kitty and Kirby, within the food areas of Tokyo Station.
While not dedicated cafes within Character Street itself, some shops might have small display areas or limited food items. The broader Tokyo Station area has many cafes.
Tokyo Station offers a vast culinary experience, including ramen, sushi, tempura, Japanese sweets, and international cuisine, catering to all tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use in most areas of Tokyo Character Street. However, always be mindful of other shoppers and avoid obstructing pathways.
The storefronts themselves, especially those with eye-catching displays like the Pokémon Center or Mofusand, make for great photo opportunities. Look for character statues or unique displays.
You can photograph merchandise for personal memories, but avoid professional photography or commercial use without permission. Some stores might have specific policies.
While not explicitly mentioned as permanent photo booths, the vibrant displays and character backdrops offer plenty of opportunities for fun, themed photos.
The lighting is typical of an indoor shopping mall, generally bright and well-lit, making it suitable for most casual photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to avoid peak crowds and meltdowns. Consider setting a budget beforehand to manage expectations, as the temptation to buy everything can be high. Look out for character-themed snacks and treats, like the popular Tokyo Banana, to add a delicious element to your visit. The station's accessibility also makes it easy to navigate with strollers.
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Key recommendations: Prioritize stores with station-exclusive items, such as the Pokémon Center or the Jump Shop. Don't overlook the smaller shops, as they might hold hidden gems. Consider items like plush toys, stationery, keychains, and character-themed snacks for a diverse range of gift options.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Passengers
Tips for day-trippers: Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the street and its shops. It's a great way to experience a slice of Tokyo's vibrant pop culture without venturing far from your transit point. Grab a character-themed snack or a unique souvenir before you continue your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Tokyo Station's Underground
The convenience of its location cannot be overstated. Being directly connected to one of Tokyo's major transportation hubs means you can easily access it before boarding a Shinkansen, arriving from another city, or simply exploring Tokyo. This makes it an ideal stop for both tourists and locals looking for unique souvenirs or a fun diversion. The sheer scale of Tokyo Station means you could easily spend hours exploring its various sections beyond just Character Street.
When planning your visit, remember that Tokyo Station is not just a transit point but a destination in its own right. The architecture of the station itself is noteworthy, and the surrounding underground malls offer a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences. Character Street is just one gem within this larger subterranean city, offering a concentrated dose of Japanese pop culture.
The Allure of Exclusive Merchandise
From limited-edition plush toys and apparel to special stationery and accessories, the variety is staggering. Stores like the Pokémon Center and the Jump Shop are particularly known for their exclusive releases that often sell out quickly. Social media buzzes with unboxings and hauls from these shops, highlighting the desirability of these unique finds.
Beyond the big names, even smaller, niche character shops offer items that are hard to come by elsewhere. This focus on exclusivity transforms a shopping trip into a treasure hunt, where discovering a rare item feels like a significant victory. It's this promise of unique finds that keeps visitors returning and encourages them to explore every corner of Character Street.
A Haven for Anime and Kawaii Culture
The street is home to numerous specialty stores, each focusing on specific franchises or character brands. You'll find dedicated shops for giants like Pokémon and Sanrio, alongside stores celebrating the worlds of One Piece, Studio Ghibli, and many other popular anime and manga series. This concentration of themed merchandise makes it an unparalleled destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Japanese pop culture.
The 'kawaii' aesthetic, characterized by cuteness and charm, permeates the entire street. From the design of the shops to the products themselves, there's an emphasis on delightful and endearing items. This makes Tokyo Character Street not just a shopping destination, but an experience that embodies the playful and imaginative spirit of Japanese popular culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit