Tokyo Station Ichibangai
A bustling underground world of anime, manga, and delicious ramen, offering unique souvenirs and culinary delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shopping
Tokyo Station Ichibangai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling underground world of anime, manga, and delicious ramen, offering unique souvenirs and culinary delights.
"This joint is more packed with people than anywhere else I've ever seen. And for a train station it's got better food options than any high-end part of town."
🎯 Navigate with Yaesu Gate
Access Character Street & Ramen Street via Yaesu Underground Central Gate for direct entry.
🍜 Ramen Street Reservations?
Some popular ramen shops might have queues. Consider going during off-peak hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tokyo Character Street
B1F, First Avenue Tokyo Station
A wonderland of over 30 shops dedicated to Japan's most beloved characters. Find everything from Pokémon to Ghibli!
Tokyo Ramen Street
B1F, First Avenue Tokyo Station
Eight renowned ramen shops offering diverse regional flavors. A must-visit for any ramen enthusiast seeking authentic tastes.
Ghibli Donguri Republic
B1F, First Avenue Tokyo Station
Immerse yourself in the magical world of Studio Ghibli with exclusive merchandise and collectibles.
Dragon Ball Official Store
B1F, First Avenue Tokyo Station
A dedicated space for Dragon Ball fans to find exclusive merchandise and celebrate their favorite anime.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Underground Maze
Souvenir & Snack Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate with Yaesu Gate
Access Character Street & Ramen Street via Yaesu Underground Central Gate for direct entry.
🍜 Ramen Street Reservations?
Some popular ramen shops might have queues. Consider going during off-peak hours.
🛍️ Character Merch Galore
Explore over 30 shops for Pokémon, Ghibli, One Piece, and more! +1
💳 Suica/Pasmo for ease
Load an electronic card like Suica on your phone for seamless travel and purchases.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate with Yaesu Gate
Access Character Street & Ramen Street via Yaesu Underground Central Gate for direct entry.
🍜 Ramen Street Reservations?
Some popular ramen shops might have queues. Consider going during off-peak hours.
🛍️ Character Merch Galore
Explore over 30 shops for Pokémon, Ghibli, One Piece, and more! +1
💳 Suica/Pasmo for ease
Load an electronic card like Suica on your phone for seamless travel and purchases.
📸 Photo Ops Abound
Capture memories with character displays and themed cafes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tokyo Station Ichibangai is a vibrant underground hub praised for its extensive collection of character merchandise and diverse ramen offerings. Visitors love the sheer variety of shops and the convenience of finding unique souvenirs and delicious food in one place. However, some find the sheer size and crowds overwhelming, especially during peak hours.
"Big station with so many trains-short story-you can load an electronic debit card like SUICA on your phone, use a credit card to fund it ( after you arrive in Japan). That lets you ride almost every thing by just swiping it when you get on and off. Even works for busses. The high speed Shinkansen require tickets that can be purchased from machines and there is usually someone in a uniform to help you.
I’m adding a pic of a Hello Kitty train we say in Fukuyama
One other note bus 7 takes you to the airport. To visit the town of Narita a little better to take the JR train. Japan Transit app shows you all the options easily but doesn’t let you buy tickets. Google app is great as you start your journey and will even give you transfer tips and maps."
Todd Williamson
"Large place with a lot of touristy shops to go to. This is a major destination for both Japanese and foreign tourists. Be sure to stop by ramen Street to try some delicious food or there's a different food row for other types of.
There's a character Street. Spend all your money on knick knacks and figurines and clothes based on your favorite Japanese culture characters."
Nathan Powers
"It is an amazing maze! With the Shinkansen Bullet train and others! We took the Nozomi train from Tokyo to Kyoto! The QR Code stiles are so convenient!"
Jack Rajpurohit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tokyo Station Ichibangai is located in the basement (B1F) of Tokyo Station, accessible via the Yaesu Underground Central Gate. It's a major hub, so many JR and subway lines will get you there.
While it's a large station, follow signs for 'First Avenue' and 'Character Street' or 'Ramen Street' once you're inside the Yaesu side.
Yes, after exiting the Shinkansen gates, follow signs for the Yaesu exits and then descend to the B1 level where Ichibangai is located.
Use a Japan Transit app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan. They provide real-time train information and station maps.
Tokyo Station has several underground parking facilities, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transport is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tokyo Station Ichibangai is a public underground mall and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the shops and restaurants.
Most shops and restaurants in Tokyo Station Ichibangai are open from approximately 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily, but it's best to check individual store hours.
Yes, Ichibangai often hosts pop-up shops and limited-time events, especially for popular characters. Keep an eye on their official website or social media for updates.
Yes, Suica and Pasmo cards are widely accepted for purchases at many shops and restaurants within Ichibangai, as well as for transportation.
No, both Tokyo Character Street and Tokyo Ramen Street are free to enter. You only pay for the items you purchase or the food you eat. +1
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find an incredible variety, including Pokémon, Studio Ghibli (Donguri Republic), One Piece, Hello Kitty, Mofusand, Kirby, Dragon Ball, and many more beloved Japanese characters. +3
Many shops, especially the character-specific ones like the Pokémon Center or Donguri Republic, offer exclusive merchandise that you might not find elsewhere.
The Donguri Republic store is your go-to for all things Studio Ghibli, featuring items from Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and more.
Beyond character goods, you can find unique Japanese snacks, sweets, and other novelty items in various shops throughout First Avenue.
Yes, especially during special collaborations or new releases. It's advisable to visit early on weekdays for the best chance to find them.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Tokyo Ramen Street is a collection of eight highly-rated ramen restaurants, each specializing in different regional ramen styles from across Japan.
Popular choices include Rokurinsha (tsukemen), Soranoiro NIPPON (vegetable ramen), and Jiro (garlic-heavy tonkotsu). It's best to research based on your preferred ramen type.
Absolutely! First Avenue also features various other eateries, including cafes, bakeries (like Hello Kitty & Kirby themed ones), and shops selling bento boxes and snacks. +1
Yes, there are numerous shops selling a wide array of Japanese sweets, crackers, and other food souvenirs that make great gifts.
Ramen prices are generally in the ¥1,000-¥1,500 range. Snacks and sweets vary, but you can find affordable options. It's comparable to other dining in Tokyo.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Character Street has many themed displays and storefronts that are very photogenic. The Ghibli store and the Dragon Ball store are particularly popular for photos. +2
Generally, you can take photos of the merchandise and store displays, but it's polite to ask staff if you plan to take extensive photos or film. Some areas might have restrictions.
Look for character mascots, themed backdrops, and the unique storefronts of places like the Kirby Cafe Petit or the Dragon Ball store.
It can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Visiting on a weekday morning will give you more space and better photo opportunities.
The entrance areas to major themed zones like Character Street, and the storefronts of highly popular shops like the Ghibli store or the new Dragon Ball store are prime photo spots. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond shopping, the Hello Kitty and Kirby themed pastries offer a fun snack option. While Ramen Street is more adult-oriented, there are other eateries with more accessible options. The underground nature of Ichibangai also means it's a great escape from the weather, whether it's too hot, cold, or rainy outside. Just be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, which can be challenging with very young children.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunters
Beyond character merchandise, explore the various shops selling Japanese snacks, sweets, and novelty items. These make for excellent and affordable gifts. The Dragon Ball Official Store and the Ghibli Donguri Republic are particularly noteworthy for exclusive items. Visiting on a weekday morning is highly recommended to have a more relaxed shopping experience and better access to popular items.
🍜 Foodies & Ramen Lovers
Don't overlook the other food offerings within First Avenue. You can find delightful themed pastries from places like the Kirby Cafe Petit and Hello Kitty cafes, perfect for a sweet treat. Additionally, numerous shops sell a wide variety of Japanese snacks and bento boxes, ideal for a quick and delicious meal or for taking on your travels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tokyo Character Street
Visitors can expect to find a vast array of merchandise, including plush toys, apparel, stationery, collectibles, and limited-edition items. The sheer density of themed shops makes it a treasure trove for souvenir hunting. It's advisable to allocate ample time to explore, as you might discover hidden gems or characters you weren't expecting. The vibrant displays and character mascots also make for excellent photo opportunities.
Pro-tip: Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds and increase your chances of snagging popular or limited-release items. The atmosphere is energetic and exciting, making it a memorable experience for both children and adults alike.
A Culinary Journey on Tokyo Ramen Street
Each shop presents a unique take on this beloved Japanese dish. You can savor the rich, thick broth of tonkotsu ramen, the delicate shoyu (soy sauce) based broth, or the intensely flavorful miso ramen. Popular establishments like Rokurinsha are famous for their tsukemen (dipping noodles), while others offer innovative vegetarian or unique regional variations. The experience is not just about the taste but also about appreciating the craftsmanship and tradition behind each bowl.
Insider advice: While queues can be long, especially during peak meal times, the wait is often considered worthwhile for the quality of the ramen. Consider visiting during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) to minimize wait times. The variety ensures that whether you're a ramen novice or a seasoned expert, you'll find a bowl to delight your palate.
Navigating Tokyo Station and Ichibangai
Navigating such a large station can be daunting, but utilizing a reliable transit app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner is highly recommended. These apps provide detailed maps, platform information, and estimated travel times, which are invaluable for both getting to Ichibangai and for onward travel. Many travelers also find it convenient to load funds onto a mobile electronic card like Suica or Pasmo for seamless travel on trains and buses, and even for purchases within Ichibangai.
Key takeaway: Don't be afraid to ask station staff for directions if you get lost. They are accustomed to assisting travelers and can point you in the right direction. Planning your route beforehand using a transit app will significantly reduce stress and enhance your experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit