If your ideal souvenir is a tiny food replica, a character charm, or a miniature version of something you use every day, Shibuya’s capsule toy shops are worth a look. For the biggest selection among the spots in this guide, I’d start at #C-pla Shibuya Center-Gai. It has three floors to browse. If you’re already at Shibuya Crossing, Dream Capsule is an easy first stop on the fifth floor of MAGNET by SHIBUYA109.
In Japan, you’ll hear these capsule toys called gacha, gachagacha, or gachapon. Pick a series from the display and turn the handle to get one of its designs at random. If you’re hunting for a particular Chiikawa or Sanrio release, check the stock tips below before you set off.
Read this guide in Japanese (日本語版)
Shibuya capsule toy shops at a glance
| Spot | Where to go | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dream Capsule | MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, 5F | 10:00–21:00 |
| #C-pla Labo | Frame Jinnanzaka, 1F and B1 | 10:00–21:00 |
| #C-pla Shibuya Center-Gai | Shibuya Heiwa Building, B1, 1F and 2F | 1F 10:00–23:00. B1 and 2F 10:00–22:30 |
| LABI Shibuya | Electronics store, street-level entrance (1F) | 10:00–22:00 (store hours) |
| #C-pla+ SHIBUYA109 | SHIBUYA109, 8F | 10:00–21:00 |
| #C-pla Tokyu Plaza Shibuya | Shibuya Fukuras, 5F | 11:00–22:00 |
| GiGO Shibuya | Zen Mall Building, 1F–3F (arcade floors) | 10:00–23:30 (arcade hours) |
On Japanese floor signs, 1F is the ground floor and B1 is one level below ground. Check each shop’s official page for changes to opening hours before you go.
A gachapon walking route from Shibuya Crossing
Start at JR Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit. Visit the shops in the order below, with a quick stop at LABI if you’re passing its entrance. The route takes you up to Jinnan, back through Center-Gai, and finishes at Shibuya Fukuras near the station’s West Exit. GiGO is an optional arcade stop between Center-Gai and SHIBUYA109.
1. Dream Capsule at MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
From Hachiko, cross at Shibuya Scramble Crossing toward MAGNET and go up to 5F. This is a good first stop if you’re visiting the crossing anyway. The shop also lists Premium Gashapon and Flat Gashapon among its offerings.
Address 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official shop page
2. #C-pla Labo in Jinnan
Walk north into Jinnan and look for Frame Jinnanzaka. #C-pla Labo spans 1F and B1. If you’re looking for a particular series, this is another place to check before heading back toward Center-Gai.
Address 1-18-2 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official shop page
3. #C-pla Shibuya Center-Gai
This is my pick if you want to browse a lot of machines in one stop. The shop occupies B1, 1F and 2F of the Shibuya Heiwa Building, so give yourself time to see all three floors. If you’re visiting after dinner, start with the basement and second floor, which close half an hour before the first floor.
Address 21-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official shop page
4. LABI Shibuya
Look for capsule toy machines by the street-level entrance of this Yamada Denki electronics store. It’s a quick stop on the way to SHIBUYA109. The hours in the table are for the electronics store, and the machines at the entrance can change.
Address 2-29-20 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official store page
5. #C-pla+ inside SHIBUYA109
Head to 8F of SHIBUYA109 on the Dogenzaka side. It’s an easy addition if you’re already shopping in the building.
When you open your map app, check the full building name. SHIBUYA109 is where you’ll find this #C-pla branch, and MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 is where you’ll find Dream Capsule.
Address 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official shop page
6. #C-pla at Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
Go to 5F of Shibuya Fukuras, the building that houses Tokyu Plaza Shibuya. The shop is bright and tidy, and the pedestrian deck connects the building to Shibuya Station’s West Exit. This branch opens at 11:00, and the mall lists its capsule toy machines as cash only.
Address 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official shop page · Station access
7. GiGO Shibuya (optional arcade stop)
GiGO has a smaller capsule toy selection than the dedicated shops on this route. If you’re mainly here for gachapon, feel free to skip it. If you also want to try Japanese crane games or take purikura photo booth pictures, stop in after #C-pla Shibuya Center-Gai and before heading to SHIBUYA109.
Address 29-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Official arcade page
How to use a gachapon machine in Japan
- Check the display. It shows the series and the price per turn. You’ll receive one design at random, and repeat turns can give you duplicates.
- Check how the machine takes payment. For a coin-operated machine, look for the coin symbol and insert the required amount. Keep a few ¥100 coins handy and look for 両替 (ryōgae, change) if you need to break a bill.
- Turn the handle and collect your capsule. If you want to leave the empty shell behind, look for the shop’s capsule collection bin.
Bandai Namco’s illustrated English guide
How to find a specific Chiikawa, Sanrio or miniature series
Start with the full series name from the machine display or the manufacturer’s product page. A character can appear in several releases, so include the exact name and the shop branch when you search. On shop social accounts, 入荷 means a product has arrived and 完売 means it has sold out. Check the date of the post and look for any newer updates before making a special trip.
For Bandai releases, try the official Gashapon shop finder. It covers participating machines with connected inventory reporting, so you may still find a series at a shop that doesn’t appear in the search. Bandai Gashapon shop finder
Chiikawa Merchandise
Chiikawa Coin Cylinder Capsule Toy – Complete Set of 5
A complete capsule-toy set featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, and other popular characters. These compact coin holders are both cute and practical.
Prices and availability may change. Please check the product page for the latest information.
Sanrio Character Goods
POCHI Kuromi Silicone Coin Purse
A cute Kuromi-shaped silicone coin purse with a classic clasp closure. It can also be used as a compact pouch for small accessories and other everyday essentials.
Prices and availability may change. Please check each product page for the latest information.
