With 21 stores featuring animated media stars from Winnie the Pooh to Pokémon to Moomin, Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station is heaven if you love cartoons and all the related paraphernalia. Otherwise, you’ll probably want to walk right past all the shops.
Tokyo Character Street - image © Florentyna Leow
Finding your way underground in Tokyo Station is like navigating the Labyrinth, except you don’t have anything as nifty as Ariadne’s thread to get you through. One area you’re likely to stumble upon while hunting for a bowl of ramen is the adjacent area, Tokyo Character Street.
Tokyo Character Street - image © Florentyna Leow
This area is essentially a long passageway lined with a total of 21 stores, each themed around a specific cartoon, animation, or media corporation specializing in mascots and animated characters. It is a microcosm of mostly-Japanese pop culture concentrated into a few hundred meters of shopping. Think Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, Pokémon, Moomin, and One Piece.
Tokyo Character Street - image © Florentyna Leow
When they say character goods are available here, they mean it. You can find almost any item conceivable here: notebooks, umbrellas, keychains, jigsaw puzzles, towels, playing cards - all printed with your favorite characters on them.
Tokyo Character Street - image © Florentyna Leow
Tokyo Character Street is worth seeking out only if you have an interested in shopping for character goods, or are with people who want to visit. Otherwise, you’re better off walking straight through and heading for the restaurants beyond.
English name:
Tokyo Character Street
Japanese name:
東京キャラクターストリート
English address:
B1 First Avenue Tokyo Station, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005
Japanese address:
〒100-0005 東京都千代田区丸の内1-9-1 東京駅一番街B1
Opening hours:
10am-8:30pm
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Train: Directly connected to Yaesu North exit of Tokyo Station.
Telephone:
+81-3-3210-0077
Website:
Official website (English)
Near To Here:
Tokyo Character Street is located in Tokyo's Tokyo Station and Marunouchi district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
