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.
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.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get esssential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
