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Tokyo Character Street — Turn Your Shinkansen Wait into a Special Experience


You’ve arrived early at Tokyo Station, ready to catch your Shinkansen. Departure is still an hour away. Should you just sit with a coffee and scroll on your phone?　That would be a missed opportunity.

Instead, you can transform this waiting time into a uniquely themed experience at Tokyo Character Street, located on the first basement floor of Tokyo Station’s First Avenue(東京駅一番街).


This is not just another shopping arcade—it’s a compact, immersive showcase of Japanese pop culture that attracts fans from both Japan and abroad. Around 30 character-themed shops line the street, offering something for anime enthusiasts, families with kids, and anyone curious about Japanese entertainment culture. As of October 2025, here are some highlights:

  • Pokémon Center:A global icon of Japanese character culture, featuring countless plushies—including the stationmaster Pikachu unique to Tokyo Station. Unlike most Pokémon Centers located underground, this one is conveniently on the first floor.



  • Sanrio Shop: Home of kawaii culture with Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, and Cinnamoroll—among the many charming characters created by Sanrio, a global symbol of Japan’s cuteness

  • Snoopy Shop: The world-famous beagle, beloved in Japan for generations.


  • Crayon Shin-chan Shop: A gag anime starring a mischievous child, well-known in Japan and much of Asia.

  • Kirby Café PETIT: Sweets inspired by Nintendo’s beloved game character Kirby.



  • Miffy Shop: The Dutch picture-book rabbit by Dick Bruna, who enjoys a strong fan base in Japan, especially among women.

  • Tomica Shop: Mini cars made in Japan, so detailed that even adults love to collect them.


  • LEGO Store: A global favorite that sparks creativity and offers fun for parents and kids alike.

  • Jump Shop: The official store for Weekly Shonen Jump, featuring One Piece, Demon Slayer, Naruto, and Dragon Ball. (There’s even a separate dedicated One Piece shop.)




  • Shochiku Kabuki-ya Honpo: A historic entertainment company that runs Kabuki-za and produces films since the 19th century. Here you’ll find Godzilla figures, kabuki-themed goods, and traditional patterned souvenirs—a crossover of Japan’s tradition and pop culture.

  • Studio Ghibli Shop – Donguri Republic: Packed with merchandise from globally loved films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. From plush toys to Laputa’s mystical “flying stone” accessories, it’s paradise for fans. Don’t miss the limited apparel.


  • TV Network Shops: Each major Japanese TV station runs its own shop. You’ll encounter characters like Doraemon (TV Asahi), Chiikawa (Fuji TV), and SPY×FAMILY (TV Tokyo).

    There’s also a specialty store dedicated to Chiikawa 


Tokyo Character Street is near the Yaesu Shinkansen gates on the first basement floor—perfect for a quick stop before boarding. 

The area is compact enough to explore in about an hour, and families will find it especially fun. On the same floor, you’ll also find Tokyo Ramen Street and various souvenir shops, making it easy to turn your waiting time into a memorable part of your Tokyo trip.
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