Tag: Shibuya

From Japan: Nintendo Tokyo

Editorial Team

Today, Nintendo opened their first shop in Japan (and second in the world, after Nintendo NYC). Named Nintendo Tokyo, the shop is located on 6F of Shibuya PARCO, which is about a six minute walk from Shibuya Station.

Conveniently located between Pokemon Center Shibuya, and Capcom Store Tokyo, Nintendo Tokyo offers a variety of merchandise all related to your favorite Nintendo characters.

The shop is spacious and well-lit, with four large figures of Nintendo characters to designate each area of the store: Super Mario, Link, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, and the orange-haired Inkling Girl from Splatoon.

These products range from collectible plush toys and stationary, to T-shirts and hoodies. As well as designer watches and neckties, Splatoon “finger boards,” cups, plates, chopsticks, iPhone cases, pajamas, pillows, and even Link whisky glasses. Needless to say, there’s something for all ages.

The front of the store showcases the products exclusive to Nintendo Tokyo, which include red or grey T-shirts for 4,800 yen (US$45) small pillows, tote bags, and tins of cookies, each displaying the four characters you see as large figures in the store.

At the back is an “eraser buffet,” where customers can select a glass jar for 400 yen (about US$3.50) and fill it with tiny erasers carved to resemble their favorite Nintendo characters. Each jar holds about eight or nine erasers.

And yes, there are games. Specifically, only games for the Nintendo Switch, with a selection of about 15 of their most recent titles. Nintendo Tokyo also sells multi-colored Switch controllers, as well as other accessories such as AC adapters and wires.

Unlike some of the other game-themed shops you might find in other parts of Japan, Nintendo Tokyo doesn’t offer a cafĂ©, events, or any other experiences beyond trying out a Switch game on one of their four TV screens. It’s simply a shop for Nintendo fans. Yet the merchandise is plentiful, and the prices are – for the most part – quite reasonable. Definitely a place to visit, for Nintendo fans of all ages.

Written by Damon Finos

From Japan: Visiting Shibuya

Editorial Team

So if all the otaku hang out in Akihabara, where do the (less nerdy) hip youngsters do their shopping?  The answer: Shibuya!

A district in Tokyo, Shibuya is not only famous for possessing one of the busiest train stations in the country, but is home to numerous fashion shops, all huddled together under jumbo-trons and bright lights.  Shibuya 109 and the recently erected mall, Omotesandou Hills, are places where you can purchase the latest fashion at steep prices, or simply admire some of the gyaru and even a few yamamba spending their parent’s money.  Fans of the film Lost in Translation starring Bill Murray, may recognize some of the distinguishing spots near the infamously crowded intersection.

visiting ShibuyaNearby is also the statue of the dog “Hachikou,” who sat waiting for his master at the station for over ten years, unknown that he died since no one told the poor mutt. The story was made into the American film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale starring Richard Gere.  Haven’t seen it, so can’t comment.

visiting ShibuyaSo what’s a guy like me to find entertaining in a fashionable place like this?  Well, there’s Mandarake, a gigantic underground comic shop, cluttered with nostalgic toys – both Japanese and Western – as well as old games and consoles.

visiting ShibuyaAlso, at the top floor of Tower Records is the biggest English bookstore I’ve ever seen in Japan (about the size of a regular bookstore back home).  And if you’re a fan of people-watching like myself, it’s fun to order a coffee at Starbucks, head up to the third floor, and admire the sea of people flood by when the light turns green.

Can’t get more Tokyo-ish than this.