Capsule Lab by Capcom Harajuku
Harajuku's ultimate gachapon destination! Two floors packed with hundreds of capsule toy machines offering endless surprises and unique collectibles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more gacha fun!
Capsule Lab by Capcom Harajuku
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more gacha fun!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Harajuku's ultimate gachapon destination! Two floors packed with hundreds of capsule toy machines offering endless surprises and unique collectibles.
"A gachapon lover's dream with hundreds of machines and endless quirky finds!"
🎯 Bring Plenty of Coins!
Gachapon machines primarily use coins (300-500 yen). Exchange machines are available, but cash is king! :yen:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might spend hours here! It's easy to get lost in the hundreds of machines. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hundreds of Gachapon Machines
Explore two floors filled with an overwhelming variety of capsule toy vending machines. Find your favorite characters and themes!
Exclusive Capcom Collectibles
Discover unique and exclusive items from Capcom's popular franchises, a must-have for fans.
Quirky Souvenir Hunting
From anime and characters to food and vehicles, find the perfect, unique souvenir to remember your trip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Harajuku's Gacha Paradise
Coin Up & Get Ready to Gacha!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Plenty of Coins!
Gachapon machines primarily use coins (300-500 yen). Exchange machines are available, but cash is king! :yen:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might spend hours here! It's easy to get lost in the hundreds of machines. :clock1:
📍 Prime Harajuku Location
Conveniently located on Takeshita Street, right next to McDonald's. Easy to find!
✨ Discover Unique Finds
Beyond anime, find themed toys like hot sauce, golf, and more! Perfect for quirky souvenirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Plenty of Coins!
Gachapon machines primarily use coins (300-500 yen). Exchange machines are available, but cash is king! :yen:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might spend hours here! It's easy to get lost in the hundreds of machines. :clock1:
📍 Prime Harajuku Location
Conveniently located on Takeshita Street, right next to McDonald's. Easy to find!
✨ Discover Unique Finds
Beyond anime, find themed toys like hot sauce, golf, and more! Perfect for quirky souvenirs.
📱 Check for New Releases
Capcom often releases new items. Follow their social media for the latest gacha drops!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Capsule Lab by Capcom Harajuku, calling it a 'gachapon lover's dream' with hundreds of machines across two floors offering an incredible variety of toys. It's praised as a fun spot for unique souvenirs, though some note it can be addictive and crowded, especially on holidays.
"Very cool capsule vending machine store across two levels - located in Takeshita St, Harajuku. With literally hundreds of vending machines with many different themes and characters from TV shows, anime, vehicles, golf, baseball, hot sauce.... Almost anything you can think of! Price range from 300 to 500 yen per capsule, so bring coins. If you have notes there is a few coin exchange machines over the two levels of the store."
Sam Congalton
"CAPSULE LAB in Harajuku (right next to McDonald's on Takeshita Street) is a gachapon lover’s dream!
The shop is huge and packed with a massive variety of capsule machines. It’s super addictive—you think you’ll just try one or two, and suddenly you're hooked!
Great spot to find fun and quirky little souvenirs. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!"
Billy Lim
"If you love gacha machine, this is the place you want to be. There are two floors of variety of capsule machines. Spent almost 2 hours here. There is token exchange machine where you can use to change your money for the tokens to be used for the machines. I had fun in this store. There are quite a lot of people as I went on a public holiday."
Syaza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Capsule Lab is located in the heart of Harajuku on Takeshita Street, easily accessible via Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines). It's right next to the McDonald's.
Yes, it's situated on the very popular Takeshita Street in Harajuku, known for its vibrant atmosphere and crowds, especially on weekends.
The most convenient way is by train. Harajuku Station is a major stop on the JR Yamanote Line, and Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station serves the Tokyo Metro.
Harajuku is a hub for unique shops. While Capsule Lab is a standout, you'll find other smaller gacha stores and novelty shops in the surrounding streets.
While it's possible to walk from Shibuya, it's a significant distance (around 20-30 minutes). Taking the train to Harajuku Station is much more efficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Capsule Lab is free. It's a retail store with vending machines, so you only pay for the gachapon you choose to purchase.
Capsule Lab is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. It's always a good idea to double-check for any seasonal changes or special holiday hours.
The price for each capsule toy ranges from 300 to 500 Japanese Yen, depending on the specific machine and item.
Most gachapon machines are coin-operated. While some larger stores might have card options for merchandise, it's best to assume you'll need coins for the machines themselves.
There are no age restrictions to enter Capsule Lab. It's a family-friendly environment, though younger children will need adult supervision.
🎫 🕹️ Onsite Experience
You'll find an incredible variety, including items from popular anime like Demon Slayer, characters from games, unique food-themed toys, vehicles, and even quirky items like hot sauce keychains.
Capsule Lab boasts hundreds of gachapon machines spread across two floors, offering an extensive selection.
While there are hundreds of machines, they are generally organized by theme or brand. It might take some searching, but the sheer volume increases your chances.
Yes, there are coin exchange machines available on both levels of Capsule Lab to convert your banknotes into coins for the gachapon machines.
Absolutely! Kids (and adults!) love the surprise element of gachapon. It's a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Capsule Lab. It's a visually stimulating place, perfect for capturing your gacha finds and the store's atmosphere.
The colorful rows of gachapon machines themselves make for great photos. Don't forget to capture your 'haul' or the unique items you find!
Many creators do! The vibrant environment is ideal for short-form video content. Just be mindful of other shoppers.
While generally permitted, avoid blocking aisles or being disruptive. Professional photography might require prior permission.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the fun and colorful displays. If you have a wider lens, it can help capture more of the machine rows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Bring plenty of coins and set a budget beforehand to manage spending. The variety of toys means there's likely something to appeal to every child's interest, from cute characters to miniature vehicles. It's a great place to pick up small, affordable souvenirs for everyone.
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Recommendation: Explore the different themes carefully. You might find anything from miniature food items to character figures from less common anime. The price point is also very accessible for picking up multiple small gifts for friends and family.
🎮 Gamers & Anime Fans
Must-do: Keep an eye out for machines featuring characters from games like Demon Slayer, or other Capcom titles. It's a chance to bring a piece of your favorite digital worlds into reality.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Gachapon
Capsule Lab by Capcom elevates this experience by dedicating two entire floors to these machines. It's not just about the toys; it's about the hunt, the discovery, and the sheer volume of options available. Many visitors find themselves spending hours browsing the hundreds of machines, trying to snag their favorite characters or the most unique items.
This store is a testament to the enduring popularity of gachapon, offering a fun and accessible way for tourists and locals alike to collect unique souvenirs and experience a beloved Japanese pastime.
Navigating Takeshita Street
Being situated here means Capsule Lab is at the heart of the action. Visitors often combine a trip to Capsule Lab with exploring the rest of Takeshita Street, making it a perfect stop during a Harajuku adventure. The street itself is an experience, filled with sights, sounds, and smells that define Tokyo's youth culture.
Expect crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Navigating Takeshita Street requires a bit of patience, but the energy and unique atmosphere are part of the charm. Capsule Lab's prominent location makes it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring this trendy district.
Capcom's Gacha Empire
The presence of Capcom's branding signifies a curated selection of high-quality and often exclusive capsule toys. For fans of Capcom's games, the Capsule Lab offers a unique opportunity to find tangible pieces of their beloved virtual worlds. This strategic expansion into the gacha market caters to a dedicated fanbase and also attracts general tourists looking for unique souvenirs.
By opening a large-scale gacha store, Capcom not only promotes its own IPs but also participates in a significant aspect of Japanese pop culture. It's a smart move that blends gaming nostalgia with the addictive fun of capsule toy collecting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit