1,500 Capsule Toy Machines Await at “gashacoco Ikebukuro” - Discover the Latest Releases & Limited Editions

1,500 Capsule Toy Machines Await at “gashacoco Ikebukuro” - Discover the Latest Releases & Limited Editions

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : HAPPINET CORPORATION

Just a 2-minute walk from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station is the capsule toy specialty shop “gashacoco Ikebukuro.”
Inside its bright and spacious store, you’ll find about 1,500 capsule toy machines featuring anime, retro goods, food motifs, and more-items that combine uniquely Japanese elements with playful creativity.
This article introduces the appeal of capsule toys, the features of the capsule toy shop “gashacoco,” and how to enjoy “gashacoco Ikebukuro.”
If you want to take a relaxing break to enjoy capsule toys in between sightseeing or shopping, this guide is for you.

What Is a “Capsule Toy”?

A capsule toy is a vending machine that dispenses toys or small goods in capsules when you insert coins and turn the handle.
The excitement of not knowing what will come out and the thrill of opening the capsule are part of its appeal.
In Japan, capsule toys are popular for their affordability and high quality, as well as the thrill of secrecy, randomness, and collectibility.
In recent years, they have also attracted attention as a unique Japanese cultural experience.

Insert coins and a random item comes out.
Insert coins and a random item comes out.

7 Reasons Why Experiencing Capsule Toys During Travel Is Popular

Once found only in corners of department stores, capsule toys are now common throughout cities.
Here are the reasons why trying capsule toys while traveling has become so popular.

1.Affordable cultural experience
Enjoy Japanese products and trends at low prices.
2.Surprise factor
The thrill of not knowing what’s inside until you open the capsule is addictive.
3.Compact size
Capsules are about 5-9 cm, so they don’t take up much luggage space.
4.Wide variety of Japanese-themed items
Sushi, natto, anime characters, and more let you enjoy Japanese culture in miniature.
5.Convenient use of coins
Perfect for using up leftover 100 yen coins at the end of a trip.
6.Regional exclusives
Some items are only available at specific stores or regions, making them great souvenirs or collectibles.
7.Fun for parents and children together
Easy entertainment while shopping or passing the time.
The Japanese confectionery plush series is also one of the popular capsule toys.
The Japanese confectionery plush series is also one of the popular capsule toys.

What Is “gashacoco”?

“gashacoco” is gaining attention as a spot where you can fully enjoy the appeal of capsule toys.
It is a capsule toy specialty store operated by Happinet Vending Service, the largest company in the industry.*

*According to Happinet

As of the end of June 2025, there are more than 140 stores nationwide.
Many are located in convenient places such as shopping malls, near train stations, and inside shopping streets, making them easy to visit even while traveling.
From popular anime and game characters to unique miniatures and nostalgic Heisei retro goods unique to Japan, the lineup covers a wide range of genres.
With the theme “heart-fluttering excitement is here.” the store offers a casual entertainment experience packed with the fun of treasure hunting.

The bright interior feels welcoming-even for solo visitors.
The bright interior feels welcoming-even for solo visitors.

What Is “gashacoco Ikebukuro”?

“gashacoco Ikebukuro” is a capsule toy specialty shop that opened just a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, offering easy access.
Across its spacious 150-tsubo (about 495 m²) floor area, about 1,500 capsule toy vending machines feature a wide variety of genres, including anime characters, Heisei retro, and food motifs.
Each visit brings new discoveries and excitement.
The store is bright and open, with wide aisles, making it an easy spot to enjoy even for first-time visitors.

6 Appeals of “gashacoco Ikebukuro” Loved by a Wide Range of People

Here are six reasons why “gashacoco Ikebukuro” is loved by visitors of all kinds.

1. A Wide Selection That Appeals to Lovers of Cute Things

“gashacoco Ikebukuro” is attractive for its lineup that resonates with those who love cute items.
From nostalgic miniature recreations to adorable character goods you’ll want to take home, the variety is extensive.

Charming storefront display that appeals to women
Charming storefront display that appeals to women

2. Spacious Aisles for Relaxed Browsing

While capsule toy shops often have narrow aisles that get blocked during busy times, “gashacoco Ikebukuro” boasts wide aisles.
Even with a suitcase, you can leisurely enjoy capsule toys without worrying about those around you.
The store is also equipped with an elevator, available by asking the staff, making it accessible for those with strollers or wheelchairs.

Wide aisles that are easy to navigate even with strollers
Wide aisles that are easy to navigate even with strollers

3. Staff Always on Hand for Support

Many capsule toy specialty stores are unmanned, but all “gashacoco” shops, including Ikebukuro, always have staff on duty.
Whether you are looking for a specific item or encounter a malfunction, you can easily ask for help and feel reassured.

Ask the staff if you need assistance.
Ask the staff if you need assistance.

4. Regularly Held Pop-Up Events

At “gashacoco Ikebukuro,” pop-up events are held regularly featuring limited-edition goods of popular characters and original novelty items.
During these events, large monitors at the storefront play music videos, and the background music changes to songs related to featured characters, creating an irresistible atmosphere for fans.

In the past, a “Uta no Prince-sama” pop-up was held.
In the past, a “Uta no Prince-sama” pop-up was held.
Original goods of popular characters are also sold.
Original goods of popular characters are also sold.

The latest information is regularly posted on X (formerly Twitter), so checking the official account before visiting is recommended.

5. Campaigns Where You Can Get Limited Goods!

By purchasing a certain number of targeted capsule toys, you can receive original goods through regularly held campaigns (the required number varies by campaign).
If you visit “gashacoco Ikebukuro” during a campaign, go for the targeted items to get original goods at great value.

Get exclusive benefits available only here.
Get exclusive benefits available only here.

6. New Items Almost Every Day - A Lineup You’ll Want to Visit Again and Again

At “gashacoco Ikebukuro,” new items are stocked almost daily.
In addition, more than 200 types of new products arrive each month, ensuring constant new encounters.
It is a spot packed with fun that makes you want to stop by again and again without ever getting bored.

New products are lined up in the NEW section on the first floor.
New products are lined up in the NEW section on the first floor.

Access to “gashacoco Ikebukuro”

“gashacoco Ikebukuro” is conveniently located about a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station.
Ikebukuro Station serves eight railway lines, including JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu, and Tobu, and is only about 10 minutes by train from Shibuya or Shinjuku, making it an excellent location.
It is also easy to access from hotels and other sightseeing spots.
In addition, Ikebukuro is known as an anime mecca and is a city where pop culture gathers.
On weekends, you may even see cosplayers walking the streets, so exploring the surrounding area is well worth it.

The route from Ikebukuro Station is easy to follow, so it is hard to get lost even on a first visit.
The route from Ikebukuro Station is easy to follow, so it is hard to get lost even on a first visit.

Capsule Toy Beginners Welcome! How to Play at “gashacoco Ikebukuro”

Even those trying capsule toys for the first time can enjoy themselves easily at “gashacoco Ikebukuro.”
The store provides clear guidance and change machines, and the operation is simple.
Here are the basic steps for enjoying capsule toys.

How to Play Capsule Toys - Step by Step

1. Find the item you want

At “gashacoco Ikebukuro,” products are categorized, making them easy to find.

Find your favorite among about 1,500 machines.
Find your favorite among about 1,500 machines.

2. Check the price and prepare the required coins

The usable coins and number needed are listed next to the handle.

Prices vary depending on the capsule toy vending machine.
Prices vary depending on the capsule toy vending machine.

3. Insert the coins and turn the handle

The rattling sound as you turn it builds anticipation.

Turn the handle
Turn the handle

4. Open the capsule and check what’s inside

You won’t know what capsule toy you get until you open it.

Get the item you are looking for!
Get the item you are looking for!

5. Place empty capsules in the collection box

Capsules can also be taken home if you prefer.

Capsule collection box
Capsule collection box

Use the change machine when you don’t have coins

10,000 yen bills can be exchanged for 1,000 yen bills and 100 yen coins in the quantity you need.

Use the change machine to exchange for coins.
Use the change machine to exchange for coins.

4 Popular Capsule Toys at “gashacoco Ikebukuro”

Here are four types of capsule toys that are especially popular at “gashacoco Ikebukuro.”

1. niccolino

“niccolino” is a beloved capsule toy character.
Its humorous design features a smiling face added to various items such as bento ingredients, bread, and retro café menu dishes.
The series has grown to more than 600 variations in total.

The popular “niccolino” series
The popular “niccolino” series
“niccolino” corner
“niccolino” corner

2. Popular Anime and Manga

Familiar characters from Disney, Sanrio, Chiikawa, and more are perennial favorites both in Japan and abroad.
Since the lineup changes whenever new anime or manga releases are announced, you can enjoy encounters with items that are “only available now.”

Popular character corner
Popular character corner

3. Food Motifs

Capsule toys inspired by Japanese food culture are also enduringly popular, including traditional snacks, popular sweets, natto, sushi, and steamed pork buns.
You’ll be amazed at their intricate designs, crafted to look just like the real thing.

Over 30 types of food motifs available
Over 30 types of food motifs available

4. Heisei Retro

Japan is experiencing a “Heisei Retro” boom, featuring revivals of anime and fashion trends from the Heisei era (1989-2019).
The nostalgic yet cute lineup appeals to those in their 20s and 30s who remember the era.

“Heisei Retro” capsule toys
“Heisei Retro” capsule toys

“gashacoco” is Nationwide! Shop List You Can Find While Traveling

As of the end of June 2025, “gashacoco” has expanded to more than 140 stores in major cities and tourist destinations across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Check if there is a store in the area you plan to visit.

Store Name Address Business Hours
gashacoco DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 4F, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 11:00am-8:00pm
weekends and holidays 10:00am-9:00pm
gashacoco Kinshicho Marui 4F, Kinshicho Marui, 3-9-10 Kotobashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 10:30am-8:00pm
gashacoco Shinsaibashi BIGSTEP 1F, Shinsaibashi BIGSTEP, 1-6-14 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 11:00am-8:00pm
gashacoco Namba Marui 7F, Namba Marui, 3-8-9 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 11:00am-8:00pm

Exclusive for GOOD LUCK TRIP Readers! Original Novelty Giveaway

“gashacoco” is running a special campaign exclusively for GOOD LUCK TRIP readers.
Show the image below at participating stores to receive original “gashacoco” chopsticks.
Don’t miss this limited item that cannot be obtained anywhere else!

Participating stores
gashacoco DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
gashacoco Ikebukuro
gashacoco Shinsaibashi BIGSTEP
gashacoco Namba Ebisubashi-suji
gashacoco Solaria Stage Tenjin
gashacoco YouMe Town Beppu
gashacoco Okubo
gashacoco Nagoya Zero Gate
Campaign period
October 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Show this image and get your own pair of original “gashacoco” chopsticks!
Show this image and get your own pair of original “gashacoco” chopsticks!

3 Nearby Spots to Visit Along with “gashacoco Ikebukuro”

The area around “gashacoco Ikebukuro” is full of attractions where you can relax and have fun right in the heart of the city. Here are three uniquely Ikebukuro spots to explore: a rooftop aquarium, an immersive observation deck, and a park that hosts a variety of cultural events.

1. Sunshine Aquarium

This aquarium is built on the roof of a building in Sunshine City, a large-scale commercial facility in Ikebukuro. It is made up of three areas: “Sky Journey,” “Ocean Journey,” and “Waterfront Journey.”
In “Sky Journey,” the outdoor area, you’ll find an approximately 12-meter-wide overhanging tank called “Penguins in the Sky,” where you can see African penguins swimming around as if they’re flying over the city.

Penguins swimming through the city sky
Penguins swimming through the city sky

2. Sunshine 60 Observatory TENBOU Park

Located on the 60th floor, this observatory feels like a park in the sky, surrounded by greenery and open space. Whether by day or night, in sunshine or rain, it offers a fun and relaxing experience at any time. The highlight is, of course, the view. From 251 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of Tokyo with unobstructed sightlines stretching far into the distance.

Breathtaking views from 251 meters above sea level, where the scenery changes moment by moment with the passage of time.
Breathtaking views from 251 meters above sea level, where the scenery changes moment by moment with the passage of time.

3. Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park

Located just a 2-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, Ikebukuro West Exit Park is affectionately known as the GLOBAL RING. The outdoor theater, GLOBAL RING THEATRE, equipped with a large LED vision measuring 11m wide and 3m high, and an outdoor stage, is capable of accommodating a variety of programs, including concerts of classical music, dance, and drama. The original fountain performance at the center of the plaza creates a soothing atmosphere that captivates visitors.

A park with an open, welcoming ambiance where people can experience culture and the arts.
A park with an open, welcoming ambiance where people can experience culture and the arts.

Wrap-up

“gashacoco Ikebukuro” offers a wide variety of items that you’ll find yourself wanting to take home.
Inside the small capsules are uniquely Japanese designs and creative ideas, making them perfect souvenirs of your trip or gifts for friends.
Why not stop by between sightseeing and shopping in Ikebukuro to find a piece filled with Japanese culture and playfulness?