If you love Japanese characters and want to find some adorable and reasonable goods, then visiting the toy paradise that is Harajuku's KIDDY LAND should be top on your list of places to shop in Japan. In 1946, Koichiro Hashidate opened the "Reading Book Club Hashidate Book Shop" in Tokyo, which was the origin of KIDDYLAND. In 1950, it started to deal in various goods and toys, then expanded into holiday-specific goods and became the bright, colorful shop that is so well-loved today. The landmark of this shop is the large KIDDY LAND sign board out front - and whenever you enter this shop you are sure to hear multiple languages being spoken by visitors from around the globe. Decorated accordingly to each season, KIDDY LAND not only offers a variety of year-round available items, but seasonal ones too, such as Halloween, Valentines and Christmas-themed items! Everything undeniably "kawaii" can be found here. Without a doubt both kids and adults will find something amazing here.

On the upper floors are different areas dedicated to various famous characters in Japan: Studio Ghibli, Doraemon, Ultraman, Kapibara-san, One-Piece, Dragon Ball... the list goes on and on. Not only that, but international characters like Miffy, Peanuts and Disney favorites are sold here too. You can even find Transformers, Lego and Playmobile sets here. And of course, Japan's representative character...With limited edition goods not available overseas, KIDDY LAND is the only place to find some of these Hello Kitty and Sanrio products. The goods sold at KIDDY LAND are constantly changing and the number of items grows with each visit. From Japanese anime character items to special, limited items, at KIDDY LAND you can find almost any character that you seek. And if you can't stay in Tōkyō during your visit to Japan, don’t worry! There are other KIDDY LAND locations all across Japan, from Hokkaidō to Kagoshima. For the shop nearest to where you will be visiting, please check out their official website listed below.

Hours: 11:00-21:00 (M-F), 10:30-21:00 (Sat, Sun & Holidays) Other Languages: English, Chinese Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingūmae Station (明治神宮前駅), Tōkyō Metro Chiyoda/Fukutoshin lines Access: 5 minute walk from exit 4/5 of Meiji-Jingūmae StationThe requested URL /shop.cgi?sid=290 was not found on this server.This might come as a shock to some of you, but I’m considered a geek in certain social circles. I don’t know if it’s because of my analytical thoughts on Terminator vs. Robocop or my spot on impression of a light saber, but people just seem to really like casting that label on me. Personally, I don’t see it. Usually I just blow it off. Other times I point at them and yell “expecto patronum!” Besides, I don’t even like Akihabara, the so called “otaku haven” to idol chasers, anime aficionados, game addicts, and people willing to pay money to rest their head on a strangers lap. I’ve always preferred Nakano Broadway. It’s massive emporium for all things geek.

Overstocked with anime, collectibles, tech and all the niche stuff you can find in Akihabara, only condensed into one big shopping mall. I used to really like Akihabara, and it can be great for finding cheap knock-offs and tech parts. buy lego 10187The first time you visit you’re overwhelmed by the number of shops and awkward anime girl billboards everywhere. lego shop zwolleBut after making the trek to Akiba Town so many times, it’s really lost its muster. lego 8870 buyToday, Akihabara feels more like a tourist trap while Nakano Broadway feels like it really caters to your taste. buy lego movie dvd australiaEvery shop is special or unique. lego shop arbeiten

Meanwhile the main strip of Akihabara is filled with duty-free stores that rip you off, game shops with fixed prices all down the line, and maids that refuse to take a picture with you. buy lego fontEven though I asked really politely and you still wouldn’t do it! New Video: Shinjuku Travel Guide For Beginners Never been to Shinjuku before? Watch this essential guide to getting around Tokyo's busiest district. Not only that, but if you’re looking for old school items, don’t even try Akihabara outside of the Mandarake store. On the other hand, Nakano Broadway is a nostalgia goldmine. I have no idea what a Naruto is or how someone can make a show about Clorox Bleach. I ask my high school students if they like YuYu Hakusho or Tenchi Muyo and they just stare at me like The Children of The Corn. I mention Yokai Watch and they’re suddenly the most attentive English students in Japan. I don’t know if I’m just old or blissfully uncool.

Either way, Nakano Broadway has all the oldies. You know how long it would have taken me to find a Yusuke Urameshi charm in Akihabara? Speaking of Mandarake, Japan’s largest distributor of collectibles, Nakano Broadway is the store’s flag ship. While there is only one Mandarake amidst the dozens of Softmaps in Akihabara, 26 Mandarake specialty shops make up all four floors of Nakano Broadway from sports memorabilia to Star Wars. Their main office is even located on the top floor. The retail corner located on the 3rd floor in particular is a real sight to behold. Thousands of people buy and trade anime, manga and collectibles here every week. It’s like an otaku version of the Tsukiji Fish Market. If you’re looking for something in particular, there is a pretty good chance you’ll find it in Mandarake. You don’t even need to be an otaku to enjoy Nakano broadway. The basement, first floor and alleyways around Nakano Broadway are packed with “normal” stuff from Uniqlo to Izakayas.