Please note: Originally posted back in 2014, my Tokyo and Osaka toy shop guide is a little bit out of date. I will clean it up slightly if required, but ultimately it still serves its purpose and remains a time capsule for some stores that are no longer in business or have changed locations too.
GENERAL INFO – OSAKA
What’s the best way to get to Osaka? Shinkansen of course! Travel time is about 2 and a half to 3 hours, but it’s a great way to see the country side and if it isn’t cloudy, Mt. Fuji!
Once you arrive in Osaka you will be at the Shin-Osaka Station and you will want to grab a Metro train line map (sorry, but you won’t be able to use your JR Pass here) and head for the following Metro Line stations:
Ogimachi (K12) – on the Sakaisuji (K) (Brown) line
(ALT Station: Umeda (M16) on the Midosuji (M) (Red) line)
Shinsaibashi (M19) – on the Midosuji (M) (Red) line
Nippombashi (K17, S17) – on the Sakaisuji (K) (Brown) line or Sennichimae (S) (Pink) Line
(ALT station:Namba (M20)on the Midosuji (M) (Red) line
It’s worth noting most of these stores are open 12pm to 8pm, 7 days a week. However, each shop’s opening hours and days can vary. (See Hero Gangu for details)
Even though Umeda station is easier to get to from Shin-Osaka, if you haven’t been to Osaka before or like somewhat confusing combination station/shopping malls, then by all means use Umdea! To make the trip as easy as possible, the best way to get to Mandarake Umeda is to get off at Ogimachi! Take Exit 2A and walk through the park, and then follow the map below to get to Mandarake – There are two entrances located between Club Sega.
SHINSAIBASHI
Next one-stop shop is the second and last Mandarake store in Osaka, Shinsaibashi. Once again use the map below to get there. You want to use Exit 8 from Shinsaibashi station.
*EDIT* Mandarake Shinsaibashi has been closed and there is now a store located in Nanba very close to the other toy stores in that area.
Both Mandarake’s in Osaka are worth checking out, However I still feel Tokyo’s Mandarake’s are better overall when comparing the two cities. You can still find the odd toy you might not expect to find there (which has been the case for me, when I’ve visited these stores).
NIPPONBASHI (NANBA)
This is the easiest way to get to Osaka’s version of Akihabara, “Den Den Town” in Nanba. If you get off at Nipponbashi you just have to walk in a straight line down Sakai Suji Street until you reach the stores. When you get off at the station, use the station map to find exit 5, once outside, look for Super Hotel (they are tall, blue and yellow buildings, with Super Hotel on them – great place to stay in Osaka too!) to know which direction to head in. Use the map below to help with the location of the stores.
ENTERTAINMENT HOBBY SHOP JUNGLE
One of the more well-known stores to visit in Osaka, this store is packed with tons and tons of toys and figures, both new and old: Transformers, Gundam, Hot Toys to name a few. However, the prices on some items are bordering on absurd, IMO. Best to check it out on the way to Hero Gangu and come back to buy, if you couldn’t find the same figure cheaper elsewhere and you have your heart set on it.
Another giant hobby store and anchor of Osaka’s Den Den Town as far as toys go; Hero Gangu features a massive amount of new and old toys! The ground floor features mainly newly released toys and figures, while floor 2 will have a massive amount of vintage Transformers and Hot Toys as well as Sofubi! If you visit any stores in Osaka this one must be top of your list! Even if it’s just to browse the amazing selection on offer!
Please note: Hero Gangu is not open on Wednesdays!
G-ONE SUPER POSITION CAPSULE
G-One mainly stocks capsule toys with small pockets of other toys here and there. If you are looking pick up a set of Gacha Gacha toys and don’t want to waste your coins, this is the place to go! The ground floor features isle upon isle of small little toys, with most prices being a steal. On the second floor you will find Kaiju and Chogokin and some Sofubi. There are also small sections which will feature Hot Toys and other figures too, so it’s a good idea to spend some time checking out each corner of the store.
*EDIT* G-One Super Position Capsule is no longer open.
Down one of the side streets on the main strip of Den Den Town is Astro Zombies! Superhero toys are featured on the ground floor and upstairs will have many Sci-Fi figures and toys as well as model kits and movie props. They also have their own Sofubi Character as well!
Psychdelia Toys can be a little tricky to find and is also further away from the main cluster of stores, being right next to Nanba City, in its “City Hobby” section, However it can be worth the short trek as it has a great selection of Kubricks, Hot Toys, Sofubi and wrestling figures as well as Capsule toy sets! Best to stop here last if you are toy hunting in Osaka.
*EDIT* Apparently, Psychdelia Toys has changed its name to: ADAMSKI and had a location move, but is still located in Nanba City – I can’t confirm this, but will look for it on my next trip to Osaka!
*BONUS: ONE STOP STORE IN TOKYO – HOT TOYS – TOY SAPIENS
How could I write a Japan toy shop guide and be a fan of Hot Toys and not cover their Japanese flagship store in Tokyo!?!?
This is more of a one stop area as there really isn’t any other toy stores close by. If you are a Hot Toys fan you must visit this store at least once! Hot Toys current in stock products and pre-orders are beautifully set up on display surrounded by many retro and current figures and toys from various companies.
I will always check out this store on a trip to Japan as it’s very exciting to see soon-to-be-released prototype figures on display and, depending on the demand, pick up a newly released Hot Toys figure or two!
*EDIT* Toy Sapiens has moved locations! I will try and update this part when im next in Tokyo.
This concludes my Japan toy guide. I hope you have enjoyed reading it and hopefully it helps you in your travels. As stated before, this is not a “have all, end all” guide, but the stores listed here are great to check out if you have the time and if you like some of the toys reviewed on my blog, you can find many of these types of toys at these stores!
Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions. I will be adding to it and improving it where I can from time to time!
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