Travelling to Japan is all the rage right now and for good reason: the flights are cheap and most currencies are strong against the Yen. For our family, we try to get back to Japan at least once a year. If you are travelling with kids, you will need to find ways to entertain them. Enter Gashapon, the Japanese cultural phenomenon that everyone needs to experience. What is Gashapon? Chances are you’ve already seen pictures of them during the travel research for your trip to Japan!
This is an article we felt we had to write. Our kids love Gashapon, but little did we know how big of a culture there is for these little toys. This article will talk about what Gashapon are, where you can find them, and why you’ll be saving your coins after every purchase!
What is Gashapon?
Gashapon, or Gachapon as they are also known, are Japanese capsule toys that you can get from a machine. Similar to beverage and snack vending machines, Gashapon can be found all over Japan: from convenience stores to train stations. There are even full stores with floors of Gashapon machines for the true collectors.
The word Gashapon is an onomatopoeic word for the process of using the machines. Gasha or Gacha, is the noise that the hand-crank makes when you turn it once you have inserted your coins. Pon is the noise that the capsule toy makes when it lands in the tray, ready to be collected. Gashapon is a trademark of the Bandai company, but phonetically, the correct pronunciation is Gachapon (Ga-Cha-Pon).
Gashapon machines were first created in the 1960s and have remained a fixture in Japanese culture. It’s not just popular with tourists, many Japanese locals are also dedicated collectors. Once you get your first Gashapon toy, we guarantee you will be stopping to look anytime you come across a set of machines in Japan.
How Much Does Gashapon Cost?
Gashapon can range in price from 100 Yen to 500 Yen and even more for Premium Gashapon. We’ve seen capsule toys that can cost as much as 1500 Yen or about USD 10.00!
Generally, most of them cost 300 Yen or three 100 Yen coins. The bigger toys, especially with licensing or branding, can cost 500 Yen. Keep in mind that most Gashapon machines do not accept 500 Yen coins so make sure you have plenty of 100 Yen coins handy!
A majority of Gashapon machines will still require you to use coins. We have come across very few Gashapon machines that allow you to use bills or credit cards. Japan is still a very cash-based culture and you should have no problem accumulating coins. Besides, most spaces dedicated to gashapon machines will have a change machine nearby where you can exchange bills for 100 Yen coins.
What Are Gashapon Capsule Toys?
Gashapon capsules come with a variety of products but they are most famous for holding little toys. These toys are often familiar Japanese brands or popular pop culture references like television shows or movies. You can find gashapon capsule toys for everything from Walt Disney to Studio Ghibli to Pokemon.
These gashapon toys are not just for kids though. There are plenty of adults that collect them, especially as new series come out each season. Plus, gashapon capsules aren’t just toys. You can find useful things like tote bags or change purses. Some are even considered rare collectibles and can be sold on the secondary market. You’ll know exactly which gashapon toys are in demand if the machines are always sold out.
Where Can I Find Gashapon in Japan?
Everywhere. Take a walk around Tokyo, Osaka, or any major city, especially in tourist areas, and you’ll find gashapon machines. Often entire rows of them or even dedicated stores that are wall-to-wall gashapon capsule machines.
Here is a list of common places you can often find gashapon machines in Japan:
- Arcades
- Shopping malls
- Covered shopping areas (known as shōtengai (商店街) in Japanese)
- Electronics stores/department stores
- Amusement parks
- Toy stores
- Train stations
Most family-oriented shopping malls will have at least one store dedicated to gashapon machines. They are a great way to keep kids entertained for a bit while you or your significant other sneaks off for some shopping.
If there isn’t a dedicated gashapon store, then another great tip for travelling in Japan with kids is to head to an arcade or game center. These places often have plenty of gashapon machines for your kids to enjoy plus they are an easy way to kill an hour or two and really tire them out.
Finally, if you find you are searching for gashapon machines but can’t find any, head to your nearest electronics store. Chains like Labi, Bic Camera, or Yodobashi Camera are usually great places to find gashapon machines. They are usually on the same floor as the toys or videogames and are often the latest gashapon offerings.
Are Gashapon Worth It?
When it comes to buying things like gashapon, we always say it’s a personal preference. Some of our friends go crazy for gashapon and collect them any chance they get. Others think it is a waste of money and prefer to just look around at the various toys but never purchase them.
What do I think? Gashapon are a phenomenon that is unique to Japan and you should try to experience it while you are there. Sure, other countries have gashapon machines now but it’s always better to try the real thing. Even if you just spend 300 Yen on one gashapon, it makes for a unique and memorable souvenir from your trip to Japan. I suspect that once you turn the crank and your gashapon rolls down the machine and into he tray, you’ll be hooked!
Did you find this article helpful? Leave us a comment on your experiences with gashapon, we’d love to hear about them! And check out the other articles on our site including our Airalo eSim Japan Review.
FAQs
What is the Meaning of Gashapon?
The term gashapon is a trademarked brand for the Japanese toy company Bandai. It is an onomatopoeic word that is composed of gasha or gacha, which is the sound it makes when you turn the hand crank. The pon refers to the sound the capsule toy makes when it lands in the collection tray.
Why is Gashapon so Expensive?
You might think paying 300 or 500 Yen for a small toy is expensive, but gashapon are high-quality PVC toys with very detailed art. Many gashapon are also usable products in your daily life. These include things like tote bags, change purses, and cell phone accessories.
Why is Gashapon so Popular in Japan?
In Japan, gashapon is engrained in the culture, especially for younger generations. Most of the capsule toys are from popular brands or shows in Japan. Fans of the shows love to collect the toys, especially when new lines are released nearly every month.
