Tokyo Character Street, located on the basement level 1 near the Yaesu North Exit, features 33 stores dedicated to various characters from around the world. After exiting the Yaesu Underground Central Gate and passing through Nozomi Plaza, head left to reach this popular area. It's a bustling spot where visitors come to find souvenirs and personal items alike.

With a variety of intriguing shops, some offering exclusive items you can only find here, Tokyo Character Street is a treasure trove for fans and collectors. Among these shops, here are some must-visit stores and standout goods you won't want to miss...

The iconic game series Pokémon, which defined the Heisei era, saw an explosive surge in popularity with the release of the smartphone game Pokémon GO. This store, featuring a wide array of Pokémon merchandise, attracts visitors of all ages daily, making it one of the most popular shops in the area.

This store offers unique Pokémon merchandise featuring train motifs exclusive to Tokyo Station. Among the highlights is the Stationmaster Pikachu plush, wearing a blue hat and stationmaster uniform. Priced at 1,728 yen (tax included), this "Stationmaster Pikachu Pokémon Store Tokyo Station Uniform Ver." is especially popular among international visitors. Indeed, having such an adorable stationmaster would surely make any train journey more enjoyable.

Popular among Japanese visitors is the smaller version of the "Stationmaster Pikachu Pokémon Store Tokyo Station Uniform Ver." mascot, priced at 972 yen (tax included). This miniature version is perfect for souvenirs for children and families, contributing to its popularity. It’s a great idea to gift matching mascots to friends or siblings as well.

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Rilakkuma, the adorable bear character known for its relaxed demeanor, is the star of this store, which embraces the concept of "Happy life with Rilakkuma." Here, you can delve deeper into the whimsical world of Rilakkuma and enjoy a wide range of themed merchandise that enhances this charming and laid-back lifestyle.

A particularly popular item among international visitors is the "Tokyo Souvenir Tote Bag," priced at 3,240 yen (tax included). This charming and practical tote features a design filled with iconic Tokyo motifs such as Tokyo Tower and Ueno's pandas. It's perfect as a souvenir or travel memento, and its practicality as an extra bag during your trip adds to its appeal.

Popular among Japanese visitors is the "Collectible Rilakkuma Plush," priced at 2,160 yen (tax included). This store offers an exclusive design featuring a collaboration with the Tokyo Station Marunouchi building. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice the clothes and bag worn by Rilakkuma are adorned with intricate Tokyo Station details. This rare item is truly a special souvenir that can only be found here at Tokyo Station.

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Studio Ghibli, renowned worldwide for its acclaimed animated films such as "Castle in the Sky," "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Spirited Away," offers a delightful shopping experience at Donguri Republic. This store features a wide array of merchandise from these beloved Studio Ghibli films.

A popular item among international visitors is the "My Neighbor Totoro Teacup," priced at 1,620 yen (tax included). This teacup, featuring a traditional Japanese design, showcases characters and items from the movie. A matching hand towel with the same design is also available. Enjoying Japanese tea from this teacup can be a wonderful way to reminisce about your trip to Japan.

Among Japanese visitors, one of the popular items is the "Spirited Away No-Face Munching Piggy Bank," priced at 5,184 yen (tax included). This unique piggy bank features No-Face, one of the beloved characters from the Studio Ghibli films, who "eats" coins placed on a plate he holds. The piggy bank reacts to the weight of the coin with music and No-Face's iconic "Ah" sound. After swallowing the coin with his large mouth, he even lets out a burp. This fun mechanism makes it hard to resist feeding him coins repeatedly, making it an amusing way to save money!

© Studio Ghibli

Japanese sweets, known for their high quality at affordable prices, are highly regarded by international visitors. Tokyo Okashi Land, located near the Yaesu Underground Central Gate and just past Nozomi Plaza, features flagship stores from Japan's leading confectionery makers, making it the perfect spot for souvenir shopping.

With freshly made sweets from the in-store kitchen and region-specific snacks from across Japan, many of the items here are exclusive to this location. For all sweet lovers, here are the must-visit shops and delectable treats in this delightful area.

Calbee Plus, the flagship store of Calbee, was created with the concept of "providing freshly fried snacks to delight customers." This popular shop offers freshly made potato chips and other fried snacks from the in-store kitchen. Additionally, a variety of limited-edition products are available, making it a favorite among visitors.

A popular item among international visitors at Calbee Plus is "Poteriko Salad," priced at 310 yen (tax included). This innovative fried potato snack, derived from the beloved "Jagarico®," offers a crispy texture and freshly fried warmth. It's a must-try treat for anyone visiting the store.

Among Japanese visitors, the popular item is the "Jagarico Regional Flavors Assortment," priced at 864 yen (tax included). This top-selling exclusive product at Calbee Plus offers a taste of Jagarico from various regions across Japan. It’s a fantastic value, allowing you to enjoy local specialties from different areas in a single set, which are usually only available in their respective regions.

Tokyo Ramen Street, featuring eight popular ramen shops, is a must-visit for anyone coming to Tokyo. Here, you can enjoy a variety of ramen styles, from classic tonkotsu and miso to new genres like tsukemen and veggie soba. With such a diverse lineup, you can savor a different ramen every day for a week. Located near the Yaesu Underground Central Gate, just past Nozomi Plaza and right along South Street, it's the perfect spot to enjoy Japan's beloved national dish.

Sora no Iro NIPPON is a ramen shop created with the intention of allowing women, vegetarians, and international visitors to enjoy Japanese ramen. Recognized by the Michelin Guide Tokyo and awarded the Bib Gourmand, this shop has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach to ramen.

A popular menu item among international visitors at Sora no Iro NIPPON is the signature "Brown Rice Noodle Veggie Soba," priced at 1,150 yen (tax included). This vegetable-rich ramen features noodles made from paprika, a veggie broth crafted from cabbage and carrots, and toppings like cabbage. Originally offering veggie soba with regular noodles, the shop now uses low-pesticide brown rice noodles, making it a gluten-free option. This dish is safe and delicious for those with wheat allergies.

Another standout ramen shop is Tonkotsu Ramen Oreshiki Jun, brought to you by the popular ramen chain Setagaya. This renowned tonkotsu ramen shop uses a rich, creamy broth made from carefully selected natural pork, concentrating the savory flavors of the fat. With 18 different ingredients, including a special spicy miso paste and various condiments, you can enjoy adjusting the flavor as you eat, ensuring every bite is delicious until the very end.

A popular menu item among international visitors at Tonkotsu Ramen Oreshiki Jun is the "Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen," priced at 980 yen (tax included). This satisfying bowl features a creamy, mild tonkotsu broth without any unpleasant odor, topped with four slices of tender yet substantial chashu pork, making it a hearty and delicious choice.

Popular among Japanese visitors is the "Yarisugi Niboshi Ramen DX," priced at 1,100 yen (tax included). This addictive ramen features Oreshiki's tonkotsu broth infused with an abundant amount of dried sardines, creating a rich and unique flavor. It's a perfect example of a ramen crafted by a master who loves seafood and has perfected the art of tonkotsu.

Ikaruga, one of Tokyo's most renowned ramen shops, has opened its first branch outside of its main location. This shop is famous for its rich double broth, blending animal and seafood flavors, paired with firm noodles that provide a truly satisfying ramen experience.

A popular menu item among international visitors at Ikaruga is the "Everything-In Spicy Ramen," priced at 1,080 yen (tax included). This bowl features a well-balanced broth enhanced with the shop's special homemade chili oil, adding a perfect touch of heat and flavor. It also includes both pork and chicken chashu, offering a luxurious experience unique to this all-inclusive ramen.

Popular among Japanese visitors is the "Rich Everything-In Ramen," priced at 1,100 yen (tax included). This bowl features a more intense flavor with a richer broth and extra oil, concentrating the deliciousness of the ramen. It's a must-try for seasoned ramen enthusiasts.

TOKYO Me+ is located on the first floor near the Yaesu North Exit, offering not only classic Tokyo souvenirs but also sweets produced by popular pâtissiers and chocolatiers, traditional flavors, and Japanese crafts. It's the perfect place to find gifts, souvenirs, and delightful treats for yourself. Here are some must-visit shops and products from this area...

Tokyo Ippin is a curated shop featuring renowned items from about 30 long-established Tokyo brands. It offers a variety of products, from food items like tsukudani to traditional goods such as fans and furoshiki. This select shop brings together the finest products from Tokyo's storied merchants, known to those who appreciate quality and tradition.

A popular item among international visitors at Tokyo Ippin is the "Tokyo Meisho Cans" by Eitaro Sohonpo Co., Ltd., priced at 389 yen each (tax included). These cans, featuring the famous "Eitaro Ame" candies, are adorned with illustrations of iconic locations around Nihonbashi, evoking a nostalgic charm. The Umeboshi and Kuro Ame varieties depict both the old and new Nihonbashi, while the Black Tea Ame features Tokyo Station. These beautifully designed cans make for perfect souvenirs.

Another popular Tokyo souvenir from Eitaro Sohonpo Co., Ltd. is "Tokyo Peasen," priced between 702 and 1,782 yen (tax included). Originally sold by Ginza Edoichi, "Peasen" was a beloved Tokyo confection known for its crisp texture and chic European-inspired packaging. The blue can featuring the Eiffel Tower became synonymous with Tokyo souvenirs. Launched shortly after World War II, it gained immense popularity, winning the Presidential Award at the 15th National Confectionery Exposition in 1961 and even making its way to America.

In 1997, when Ginza Edoichi temporarily closed its doors, Eitaro Sohonpo revived Peasen, preserving its legacy. The renewed "Tokyo Peasen" brings a sense of nostalgia while also offering a fresh new look, making it a cherished item for both old and new generations.

NOAKE TOKYO is renowned for its original sweets that enhance the natural flavors of their ingredients. Their visually appealing and adorable confections make perfect small gifts. Custom orders are also available, allowing you to create the ideal gift for your recipient.

A popular choice among international tourists is the "Bonbon Caramel." This treat features fruit purée slowly cooked into a luscious caramel, capturing the rich flavors of fresh fruit with a delightful texture. Packaged in a bouquet-style wrap, it makes for a charming gift. The bouquet of five pieces is priced at 1,350 yen (tax included), and the bouquet of eight pieces is available for 2,100 yen (tax included), making it an affordable and delightful option.

Popular among Japanese customers is the "Caramel Banane," priced at 2,160 yen (tax included). This rich pound cake features a caramel base with tender sautéed bananas, offering a satisfying and substantial treat. It makes an excellent gift or souvenir for any occasion.

Tokyo Gourmet Zone, located on the second floor near the Yaesu North Exit, is a food lover's paradise featuring popular dining establishments where you can enjoy delicious drinks and meals. The area offers a variety of options, from seafood and meat dishes to beer houses and highball bars. With plenty of private rooms available, it's the perfect spot for gatherings with friends, whether for girls' nights out or farewell and welcome parties.

Nippon Gourmet Kaido, located near the Yaesu Central Gate, right past Nozomi Plaza and along South Street, offers a culinary journey across Japan. This area features renowned regional specialties, including sushi from Hakodate, beef tongue from Sendai, white shrimp from Toyama, udon from Kagawa, okonomiyaki from Hiroshima, and mentaiko and black pork from Kyushu. Some of these restaurants are making their debut in Tokyo, making it an ideal spot for sampling diverse regional flavors all in one place.

First Avenue Tokyo Station, often frequented by travelers with large suitcases and bags, has about 750 coin lockers across 15 locations to store your luggage conveniently. However, lockers might not always be available nearby. In such cases, the "Locker Concierge" service comes in handy, helping you find an available locker quickly and easily.

The official First Avenue Tokyo Station website offers the "Coin Locker Availability" service. By checking from your smartphone, you can view real-time locker availability and find the right locker size for your luggage. This service makes it easy to solve concerns like "Where can I find a locker for my suitcase?" or "Where is the nearest available locker?"

Even without a smartphone, you can check the availability of other lockers on dedicated monitors near the coin lockers. Each locker area features different animal illustrations, making them easy to find. They can even serve as convenient meeting points.

From dining and souvenirs to character goods, First Avenue Tokyo Station offers a wide range of attractive shops and products. Stow your luggage in a coin locker and enjoy a leisurely exploration of this delightful area!