One thing you won’t want to miss on your trip to Japan are its authentic capsule toys and games! You can get official items from popular anime and other characters for the price of just a few 100 yen coins. That great value also makes them perfect souvenirs. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at two of the ultimate destinations for toys like these in the Umeda area of Osaka: Bandai Namco Cross Store for capsule toys, and GiGO for crane games. Come experience some of the latest trends in Japan!

A Capsule Toy Paradise in Umeda, Osaka: Bandai Namco Cross Store

Located inside HEP FIVE, the Osaka shopping mall famous for its iconic red Ferris wheel, Bandai Namco Cross Store Osaka Umeda features an incredible 810 capsule toy machines spread across two floors, with new products arriving almost every day. Whether you're a dedicated collector or an international visitor looking for the latest trendy items, this is a must-visit destination.

Feature 1: 2 Popular Brands Under One Roof! Choose the Area for Your Interests

You’ll find the Bandai Namco Cross Store on the 8th and 9th floors of HEP FIVE, where each floor is dedicated to a different capsule toy brand. To make the most of the enormous selection, it's best to decide which area to visit based on what you're looking for.

If you want to get your hands on items from your favorite manga and anime before most anyone else, head first to the Capsule Toy Bandai Official Shop. This specialty store brings together Bandai's newest official products all in one place, with around 300 capsule toy machines. If you're looking for the latest releases and the widest selection of official Bandai items, this is the place to visit.

On the other hand, if you’d rather browse through a wide variety of different products and find your favorite, the Capsule Toy Department Store on the 9th floor will be right up your alley. This massive store features 510 capsule toy vending machines and carries unique and fun toys from many different manufacturers, so it’s easy to lose track of time treasure hunting here.

Feature 2: The Latest Trends All in One Place! From Classic Anime to Viral Social Media Hits

There’s a diverse selection of items, and new ones are added almost every day! From titles featured in Weekly Shonen Jump to Super Mario, Sanrio, and Disney, you'll find toys featuring beloved characters that are popular both in Japan and around the world. With so many choices, deciding which capsule toy to try can be the hardest part!

One of the hottest current social media-fueled trends is the “mejirushi accessory,” or “standout accessory.” Popular with young people in Japan, these accessories can be attached to umbrella handles to make them easy to identify (by a “mark” that stands out) and help prevent someone from taking them by mistake. The accessories can also be handily converted into charms for the zippers of bags and wallets if you remove their silicon rings. If you visit the Bandai Namco Cross Store, you’ll have to pick one up and get a taste of the latest trends in Japan!

Feature 3: Check Stock in Real Time & Find Exactly What You’re Looking For

To avoid the disappointment of arriving only to discover that your favorite capsule toy is sold out, it's a good idea to check Bandai's official Gashapon doko? (“Where are the capsule toys?”) search tool before you visit the store. Although it won’t be perfectly synced up with in-store availability, it’s an important tool for collectors because it lets you check the status of the latest arrivals and real-time inventory.

*Please note that Gashapon doko? only searches for Bandai’s capsule toys.

Crane Game Heaven at GiGO in Umeda, Osaka

GiGO NU chayamachi is one of the Umeda area's premier entertainment destinations, located right near Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station’s Chayamachi Exit. Inside, you’ll find 101 of the latest crane game machines, with new prizes added almost every day. Whether you’re new to crane games or you’re a seasoned player, this is the perfect place to experience authentic Japanese arcade culture - and the fun of winning prizes! It’s sure to become a great memory of your trip to Osaka.

Feature 1: Loads of Exclusive GiGO Prizes You Can Only Get Here

GiGO offers a huge variety of prizes! On top of new ones coming in almost daily, many of them are crane game arcade exclusives, so you won’t find them in regular anime merch stores.

There are also lots of items produced in collaboration with other big hit properties, like CHIIKAWA and Pokémon, which are some of GiGO’s most popular. According to the staff, Japan's recent boom in oshi katsu (supporting your favorite characters or pop idols) and nui-katsu (taking your favorite plush toys with you on a trip) has made plush toys and mascot items especially popular.

Even more exciting - the store has GiGO-limited prizes you can only find here. For example, recent exclusive releases have included royal selection candidate and knight figures from the hit anime Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. You can always check the latest on exclusive prizes and see what’s in stock on GiGO's official website.

*For the latest prize information at the NU chayamachi store, please check the GiGO NU chayamachi Prize Information page.

Feature 2: 100 Crane Game Machines! Enough to Dazzle Beginners & Experts Alike

You’ll find about 100 multifunctional crane game machines lined up inside the store. From classic three-prong claw machines to more challenging two-prong versions and even unique machines that don't use claws at all, there's plenty of variety to keep every visit exciting.

The GiGO staff shared some advice with us for foreign visitors trying Japanese crane games for the first time: “When you’re just starting out, try the three-pronged games like the “Triple” where you can aim for the big stuffed animals, or the mini cranes with mascot toys!” These games have simple, intuitive mechanics, so they’re easy to get the hang of in a short amount of time - perfect for your first try during your trip to Japan.

3: Saved by Staff Assists, Plus Free Prize Bags & Photo Booths

If you’re a beginner, you might be worried that you won’t be able to win anything. If that does happen to you, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help. If a prize ends up in a difficult position or you're not sure of the best strategy, GiGO staff can offer advice, or, depending on the situation, even make little adjustments to the prize’s position.

Another plus is the availability of free prize bags (just ask shop staff to pick one up from the designated prize bag corner). These mean no worries about bags while you’re out sightseeing - even if you win a big prize, you’ll still be able to carry it without a problem!

The arcade also features two stick photo booths (purikura machines) and a dressing area, perfect for snapping a commemorative shot from your trip to Osaka with the prizes you just won!

Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Capsule Toys & Crane Games

Q1: If I end up with duplicates of the same capsule toy at the Bandai Namco Cross Store, or accidentally use the wrong machine, can I exchange those toys with staff or other customers?

A1: Returns and exchanges after purchase are not allowed. In addition, to maintain order and safety within the store, private trading or selling between customers is strictly prohibited.

Q2: What’s the best way to handle a long line for a popular capsule machine?

A2: When it gets crowded, be sure to change your money out for coins before you get in line. If you get to the front of the line and you don’t have any, you’ll have to get out of line and start over again from the back. If there's a limit on the number of plays per person, you'll also need to rejoin the line after you hit the limit. Players are expressly forbidden from cutting in line or keeping a space in line by having someone else wait for you.

Q3: On average, how many tries does it take to win a prize at GiGO? What should I do if I just can’t win?

A3: This depends on the type of prize and the machine settings, so there isn’t a single, store-wide answer. At first, just enjoy the thrill of the chase as you move the claw around. You should be able to get the hang of it if you try enough times! But if you’re really having a hard time, please ask the staff for a hand.

For more details on how to get to Umeda, see here.

For more information on Umeda, check out some of our Trip Ideas.

*Information in this article is accurate as of the date of posting. There is a possibility that details regarding these products and services have changed, or that some shops have since closed.