Capsule toy machines – better known in Japan as gashapon or gachapon – turn spare coins into moments of anticipation and joy. From basements in Shinjuku to airport departure lounges, more than half a century of design tweaks and pop-culture tie-ins have transformed a children’s gimmick into a nationwide pastime. For newbies, we’ll explain the fascination, show you how to play like a pro, and map the top places to spin your next capsule.
Brief History of Gashapon
Also known as “gachapon”, the name comes from the sounds the machine makes: gasha when you turn the crank, and pon when the capsule drops into the tray. Bandai trademarked “Gashapon” in 1977, but the craze truly exploded in the late 1980s when anime figurines appeared. In 2021, the Ikebukuro Gashapon Department Store set a Guinness World Record by packing roughly 3,000 machines into one floor. Today more than 500 new capsule toy lines launch every month, many produced in limited waves that can disappear within weeks!
Why People Love Gashapon
Part of what makes gashapon so addictive is the suspense — you see the full lineup on the machine, but you never know which figure you’ll get until the capsule drops. That moment of surprise, especially when you land a rare or secret item, creates a thrill that keeps people twisting the crank again and again.
Adding to the excitement is how quickly collections come and go. Bandai refreshes its lineup every Tuesday, and smaller brands release surprise drops on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). This mix of chance and limited availability means even a ¥300 keychain can feel like a prized find.
Mastering the Gashapon Machines
1. Check the Display
Look at the sample items on display. This will show what kind of toys or collectibles are available in that machine. Each machine usually contains a specific set or series.
2. Prepare the Right Coins
Gashapon machines typically accept 100–500 yen coins. Make sure you have the correct denomination, as some machines may not accept bills or give change.
3. Insert Coins
Drop the required number of coins into the coin slot. The amount is usually listed on the machine, often around 200–400 yen.
4. Turn the Crank
Firmly rotate the handle or crank until you hear the toy capsule drop into the retrieval area. Don’t force it, if it feels stuck, double-check that you’ve inserted enough coins.
5. Retrieve the Capsule
Open the flap or door at the bottom of the machine to collect your capsule. Inside will be one randomly selected item from the series.
6. Open the Capsule
Twist or pop open the plastic capsule to reveal your prize. Enjoy the surprise, part of the fun is the randomness!
7. Collect
You can collect the full set by playing multiple times, or trade with others to complete your collection. Be aware that you might get duplicates.
Coins, Cards and Smart Screens
You should always carry a stack of ¥100 coins if you’re planning a gashapon spree, since it’s the most reliable way to pay across Japan. That said, some newer Smart Gashapon machines let you use your Suica or Pasmo card, or even scan a QR code on your phone using a touchscreen. These machines also offer instructions in English, Chinese, and Korean, making them tourist-friendly and easy to use.
Playing Gashapon Machines
Here are some tips from JoynTokyo’s own gacha-maniacs!
- Set a daily cap: ¥3,000 can melt fast when rare pulls taunt you. Make sure you don’t spend your grocery budget!
- Pack zip bags: Twenty capsules will fill up a carry-on. Instead, remove the shells and recycle them in the branded return boxes now installed at major stores.
- Earn app points: Scanning the Bandai Namco app when you empty capsules translates into discount vouchers, so recycling comes with immediate benefits – as well as helping our planet, of course.
Where to Play Gashopon in Tokyo
From Tokyo’s busiest shopping streets to tucked-away arcades, gashapon machines are everywhere in Japan. Each neighborhood offers its own unique twist, whether it’s the sheer scale of options, character-focused themes, or convenient tourist features. Here are four of the most popular spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy the thrill of capsule toy hunting.
Ikebukuro – Gashapon Department Store
Ikebukuro’s Gashapon Department Store is a popular destination for collectors and first-timers alike. From rare anime figures to quirky collectibles, the sheer variety of capsule toys ensures there’s something for every interest.
Akihabara – Gashapon Department Store
Akihabara, Japan’s mecca for otaku culture, hosts another Gashapon Department Store featuring around 500 machines. What sets this location apart are its on-site events, where fans can participate in themed releases, product showcases, and occasional meet-and-greets. It’s perfect for those who want to mix shopping with community energy.
Shibuya – #C-pla Center Street
Located right on bustling Center Street, #C-pla Shibuya features more than 2,200 gashapon machines and stands out as one of the most tourist-friendly options. It includes a foreign-currency exchanger, so international visitors can join the fun even without exact yen. The variety here is wide-ranging, from fashion-themed capsules to cute collectibles.
Shinjuku – Gachagacha no Mori Subnade
Nestled in the underground Subnade shopping arcade, Gachagacha no Mori Shinjuku offers around 1,000 machines with a focus on character-themed toys. If you’re a fan of Sanrio characters or Japan’s viral sensation Chiikawa, this is the go-to location. The cozy setup makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Trade, Recycle, Repeat
Finished spinning but missing one figure? Photograph the machine panel before you walk away, as collectors use these images to trade on Discord and X. Physical stores such as Mandarake (Akihabara, Shibuya, Nakano) and Surugaya offer cash buy-back at 30-60% of aftermarket value. Capsule-only conventions, branded GachaFes, tour regional halls quarterly, providing swap tables and artist talks alongside recycling bins.
Gashapon vending encapsulates everything visitors love about contemporary Japan: precision design, quirky imagination and an affordable thrill of chance. Now that you’re armed with coins (or a commuter card), a shortlist of mega-stores, and a reusable pouch, you’re ready to join the gasha-gasha chorus. May your next twist reveal the prize you never knew you needed!
