Trip Report- Nerding and Shopping in the Tokyo Area Part 2

Part 1: https://old.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/zpox5u/trip_report_nerding_and_shopping_in_the_tokyo/

**Day 10- Saitama (Tues 12/06)**
This day’s trip was AEON Laketown, billed as the biggest mall in Japan. So naturally it was on my to-do list. The mall is divided into three parts, Mori, Kaze and outlets. Though the outlets are outside, Mori and Kaze are connected by an indoor bridge. Both looked good out of Mori and Kaze (not a huge fan of outdoor outlet malls) but I ended up choosing Kaze to go to first.

As usual, I got there early when everything was closed. Got a kick out of passing the Sanrio store by the entrance where bars were over it. Looked like Sanrio prison.

Once the mall officially opened, though I did want to check the Sanrio shop, it was still barred up. So I headed to Maruetsu instead. I’d only been to the “petit” one, so was looking forward to seeing the real deal. It definitely didn’t disappoint.

Sanrio was open after, and I finally picked up a Kuromi plush after eyeing them all trip. I got a winter one, and it was super cute. Came with a free tiny strap too, and the bag was so cute (sadly the bag ripped so it’s in the garbage now.)

I liked browsing Plaza, a store which had a ton of imported European candy. A lot of it I’ve never seen in the US either. Didn’t buy any though because I’d already stocked up on Japanese candy, plus it was a little pricey, being imports. On the subject of imports, they also had a place called Epic Art, which was like a mini western-collectibles version of a Mandarake. (I did see some Duffy stuff though, but it was mostly from western pop culture.) Also liked browsing the Mofusand pop-up shop (it’s that cat in a shark suit that makes it look like he’s about to get eaten).

Eventually found the AEON Style and got my lunch there. Did some more shopping in Kids Republic, the AEON toy store (they had the special Tomica too. Seems the AEON and Toys R Us ones are way easier to get than the Edion.) Also had some fun playing gacha and crane games there.

Another neat thing in the mall was seeing the full-blown Toyota dealership inside. Took a bunch of pictures. They even had a Supra!

I was really hyped to find five out of six of this year’s bookstore-exclusive Tomica set. I’d been in and out of several bookstores already, but not a trace of them. Thought I could at least find the most recent one on this trip (they’re released bi-monthly), so I was floored to find almost all of them.

Went to my first Tokyu Hands, though it was a mini one (they called it a “Truck Market”, not that it had anything to do with trucks.) Not that interesting, but I found a bigger one later in the trip I liked better.

I also liked checking out the Capcom Cafe (though I didn’t eat there.) Current theme was Stand My Heroes. I watched that anime, but it was thoroughly mediocre, and I’ve never played the game. Was excited over the Monster Hunter Stories stuff though. I was actually super into that show when it was airing. Sadly, the second season was a heaping pile of garbage which killed that love affair.

I remember having a lot of trouble finding the Toys R Us (and Google Maps did not help). I eventually figured out that it had a particular entrance to that section of the mall at the entrance to Mori. There were actually a lot of fun hobby-type stores in that section, so I’m glad I was able to find it.

Overall, I don’t like the mall quite as much as AEON Makuhari, but certainly wouldn’t be opposed to going back one day. The size of a bit overwhelming, and it doesn’t have great directories, which made it hard to retrace my steps and go back to things.

I ended up grabbing a Calpis the Rich from a vending machine at the end of the day, which was a great way to wrap things up. It was delicious! A lot like a milkshake.

**Day 11-Nakano/Makuhari (Wed 12/07)**
This was Nakano Broadway day, and there are things I wish I knew before coming here. I had heard things didn’t open until later on the weekends, so I purposely picked a weekday to go there. I also saw online that the place opens at 10:00. This isn’t wrong, per se, but the bulk of the stores don’t open until noon, or at least 11.

Since I got there about 10, I had a lot of time to kill. I first stopped by 7-11 for some more snacks (convenience stores are pretty much always open), then went to the Daiso which did open at normal time. I actually needed to buy some tape because one of my suitcases was slowly disintegrating, and I wanted to reinforce it.

What was also open, unfortunately for my wallet, was gacha stores. And Nakano Broadway (which is a mall, despite what the name brings to mind to New Yorkers like me) has a lot of gacha stores. I did succeed in getting the last one I needed in a Capsule Tomica gacha. I was trying to complete that one because each car came with a piece that could be put together to build a giant shovel. I sadly did not complete the dreaded Sanrio Katazun 3 gacha I’d been torturing myself with (yet.) Hangyodon simply refused to drop. Just ended up with even more doubles.

Also, found an Okashi no Machioka (bought more candy), a small supermarket (eyed more bentos… and giant bottles of cheap Gun Gun Gurt that I wanted but I also didn’t want to lug around a giant bottle all day), and the first and only sighting of a G-Witch gacha (spun twice and got Miorine and Suletta. Was hoping for Guel but happy with my drops.)

Anyway, stores did eventually start to open. Except for one store that taunted me with its fabulous window display of Tomica. But I did get some Tomica in Mandarake. Including a bus that was high on my want list. They have various specialty stores throughout the mall, including one for cars. They even had a couple Drive Head things. The Nissan GT-Rs from the movie (which I have though not the gift set, just the individual releases) and the candy toy model kits which excites me because I didn’t have them. They had all three, so I scooped them up.

Had a lot of fun hitting shop after shop. Scored some great deals at that Lashinbang outlet (seriously, check this place out!) Finally got my hands on a Japanese Angel Voice (Battle Spirits) card, which has been a long-time want. Picked up some Precure and Girls x Heroines goods, as they even have shops specializing in magical girl stuff.

Also, did get a vanilla ice cream cone at that famous shop in the basement. No giant cone for me. I can’t imagine how one actually eats that without losing half of it.

Nakano Broadway doesn’t take that much time to see. It’s much more condensed than Akihabara, and easier to find specifically what you’re looking for due to all the themed stores. So because I had more time today, even with my late start, I decided to make another quick trip to AEON Makuhari. Also, it was because I knew this would likely be my last for the trip.

I mostly hung out around the cinema area. Decided to buy some of the exclusive Tensura stuff (a giant Towa sticker and some pin blind bags). Then played a little in the arcade that’s practically attached to it. Won nothing this time. Afterwards I got a bento and onigiri in AEON Style and bought them back to the hotel so I could have a relaxing dinner. That and a strawberry cream Precure bread which I ended up having the next morning.

**Day 12- Yokohama/Tokyo Station (Thurs 12/08)**
Today I headed to Yokohama, for the Cup Noodle Museum. It was the furthest day trip I took, I believe, and was made a little crazier by the fact that someone was hit by a train, so there were delays and track changes. Panic attacks happened, but I did make it in time for my entrance window.

I noticed that the train let out practically into a mall. The giant Snoopy up above indicated that there was a Snoopy Town, at least. It wasn’t open yet, but I decided I’d go back and investigate later.

As I stepped outside, a giant ferris wheel was the first thing to catch my eye. It was Cosmo World. The park is actually closed on Thursdays. Not that I planned on going, but I would have liked to see the ferris wheel move. It was still really cool, regardless. I was able to just sit and watch it as I waited for the museum to open. And watch as more kids on a school trip showed up. Naturally.

As soon as I went in to the museum, I went to the Cup Noodle Factory, which is what I was most excited for. You first decorate a Cup Noodle cup and then choose from one of four bases (I chose seafood) and four toppings out of a variety (picked crab, shrimp, egg and cute little naruto shaped like the Nissin chick mascot.) They shrink-wrap it for you, give you a bag, and you can bring it home. Though, I decided I’d eat mine for dinner that night, because I was skeptical as to whether I’d be allowed to bring it through customs. I’d had some experience already (including one that was epic fail thanks to my sleep deprivation) making yakisoba in my hotel room this trip. The hotel kettle boils super fast!

The museum itself, though neat in concept, unfortunately just doesn’t have that much to see. You can do the whole thing, factory included, in about 30-45 minutes. There’s a room with all different Nissin noodle packages throughout the years, including some international ones, and a walkthrough of the history of Cup Noodles. There’s also a kids play area that was closed due to Covid and a restaurant that wasn’t open this time in the morning. I won’t say it’s not worth checking out, but don’t plan a day around it. (But on the plus side, they have Tomica in the gift shop.)

Fortunately, I did have other plans in Yokohama. Namely, Yokohama World Porters, another mall. It was also a secondary Drive Head pilgrimage, as its home of AEON Cinema Minatomirai, one of the two theatres that played the Drive Head movie well after it was gone from everywhere else. Not only that, it was the location of Drive Head Kanshasai, aka that event of great importance to my Karigari/Sasagawa OTP.

I did go up to the fifth floor and see the theatre first, and while I regret not taking pictures, I did bring back a souvenir in the form of one last Tensura movie goodie (a cute little bean plushie of Hiiro.)

I did some shopping in Seria, which is a lot like Daiso except without a food section, then had a field day in this giant Bandai store, which had candy, toys, gacha and Kuji. Played a lot of gacha. They happened to have my arch foe Tensura gacha. Even if I had been lucky enough to finally get Towa while in Ikebukuro, I still wanted Hiiro to go with her. I only needed three more at this point. I got a few more doubles, but ended up with the missing Ranga. Thinking I should just cut my losses and move on. Well, I soon found a store selling gacha singles, and they had Hiiro, as well as Shuna. I was thrilled! The collection was finally complete!

Was getting really hungry at this point. I recalled seeing a Saizeriya on the 5th floor, and that had been on my bucket list since seeing one my last trip, just to try the bizarre pastas they consider “Italian food.” So, I tried the squid ink pasta. It tasted just like a pasta with butter, honestly. The pieces of calamari mixed in were nice. But I wish they warned you about how messy it is. Had to rush to the bathroom right after to wash my hands.

On the way back, I did check out that other mall, which was called Queens Square.

I like Yokohama a lot. One of the most aesthetically pretty places I’ve been, besides Tokyo DisneySea. I’d definitely come back one day, and maybe check out Cosmo World.

The day was wrapped up with a farewell visit to the Tomica Shop. I did pick up one more exclusive (this one hadn’t been released yet the first two times I was there) and also found some Tomica gummies I hadn’t seen before. And, I finally got some corn potage from a vending machine on the way back, knocking another thing off my bucket list.

My custom Cup Noodles were yummy, for the record.

**Day 13-Funabashi (Thurs 12/09)**
My last full day was reserved for Lalaport Tokyo Bay. I’d passed the mall many times previously on the trains, as it’s not too far from Makuhari.

Because as usual, I arrived before it opened, I wandered around outside and found a free-standing 7-11 (most had been in malls or shopping centers.) Bought some candy because apparently I didn’t have enough yet.

Also, I saw that there was a Book Off nearby, but since that wouldn’t be open either, I didn’t bother going over there yet.

Back at the mall, there was an outdoor walking area with access to some (mostly closed) restaurants. But I did find a giant Pikachu statue (there was a Pokemon Center here) to hang out by and get pictures.

So, once the mall opened I headed for Tower Records. It had been on my to-do list because I wanted to look for a CD to get my dad for Christmas. Succeeded in that endeavor.

The Pokemon Center wasn’t far from there, and I was delighted that they had Torkoal in stock this time.

I also finally decided to pick up a Punirunes plush in Toys R Us, since I’d been eyeing them the whole time (I got Coorune). And I grabbed two Long Tomica, due to a good sale they had (and did you really expect me to not buy any Tomica?)

Of course they had a grocery store, so I grabbed a bento for lunch. While hunting for a table, I came across heaps of gacha and arcade games. And they did not have my foe Sanrio Katazun 3, otherwise I would’ve brawled with it again.

Also found another Bic Camera, this one where most of the Tomica existed on the shelf (though some did just have the piece of cardboard to exchange.) They also had some leftover Kirameki Powers stuff, including a Himenyan plush. Sadly, by this point I certainly did not have the space.

When I made my way to Book Off, I was derailed by the fact that the mall it existed in had tons of gacha. But I found the Sanrio one and I cleared the Sanrio one! And apparently because I hadn’t fought enough, decided on a last minute quest to complete a Quintessential Quintuplets gacha (which I cleared.)

Book Off was actually a Book Off Bazaar, that had everything. Clothes, home furnishings and nerd stuff galore. They did have Tomica (I found an old AEON Color one and couldn’t be more thrilled) and even had some old Hyper Series stuff, including the Rising Sonic set. Too big, too expensive, but was delighted to see it in person for the first time. Ended up buying a few other anime things there along with that AEON Tomica.

Headed back to my hotel, bringing a bunch of drinks because I felt dehydrated, and enjoyed my last supper (a fried rice and yakisoba bento from Lawsons), along with my fave onigiri from Mini Stop.

**Day 14 (Sat 12/10)**
Last morning was a bit of a stressful one. I was super worried about my luggage, even though I had taped the one bag like crazy, because it only disintegrated further. Bag (and all the goods inside) did survive, but it’s going to be permanently retired after this trip. I had gotten a final Ginza steam cake from the hotel Lawsons for breakfast, which I had become addicted to this trip, so at least I had that to enjoy.

The stress only worsened when my pickup was late. He did contact me, saying it was due to traffic, but still, he was cutting it close. When I finally got to the airport, they announced it was the last call for checking in to my flight, which had me in full panic-attack mode. I did make it, but it was not fun for me.

Actually did have to wait a while for my actual flight to board, though. It was just check-in that closed two hours before. Sadly, there was nothing around to do shopping wise. Just like high-end purses, which I have no interest in. I think the infamous Pokemon vending machine was in another terminal.

So, I got a diet Coke from a vending machine (just the regular, no legendary Coke Plus) and waited. I used the time to switch out my SIM card, actually, because I could just use the airport wifi while I was there. (PS, I love that Mobal can ship to your home, because there’s no stress of having to pick it up at the airport.)

There was one gem on the last day. One IRL Tomica I’d been looking to get a pic of the whole trip was the Hato Bus. And I tended to only see them when on crowded moving trains. But I was right behind one on the ride to the airport, so I managed to get a good shot of one from behind!

Anyway, boarding took forever. The flight was at least less turbulent than the one there, and a bit shorter.

The Encyclopedia of Unfortunate Creatures, an anime film I’d never heard of, was my movie highlight. Loved the Australia portion in particular, and now I have to see if I can dig up the NHK shorts.

Once we finally landed, there was still a huge line to get through customs/immigration. And geez, I could’ve smuggled anything. They never checked my bag and barely questioned me on what I had.

But, in the end my suitcases survived and I had a phenomenal time. I’ll definitely be back one day for trip three.

—-
**A few takeaways:**
-Had mentioned this with the Sukiya above, but might be worth checking in advance if a fast food place wants you to sit down first and order from the table. Saizeriya was like that too. It’s just really confusing/awkward to me as an American.

-I could have easily spent two days in Akihabara. There’s just tons of things to see. I see a lot of threads here suggesting only a couple hours there, which is probably fine if you’re not big on nerd stuff. But if you are, reserve at least a day.

-As far as Pokemon Centers go, Sunshine City was the best of the three I went to. Best selection overall. However, it was also the most crowded.

-The only place I got a temperature check, aside from the hotel/airport was the movie theatre of all things. Not even at the museums or Disney like I expected.

-If you’re going to see a particular anime film, check out an AEON Cinema if you can. For both Drive Head in 2018 and Tensura now, they had a big variety of exclusive merchandise.

-Christmas music in every store! And it’s the same stuff I hear on the radio here for the most part. (But was glad I got to hear “Where Are You Christmas?” in one store.) I was actually surprised by how much of the religious Christmas music I heard though. Even in Disney of all places. Especially because of Japan being more secular.

-I know APA gets a lot of disdain, but I personally love what they provide. Great amenities (Lawsons, for one, as mentioned previously), service, and cozy room for a single traveler. Big TV as well. 10/10 Will stay again.

-Suitcases fill up fast! I bought two with me, and while they weren’t giant, they were decently sized. And I found I had packed them both to the brim in two weeks. I had to go really light the last couple days in fear that I’d not be able to fit everything. Ended up chucking most capsules from the gacha I played, which helped a little. So even if you’ve saved up to the point that you can splurge all you want, watch carefully what you buy.

-I was really nervous about bringing home bottles of Coke Plus, because I feared they’d explode. So first, I packed them in ziplock bags. Then, I wrapped the bags up in bags I picked up from stores. I also wrapped up the plushies I bought in bags, for extra security. Fortunately, nothing exploded.

-Speaking of bags, while stores do charge for plastic bags now (a change from my last trip but the norm here in NY), I opted to get some anyway, because lots of the character stores offer such cute bags! If you’re going to places like Tokyo Disney or the Pokemon Center, just pay the 10-or-so yen and get the bag.

-While it was cold, it was slightly warmer than back in NY. I was rather worried about the temperature because I don’t handle cold well. 80F+ is my ideal temperature. I did have a heavy winter coat over a light jacket, and just like in the US, most stores have the heat jacked up during the winter.

Although it was overcast for most of the trip, the weather was mostly cooperative. And while I did buy an umbrella at Mini Stop, it was absolutely huge. This was the main reason I didn’t bring it to Disney. I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to bring it home, because it didn’t fit in the suitcases. Fortunately, that was no problem.

-Daiso and Seria are absolute gems. I was already aware of Daiso, but made my first visit to Seria this trip, which is more-or-less the same except it lacks a food section. But both offer quality stuff for much cheaper than elsewhere. I know people like Don Quixote for deals, and while they do certainly stock interesting things, I guess it’s just a lot less on the practical side. I didn’t actually buy anything there while I got quite a few things at the former two.

-I didn’t do lots of hiking (though walking from one side to another of AEON Laketown is something), so my shoes didn’t get worn. What took damage was my shoulder from carrying heavy bags. I’ve been back a week and the red mark hasn’t gone away.

-Try at least one Kuji, just for the experience. In most places, you take a card up to the register, tell them how many times you want to play, and then draw your tickets. They’ll have a letter or number, indicating which prize you won. And even if you get a low prize, you still win something no matter what!

-Check out all the different cakes and breads at the convenience stores. I looked forward to getting them every morning when they restocked. I probably ended up trying every store’s curry pan. Also, it’s cool to see the Yamazaki bread truck making its rounds.