Visiting Japan for the first time was already a dream come true, but let’s be real—one of the best parts of any trip is the shopping! And oh boy, Japan is the place for incredible merchandise, whether you’re at Tokyo Disney Resort, exploring anime stores, or trying your luck with capsule machines. Naturally, I went a little overboard, but hey, when in Japan, right?
Let’s dive into my magical (and slightly chaotic) haul and highlight some of my favorite merch finds!
Free souvenirs? Yes, please! Collecting park cups, bottles and cans
Let's start of with some freebies. I really like collecting empty drink bottles and cups. Sounds weird? Hear me out! Japan has the coolest drink packaging, and Tokyo Disney’s souvenir cups and bottles are practically artwork. Each one has a unique design, and since I already paid for the drink, keeping them felt like a fun (and free!) way to take a little piece of the parks home with me.
Chocolate tins that are too pretty to wat (almost)
Japan is the king of gorgeous snack packaging, and I couldn’t resist these:
- A Beauty and the Beast tin filled with chocolates—because clearly, I was on a B&B shopping spree.
- A stunning blue Tokyo Disney Resort tin, decorated with dreamy park artwork.
Both tins are absolute collector’s items, and even though the chocolate inside is long gone, the tins will live on forever in my kitchen.
Japanese Treats: Sweet, salty, and everything in between!
Japanese snacks are legendary, and I wasn’t about to leave without trying some! I picked up some classic Pocky sticks in strawberry flavor (because, who doesn’t love them?), and also discovered Classic Cheese and Cookies in Caramel and Gorgonzola flavor—a surprising yet delicious sweet and salty combo that quickly became a favorite! Lastly, I grabbed some Petit Chocolat in strawberry flavor at the airport, and it was a delightful treat that I didn’t expect to enjoy so much!
The most beautiful Beauty and the Beast notebook
Yes, another Beauty and the Beast item! This notebook from “Girl in the Castle” is so elegant that I almost don’t want to write in it. Almost. The artwork is stunning, and it’s the perfect journal for 2025.
A Chucky & Godzilla keychain (because Japan has everything)
Only in Japan can you casually turn a crank on a capsule machine and end up with a Chucky keychain in his iconic yellow “Good Guys” box. It was totally unexpected but instantly became one of my favorite finds. But that wasn't my only gachapon success—since I stayed at the Godzilla Hotel (yes, there's a Godzilla Hotel), I had to get a Godzilla keychain too! Now, I have the perfect mix of horror and kaiju chaos on my keys. Japan’s capsule toy (gachapon) game is on another level—you never know what you’ll get, but it’s always something amazing!
The Ursula Ice Cream Dish: I hoped for this one!
And speaking of gachapon luck… I also scored an Ursula Ice Cream toy from a Disney Villains capsule machine! There were several Disney villain-themed options, but I really wanted Ursula, and somehow, the universe was on my side. The tiny purple ice cream dish has her tentacle sticking out, and the details include her signature shell necklace. It’s such a unique little collectible and proof that gachapon in Japan always delivers the best surprises!
Dragon Ball Z action figures claw machine victories!
No trip to Japan is complete without trying your luck at claw machines. I walked away with some Dragon Ball Z figures, which felt like an Olympic-level achievement. The machines are ridiculously tricky, but when you finally win, the joy is unmatched!
Lucifer plushie – Soft, cute, and impossible to resist
I was not planning to buy a plush. I repeat: I was not planning to buy a plush. But then I saw Lucifer from Cinderella, and he was so ridiculously soft, chubby, and adorable that I just knew he had to come home with me. No regrets.
The Beauty and the Beast popcorn bucket that stole my heart
If you know me, you know I have zero Disney decorations in my house. But that changed the moment I got off The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ride at Tokyo Disneyland. It was breathtaking, emotional (yes, I wiped away a tear or two), and as soon as I saw the light-up Beauty and the Beast popcorn bucket, I had to have it. Now, it proudly sits on my TV cabinet like a glowing tribute to my new favorite Disney ride.
Final thoughts (this isn't even everything!)
All in all, my Tokyo Disney and Japan haul was a mix of magic, nostalgia, and unexpected treasures! The prices were definitely more affordable compared to Disney parks in America or Paris, and it was easy to get some unique finds without breaking the bank. It was a whirlwind of fun, and I can’t wait to go back!
And let’s not forget, this isn’t even everything! The $25 Tokyo Disney Resort sweatshirt (again, so affordable) I picked up didn’t make it into the photos, nor did the Tiger sweatshirt with its matching fluffy hat (which was too cute to pass up!). Japan truly knows how to spoil you with unique merch options!
So, what about you? What would be your ultimate Japan souvenir? Let me know in the comments!
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