32 Best Places to Buy Anime Figures in Tokyo (2026): New & Pre-owned Guide

Tokyo isn’t just a city; for anime fans and figure collectors, it’s the undisputed capital of the world. As we move into 2026, the landscape of "Otaku" culture has shifted. While the neon-soaked streets of Akihabara remain the heartbeat of the hobby, new official flagships in Shibuya and curated vintage vaults in Nakano have redefined what it means to go on a "figure hunt."Whether you’re hunting for a 1/7 scale masterpiece, a limited-edition "Gunpla" kit, or a hidden "grail" from the early 2000s, navigating Tokyo requires more than just a map—it requires a strategy. In this guide, we’ll take you through the seven essential shopping districts, providing the exact coordinates and insider tips you need to secure the best additions to your collection without breaking the bank.

Part 1: Tokyo Figure Shopping: 2026 District Overview

To maximize your time in Tokyo, it’s best to view the city as a collection of specialized "hubs." Each district has its own distinct personality, pricing trends, and rarity levels. Below is a high-level summary of Tokyo’s seven iconic shopping zones.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for pre-owned bargains, remember the "Noon Rule"—many of Tokyo's most famous second-hand shops, like Mandarake, don't open their doors until 12:00 PM sharp.

⚡ 1. Akihabara (秋叶原)

The Global Hub: The spiritual home of anime culture. Akihabara has the highest concentration of hobby shops on Earth, ranging from massive multi-story towers to cramped "rental showcase" cubes.

Best for: Hardcore collectors seeking the widest selection of high-end scale figures and brand-new releases.

📦 2. Nakano Broadway

The Collector's Vault: A multi-story indoor mall that feels like a time capsule. Nakano is less touristy than Akihabara and is the best place to find items that have been out of print for decades.

Best for: Vintage 80s/90s nostalgia, rare soft vinyl (Sofubi), and deep discounts on unboxed "loose" figures.

🎨 3. Ikebukuro

The Diverse Culture Hub: Home to "Otome Road," this area caters to fans of character-driven series, sports anime, and idol IP. It houses the largest Animate store in the world.

Best for: Fans of modern hits (Blue Lock, JJK, Haikyuu!!), Idol merchandise, and massive "lifestyle" anime stores.

🛍️ 4. Shibuya

The Official Flagships: Shibuya PARCO (6F) has become the "Cyberpunk" destination for official brand shops. This is where you find the highest quality, 100% authentic official statues.

Best for: Guaranteed authentic official merchandise, boutique shopping experiences, and high-end Nintendo/Pokemon statues.

🌊 5. Odaiba 

The Mecha Sanctuary: An island dedicated to the future. It is the home of the life-sized Unicorn Gundam and the global headquarters for Gundam plastic models (Gunpla).

Best for: Gundam (Gunpla) enthusiasts and mecha model builders looking for factory-limited kits.

🚉 6. Tokyo Station

The "Last Stop" Hub: Hidden within First Avenue Tokyo Station (B1), "Tokyo Character Street" is a dream corridor featuring over 30 official brand shops. It is the most efficient spot for high-quality souvenir shopping before you catch a Shinkansen or head to the airport.

Best for: Official character mascots (Ghibli, Shonen Jump, Sanrio) and station-exclusive "Station Master" themed collectibles.

🏙️ 7. Shinjuku

Department Store Gems: Shinjuku offers a high-end, comfortable shopping experience. Instead of narrow streets, you’ll find flagship anime sections within luxury department stores like Marui.

Best for: Fans of Square Enix (Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts), Godzilla, and a clean, organized shopping environment.

Part 2: The Must-Visit Shops: A Strategic Deep Dive

While Tokyo has hundreds of stores, these five are the industry leaders. To shop like a pro, you need to understand the "hidden rules" and specialties of each.

1. AmiAmi Figure Tower (Akihabara)

Status: The gold standard for pre-owned scale figures.

Address: 1-15-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)

Access: 2-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit).

If you only have time for one store, make it the AmiAmi Figure Tower. It is a vertical museum of plastic, famous globally for its strict and honest grading system.

• The "Condition Legend": This is AmiAmi’s secret weapon. Every used figure is graded:

  • Item: A / Box: B: This is the "Sweet Spot." It means the figure is factory-sealed (unopened), but the cardboard box has a tiny dent or scratch. You get a brand-new figure for a used price.

  • Item: B+ / Box: B: The figure has been opened and displayed, but looks flawless.

  • Item: C: There is a specific defect (missing part, paint scratch). Always read the label!

• Pro Tip: High-demand used figures are often restocked in the morning. If you see a "grail" item, do not wait. It will likely be gone by evening.

2. Lashinbang Akihabara New Store (Akiba Cultures Zone)

Status: Largest Lashinbang in Japan; king of budget prize figures.

Address: Akiba Cultures Zone 1F & 2F, 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)

Access: 4-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit).

Located in the Akiba Cultures Zone, this is the largest Lashinbang in Japan. While AmiAmi focuses on high-end scales, Lashinbang is the absolute best for budget-friendly collecting.

• The "Blue Bins": Lashinbang is famous for its dense aisles of "small goods"—acrylic stands, keychains, and badges. If you are looking for specific character merch from series like Genshin Impact or Blue Archive, you will find it here.

• Prize Figure Wall: They have an overwhelming selection of figures from SEGA, Banpresto, and Taito. These are usually priced between ¥1,000 and ¥2,500, making them perfect for bulk shopping or gifts.

• Note: Use their tax-free counter on the 2nd floor (bring your passport!).

3. Mandarake Complex (Akihabara)

Status: The "Black Fortress" for rare, vintage, and discontinued grails.

Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Daily)

Access: 5-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station or Metro Suehirocho Station.

Mandarake is for the "treasure hunters." This iconic black building specializes in items that are no longer in production, including vintage toys from the 70s and 80s.

• Floor by Floor:

  • 7F & 8F: The "Holy Grail" floors for rare scale figures and high-end mecha (Gundam, Transformers).

  • 1F: The "JPA" (Buy-back) counter. Even if you aren't selling, check the glass cases here for museum-grade rare collectibles.

• Expert Tip: Mandarake is excellent for finding unboxed (loose) figures. These are significantly cheaper than boxed versions and are usually kept in pristine condition in plastic bags.

• entrance, and explore the rest of Shibuya while you wait for your turn.

4. Surugaya Akihabara Main Building

Status: The ultimate library of second-hand anime goods; best for deep-catalog items from 5-10 years ago.

Address: 3-11-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekdays) | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekends/Holidays)

Access: 5-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station.

While AmiAmi feels like a boutique and Mandarake feels like a museum, Surugaya feels like a massive library. Their 8-story Akihabara Main Building is one of the densest shopping experiences in the district.

• Inventory Depth: Surugaya is the best place to find items that aren't "vintage" enough for Mandarake but are too old for AmiAmi. If you are looking for a figure from an anime that aired 5 to 10 years ago, Surugaya is your highest probability for success.

• The "Treasure Hunt" Floors:  2F - 4F: These floors are a labyrinth of figures. They have a massive selection of "Loose" (no box) items which are perfect for saving space in your suitcase.

  • 7F & 8F: These floors focus on anime-related media, art books, and rare "doujinshi."

• Pro Tip: Surugaya’s pricing can be aggressive. They often have "Time Sales" (タイムセール) or bulk discounts (e.g., "Buy 3 for 10% off") on certain floors. Keep an eye on the staff’s announcements or signs on the shelves!

5. VOLKS Hobby Tengoku 2 (Akihabara)

Status: The rental showcase & builder's paradise 

Address: 4-2-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays) | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekends/Holidays)

Access: 4-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station.

Hobby Tengoku translates to "Hobby Heaven." This shop is famous for its Rental Showcases—glass cubes where individual Japanese collectors sell their private collections.

• The Hunt: Every cube is different. One might have rare 90s vintage toys, and the next might have modern Fate/Grand Order figures at a discount.

• How to Buy: If you find something in a box, note the box number and the item number. Take a slip of paper from the counter, write them down, and a staff member will unlock the case for you.

• Pro Tip: Rental boxes are usually Cash-Only and are often excluded from tax-free shopping.

6. Shibuya PARCO - 6F "Cyberspace"

Status: Official flagships for Nintendo, Pokémon, Capcom, and Jump.

Address: 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8377 (Shibuya PARCO 6F)

Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)

Access: 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit).

 If you prefer brand-new, official merchandise over second-hand hunting, Shibuya PARCO is your destination. This is not about "digging"; it’s about the premium flagship experience.

• The Lineup: This floor houses Nintendo TOKYO, Pokémon Center Shibuya, Capcom Store, and JUMP SHOP.

• Exclusive Merch: Look for the Nintendo x Pokémon "8-Bit Scramble" collaboration, which is only sold at this location.

• Visitor Strategy: On weekends, these stores are incredibly crowded. They often use a Numbered Ticket System (Seiriken). Arrive early, scan the QR code at the 

Part 3: Pro-Tips & Insider Secrets — Shop Like a Tokyo Local

Shopping for figures is an endurance sport. To protect your wallet and your back, use this tactical cheat sheet for 2026.

🛠️ The Collector’s Tactical Toolkit

Category	The Tactical Tip	Why It Matters in 2026
Tax Refunds	Pay Now, Claim at Airport	Starting Nov 1, 2026, Japan uses the "Refund Model." You pay 10% tax in-store and get it back at airport kiosks. Keep your passport and receipts handy!
Logistics	The "Hands-Free" Ship	Don't drag boxes across Tokyo. Use Yamato (Black Cat) at any 7-11 to ship your haul directly to the airport for around ¥2,500–¥3,500.
Space Saver	The "Box-Flat" Method	Running out of luggage space? Carefully flatten the cardboard boxes and bubble-wrap the figures separately. It saves 60% of volume while keeping the box.
Second-Hand	Hunt for "Junk" Labels	In Japan, "Junk" often just means "no box" or "missing a tiny accessory." It’s the best way to score high-end scales at 70% off.
Inventory	Avoid Weekends	Akihabara restocks most used items on Tuesday/Wednesday. Weekends are crowded and the best deals are usually gone by Sunday afternoon.
Payments	Stay Digital	Most shops in 2026 offer an extra 2-3% discount if you pay via Suica/Apple Pay or specific credit cards like JCB.

⚠️ Critical 2026 Tax Update: The "Refund Model"

This is the biggest change in a decade.

• The Process: At stores like AmiAmi or Lashinbang, you will pay the full price (including 10% tax).

• The Claim: Before your flight, head to the Tax Refund Kiosk at Narita or Haneda. Scan your passport and receipts. Your refund will be credited back to your Credit Card or Digital Wallet (AliPay/WeChat/PayPal).

• The Catch: You must have the items with you (or in your checked luggage) for potential inspection. If you ship them home from the store, you cannot claim the tax back!

📦 How to Ship Your Haul to the Airport

If you’ve gone "overboard" (it happens to the best of us), use the Airport TA-Q-BIN service.

• Find a Convenience Store: Look for the Black Cat (Yamato) logo at any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.

• Ask for "Airport Delivery": Fill out the form. You’ll need your flight number, departure date, and terminal.

• The Timeline: You must ship your boxes at least 2 full days before your flight.

• Pickup: Simply go to the Yamato counter at the airport (Departure Level) on your way to check-in.

🔍 The "Condition Code" Cheat Sheet

Japanese second-hand shops are incredibly honest, but they use specific terms. Use Google Lens to translate labels, or look for these:

• 未開封 (Mikaifo): Unopened / Factory Sealed.

• 箱破損 (Hako-Hason): Damaged Box (The figure inside is usually perfect).

• 本体キズ (Hontai-Kizu): Scratches on the figure itself.

• 欠品 (Keppin): Missing parts (Check the price—these are usually dirt cheap!).

Part 4: Beyond Tokyo — Building Your Collection from Your Couch

Can't make the trip to Tokyo this year? Or maybe you’ve already touched down back home and realized you missed a must-have piece for your shelf. These 2026-vetted platforms are your best bet for scoring authentic figures from afar.

🛒Top Online Shop Comparison Table

Shop Name	Best For...	Shipping	Payment	Why Visit
AmiAmi Global	New Pre-orders & Premium Used	Direct Shipping (DHL/EMS/Surface)	Credit Card / PayPal	The Global Benchmark. Their A/B grade pre-owned items are virtually indistinguishable from new.
Mandarake Online	Rare & Vintage "Grails"	Direct Shipping (DHL/EMS)	Credit Card / PayPal	Real-time sync with all physical branches. The only place for 80s-90s retro items.
Solaris Japan	Finding "Sold Out" Items	Direct Shipping	Credit Card / PayPal	Excellent for hunting down recently released but sold-out scales. Offers "customs-friendly" options.
Mercari JP	Absolute Best Prices (C2C)	Proxy Required (e.g., Buyee)	Proxy-only (requires JP card)	Japan’s largest flea market app. Lowest prices anywhere, as private collectors often sell at a loss to clear space.
Surugaya (JP Site)	Mid-range items (5-10 yrs old)	Proxy Required (JP site is better)	Proxy-only (requires JP card)	The "Great Library" of anime merch. Highest inventory volume for niche character goods and older figures.
HobbyLink Japan	Flexible Shipping (Private Warehouse)	Direct Shipping	Credit Card / PayPal	Unique "Private Warehouse" system allows you to store items for 60 days for free to consolidate and save on shipping.

💡 Tactical Tips:

1. Direct vs. Proxy Shipping:

• For high-end, large-scale figures from AmiAmi or Solaris, Direct Shipping is the safest bet due to professional packaging and speed.

• If you are buying multiple small items from Mercari or Surugaya, use a proxy like Buyee or ZenMarket. Their "Consolidation" services can save you up to 40% on total international shipping costs.

2. Master the Keywords:  When searching on local Japanese platforms like Mercari, use Japanese keywords for better accuracy: 

• フィギュア (Figure)

• 未開封 (Unopened/Brand New)

• 中古 (Used)

3. 2026 Customs Awareness: Always check your country's de minimis (tax-free) threshold. For large direct shipments, be prepared for potential import duties to avoid unexpected "doorstep" fees.

Conclusion

Tokyo's hobby scene is always evolving, and every collector finds their own secret 'holy grail' spot. Did we miss your favorite shop? Or did you score an unbelievable deal using one of our tips? Drop a comment below and share your best Tokyo haul stories with the community. Let's keep the hunt alive—see you in Akiba!