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Shibuya Parco mall guide: Best Tokyo shops & attractions for anime, manga! Pokemon Center, Nintendo Mario stores.

giant mewtwo parco shibuya pokemon center incubation chamber

Let’s continue our Tokyo travels…. with a guide to the new Shibuya Parco department store complex! Shibuya’s old Parco mall has been fully revamped, and now has a number of anime and manga attractions — including MewTwo floating at the mouth of the Pokemon Center on the 6th floor.

parco restaurants shibuya instagram locations neon lights food hall

Read on for a tour of the new Shibuya Parco including floor guides with photos of Pikachu and Super Mario, the neon-lit food hall, and kawaii / Lolita stores like Angelic Pretty. (All photos by Joey Wong)

eater tohoku japan food article journalist

And I wanted to share a freelance writing win… I’m published by Eater! I wrote a comprehensive food & travel guide to Tōhoku, Japan, with photography by Joey Wong. My Eater piece introduces Tohoku, Japan’s Capital of Sake, Wagyu, and Sea Pineapples.

eater japanese food guide tokyo michelin star restaurants

If you love sake & seafood, I hope you’ll enjoy my travel writing debut on Eater about my foodie trip to Tohoku, Japan. “A few hours from Tokyo by bullet train, the rugged northern region features Miyazaki-worthy landscapes, a coastline chock full of seafood, and some of the country’s most stunning cherry blossoms.”

pikachu tokyo pokemom center parco shibuya

Now, back to Pikachu and his brethren. Shibuya has gone through a number of reconstructions over the past years, especially around the station. The Parco department store was always one of my favorite spots in the area to see artsy and pop culture boutiques.

street fighter statue chara capcom store parco

The re-opened Parco is bigger and badder than ever, especially on the sixth floor — which is dedicated to all things manga, anime, and gaming. I was greeted by a statue of Ryu from Street Fighter, at the Capcom store. (Anyone play the video game on Super Nintendo growing up? I did!)

nintendo store mario statue tokyo shibuya parco

There’s also an immense Nintendo Shop at Parco. Outside on the patio, you can pose with an 8-bit Super Mario and a question block! (Anyone been to the new Nintendo World theme park in LA or Osaka, or seen the Super Mario movie?)

heavy metal japanese lucky cat maneki neko

Parco’s 6th floor has about a dozen design shops. In addition to fan favorites like Yoshi, you’ll find indie figures and accessories — like these heavy metal versions of traditional Japanese lucky cats (maneki neko), daruma dolls, tanuki and more. (Note the pentagram on the cat’s collar.)

pokemom stores tokyo rare collectibles merch

I was tempted to take home so many cuties here…

funny japanese mushroom plush toy parco

Do you remember when I did a German TV show in Tokyo with “Mr Peen?” Looks like I found his chibi version at Parco. (Incidentally, the Kanamara Matsuri penis festival just took place; it’s a Shinto tradition in Kawasaki.)

parco anime manga store guide shops 6th floor

“P size wa?” So many fab figurines, plushies, home goods, fashion and more to peruse at Parco.

pokemon center mewtwo statue parco mall tokyo shibuya

The star of the show is undoubtedly Mewtwo, the psychic pocket monster. He’s prepping for battle in an incubation chamber at the entrance of the Parco Pokemon Center.

japan halloween pikachu pokemon toys

The Pokemon shop is one of the biggest, and has seasonal limited-edition items such as Halloween Pikachus.

Pokémon Center Shibuya parco

Parco’s Pokemon Center has a sci-fi design and lights that made me feel I was in a spaceship full of Pokemon.

pokemom store parco department store

Fans can purchase pretty much any item imaginable, from snacks to toys and decor. I’m into the Pika-Pika pumpkin candy bucket on the right.

gengar toy purple pokemon fans

My hair matches with Gengar, the purple ghost / poison Pokemon with a sinister smile.

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Gotta catch em all… Which is your favorite Pokemon?

mewtwo in incubation chamber life size

If you can’t make to this store, there are Pokemon Centers all over Japan — including at Character Street in Tokyo Station (here are pics).

one jump anime store tokyo

In the old days, Japanese boutiques banned people from taking photos inside. Times have changed, and you’re now free to snap away — and there are lots of Instagrammable displays like this one at the Shonen Jump store.

tokyo anime manga shopping boutiques

If you’re interested in Jpop and youth culture, check out Shibuya 109 department store nearby as well (it’s focused on young, trendy women’s fashion, and has a Sanrio shop and purikura).

cute japan fox toy

There’s much more to see at Parco than just the 6th floor. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to wander the entire complex, as there is plenty of Japanese design inspiration.

shibuya parco art paintings exhibitions

You’ll come across paintings amidst the industrial architecture, and windows with neon views of Shibuya below.

shibuya parco restaurants cafes

Parco’s outdoor patio walk is spectacular. A great place for people-watching, or hanging out with a coffee or glass of wine.

astroboy store statue shibuya

Parco’s stores and art exhibits are constantly changing, so rather than giving a specific floor / shop guide, I encourage you to wander around and see what’s new. When I was there, I saw this Astroboy statue and a photo area with an idol-type girl.

japan rare bearbrick toys

Parco has plenty of stores for street / urban fashion and goods. I came across a clan of Bearbricks.

bear brick store parco bearbrick figure

These Bearbrick collectibles are designed in collaboration with leading street artists.

pastel kawaii dragon toy

I enjoyed seeing “indie” critters at Parco, rather than the most famous mascots like Hello Kitty. Love the construction and design of this pastel horned fella.

angelic pretty boutique tokyo japan

You can also shop for sweet Lolita fashion at Parco’s Angelic Pretty.

shibuya angelic pretty store dresses

The brand continues to be all about candy pastel sweetness.

angelic pretty tokyo stores parco mall

Most of the Gothic and Sweet Lolita boutiques are in Harajuku, particularly in LaForet dept store (photos to come). However, you can find some frilled dresses and other alternative fashion in Parco.

angelic pretty lolita dress print

Angelic Pretty’s Loli prints are often on the kitsch-bizarre side… like these animal detergent bottles, of all things!

sweet lolita store angelic pretty

I started this blog when Lolita style was thriving in Japan. It isn’t worn by people here as much these days, and many of the labels closed — but Angelic Pretty remains at Parco.

parco food basement restaurants

Make sure you stop by the Parco basement levels, as there’s a gigantic food / restaurant area! As with everything in Parco now, the neon design is on point.

tokyo eat bugs restaurants weird insects food

Here’s a restaurant called Bugs Cafe that serves creepy crawlies like tarantulas and crickets. There’s also a drag queen Campy Bar here (but Yukiro says it isn’t very good, so I can’t recommend it!). I did enjoy the vegan izakaya Masaka with friends.

japanese satanic condoms satan devil oni red mask

I stumbled across this horned (horny?) oni in Parco’s lower levels as well.

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What do you think of the new Parco design? I’ll certainly come back to see the latest art and cuteness when I return to Tokyo.

But for now… I’m escaping the rain, and heading to somewhere warm and LGBTQ+ friendly. Check out my Instagram @LaCarmina to see where in the world I’m heading.

All photos Joey Wong — check out more of his Shibuya shots in this post. And please take a moment to read our Eater’s Guide to Tohoku, Japan!

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Miffy cafe in Tokyo, Japan! Anpanman museum Yokohama, Shibuya Sky observation deck & Scramble street crossing.

Carmen Wong, real name La Carmina, pen name pseudonym what is lacarmina born birth legal name

Although I’ve been going to Japan since I was a child, there’s so much I have yet to explore. Case in point: I haven’t spent much time in Yohohama, the city located about 50 minutes south of Tokyo.

On my most recent trip with photographer Joey Wong, we went to investigate Yohohama’s cutest attractions — including the Miffy cafe (Dick Bruna Table)…

yokohama anpanman children's museum statue

and an Anpanman museum! Read on for the kawaii story, as well as a visit to Shibuya Sky (the relatively new observation deck) and evocative night-time shots of the famous Scramble crosswalk.

mr maria miffy cloud lamp japanese cafe design

The Miffy Cafe in Yokohama is called Dick Bruna Table, and it’s difficult to find even after asking around and using Google Maps… so give yourself plenty of time.

Access / Directions: You have to purchase a ticket to the subway or use your Suica pass, and beep to go inside the JR gates of Ekyutoedishon Yokohama, in order to access the Miffy theme cafe. In other words, it’s within the inner gates of Yokohama Station.

dick bruna table yokohama miffy theme cafe

Look who is here to greet visitors: my favorite cute character, Miffy the Dutch bunny! She’s the brainchild of Utrecht artist Dick Bruna, hence the name of the restaurant.

tokyo japan miffy themed restaurant store

Inside, you can shop for special items found only in Japan, and decorated with Dick Bruna’s minimalist bunny rabbit.

miffy dick bruna table cafe themed food

Miffy peers out from all over the themed cafe — including from the top shelf, next to the wine bottles. (Miffy is not only for kids — you can get buzzed at her theme restaurant in Japan.)

miffy restaurant cafe tokyo japan interior menu

The attention to detail is impeccable — check out the napkin and the peeking Miffy on the wall. I wore a black purse from the Miffy store for the occasion. (I got it at the Miffy Style boutique at Tokyo Character Street, see the post here.)

miffy themed food popsicles cake desserts

Love the presentation of the cheesecake popsicle! It comes with dabs of fruit sauces, and fresh whipped cream with mint.

miffy the bunny nijntje cafes kawaii

The other cute-faced character is Dick Bruna’s black bear.

japan kawaii mascot themed restaurants cafes miffy

This chocolate cake pop was as scrumptious as it looks — moist, and perfectly paired with raspberry sauce.

miffy lamps japan kawaii characters cafes

I’m happy to see that Miffy has conquered Japan (she has several shops and the Dick Bruna Table cafe). This cloud lamp is by my friends Mr Maria in the Netherlands (remember when I visited their studio?)

Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum statues

Miffy isn’t the only round and kawaii mascot to dominate Yohohama, Kanagawa… Look at the height difference between me and this massive Anpanman statue!

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The red bean pastry superhero stands in front of Yohohama’s Anpanman Children’s Museum — a huge space to get immersed in the anime character’s world.

tokyo children museums kids anpanman mascot

The rainbow staircase and kawaii design are on point.

smiling anpanman face weird japan tokyo statues kawaii character

There are many other J-pop culture attractions in Yokohama such as Gundam Factory, Peanuts Diner and Snoopy Town shop, Cup Noodles museum, Red Brick Warehouse, Marui and Sogo department stores…

miffy purse bag clothing line japanese yohohama sky walk

It’s also fun to walk around the harbour area (there are various skywalks), stop for sushi, and take photos.

shibuya station busy pedestrians

From Yokohama, you can take the rapid express Tokyu Toyoko Line — and arrive in Shibuya in under an hour. Here’s the scene at the iconic Shibuya subway station, where Hachiko the dog statue sits.

shibuya sky observation deck carmen wong

Photographer Joey Wong and I went up to Shibuya Sky, the360° open-air observation deck located about 230 meters above the ground.

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Shibuya Sky lets you look out from the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper. It was raining that day, so we looked out from the big windows that circle around indoors.

tickets shibuya sky fast pass

Joey Wong took these remarkable long exposure photos from up above, showcasing the energy and neon lights of Shibuya.

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We then walked around Shibuya — one of our favorite Tokyo districts for fashion, pop culture, food, and fun.

tokyo japan vendor booth

On his Nikon mirrorless camera, Joey Wong captured slices of life in Shibuya.

shibuya 109 boys street style fashion men

Quite a few Shibuya boys in punky street style gathered around the Shibuya station entrance, handing out flyers.

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The noises, lights…. you have to be there yourself to experience Shibuya!

shibuya street style couples fashion

Many young people come here to dine and shop (I’ll take you inside the newly renovated Parco Department Store in an upcoming post).

new shibuya 109 logo sign department store

I always stop by Shibuya 109, the youth / street style department store. The building features the new 109 logo design.

shibuya 109 youth trend mall japanese schoolgirls uniforms

One thing has not changed since Shibuya 109 opened in 1979.. Japanese schoolgirls love hanging out here! The mall is full of fashion boutiques blasting music, and there are purikura booths on the top floor.

shibuya observation points decks

Shibuya never sleeps — many place are open 24 hours.

japan cosplayers maids fashion shibuya

You’ll still see Lolita-ish style in Shibuya. These ladies gathered by Toho Cinemas.

shibuya jr train subway lines carmen wong real name la carmina

Joey Wong’s long exposure turns the trains into zip of lights.

tokyo stylish chic school uniforms plaid skirts girls

The award for most stylish school uniforms goes to Japanese schoolgirls, of course.

shibuya scramble famous busy crossing walk

A lens flare at the famous Shibuya Crossing, which is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. The lights stop entirely, and hundreds of people walk across in every direction.

japan busiest crosswalk shibuya station

No wonder it’s called Shibuya Scramble Crossing… the feeling is one of controlled chaos!

rilakkuma netflix show japan billboard sign

Above the cross-walk, you’ll be bombarded by flickering billboards and colorful signs — like one advertising the Rilakkuma bear streaming show!

shibuya scramble crossing bird's eye view street cross walk

Shibuya scramble / crossing features in many TV shows and films, such as Alice in Borderland on Netflix.

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Have you been to Shibuya or Yohohama? I hope these images convey the magic of being here — and I can’t wait to go back!