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Kiddyland (Harajuku)

Kiddyland (Harajuku)

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Kiddy Land (Harajuku): A Wonderland of Toys and Characters

If you’re a fan of Japanese pop culture, you’ve probably heard of Harajuku, the trendy district in Tokyo known for its fashion, music, and street art. But did you know that Harajuku is also home to Kiddy Land, a five-story toy store that has been a beloved destination for kids and adults alike for over 70 years? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Kiddy Land (Harajuku), its history, atmosphere, culture, and nearby attractions.

The Highlights of Kiddy Land (Harajuku)

Vijf verdiepingen plezier: Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is a massive toy store that spans five floors, each with its own theme and selection of toys. From Hello Kitty to Pokemon, from Disney to Studio Ghibli, from robots to plushies, you’ll find a wide range of characters and brands to choose from.

Exclusive items: Kiddy Land (Harajuku) offers many items that are only available in Japan, such as limited-edition toys, rare collectibles, and unique souvenirs. If you’re a fan of a particular character or franchise, you might find something here that you can’t find anywhere else.

Interactieve displays: Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is not just a store, it’s also an experience. Many of the displays are interactive, allowing you to play with the toys, take photos, and immerse yourself in the world of your favorite characters.

Cafes and events: Kiddy Land (Harajuku) has several cafes and event spaces where you can relax, have a snack, and enjoy themed menus and activities. There are also frequent events and promotions, such as meet-and-greets with popular characters, workshops, and giveaways.

The History of Kiddy Land (Harajuku)

Kiddy Land (Harajuku) was founded in 1950 by Osamu Shintani, a toy wholesaler who wanted to create a retail store that would appeal to children and adults alike. The original store was a small shop that sold wooden toys and dolls, but it quickly expanded to include a wider range of products and brands.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Kiddy Land (Harajuku) became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its unique selection of toys and its prime location in the heart of Harajuku. The store underwent several renovations and expansions over the years, adding new floors, themes, and features.

Today, Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is a landmark of Tokyo’s pop culture scene, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to see the latest toys and characters, as well as to relive their childhood memories.

The Atmosphere of Kiddy Land (Harajuku)

Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is a colorful and lively place, with each floor offering a different vibe and ambiance. The first floor is dedicated to seasonal items and souvenirs, with a cheerful and festive atmosphere. The second floor is all about characters, with walls and shelves filled with plushies, figurines, and other merchandise. The third floor is for games and puzzles, with a more interactive and playful feel. The fourth floor is for babies and toddlers, with a cute and cozy atmosphere. And the fifth floor is for hobbyists and collectors, with a more serious and focused tone.

Throughout the store, you’ll hear cheerful music, see bright lights, and smell sweet scents from the cafes and food stands. The staff is friendly and helpful, and many of them speak English and other languages. The customers are a mix of families, couples, solo travelers, and otaku (fans of anime, manga, and other Japanese pop culture).

The Culture of Kiddy Land (Harajuku)

Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is a reflection of Japanese culture in many ways. It showcases the country’s love for cute and quirky characters, its attention to detail and quality, and its ability to blend tradition and innovation. Many of the toys and characters sold at Kiddy Land (Harajuku) have a long history and a loyal fan base, such as Hello Kitty, Doraemon, and Ultraman. Others are more recent but equally popular, such as Pokemon, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer.

Kiddy Land (Harajuku) also embodies the Japanese concept of omotenashi, which means hospitality and service with a personal touch. The store’s staff goes out of their way to make customers feel welcome and comfortable, offering assistance, recommendations, and even gift wrapping. The store’s events and promotions are also designed to engage and entertain customers, creating a sense of community and fun.

How to Access Kiddy Land (Harajuku)

Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is located at 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, which is a short walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. The store is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm every day, except for some holidays and occasional maintenance days.

Plaatsen in de buurt om te bezoeken

If you’re visiting Kiddy Land (Harajuku), you might also want to check out some of the other attractions in the area. Here are some suggestions:

Meiji-schrijn: A peaceful and scenic shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, located in a forested park next to Harajuku Station.

Takeshita Street: A bustling and colorful street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes, and street food stalls, popular with young people and tourists.

Omotesando: A chic and upscale avenue lined with luxury brand stores, art galleries, and cafes, known as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees.

Yoyogipark: A spacious and lively park with jogging paths, picnic areas, and cultural events, located next to Meiji Shrine.

Plekken in de buurt die 24/7 open zijn

If you’re looking for some late-night entertainment or snacks, here are some places near Kiddy Land (Harajuku) that are open 24/7:

FamilieMart: A convenience store chain that offers a wide range of food, drinks, and daily necessities, located across the street from Kiddy Land (Harajuku).

Mos Burger: A popular fast-food chain that serves Japanese-style burgers, fries, and drinks, located a few blocks from Kiddy Land (Harajuku).

Don Quijote: A discount store chain that sells everything from cosmetics to electronics to souvenirs, located a few blocks from Kiddy Land (Harajuku).

Conclusie

Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves toys, characters, and Japanese pop culture. With its five floors of fun, exclusive items, interactive displays, and cafes, it offers a unique and memorable experience for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a fan of Hello Kitty, Pokemon, or Studio Ghibli, or just looking for a fun and colorful place to explore, Kiddy Land (Harajuku) is sure to delight and inspire you.

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