Kiddy Land Harajuku, overflowing with character merchandise and toys, is now a regular sightseeing spot popular among tourists from abroad.
So I went to Kiddy Land, where people of all ages can have a fun time.
From the basement to the 5th floor,
you can find popular character merchandise from Japan and overseas,
the latest trendy products and plenty of toys lining the shelves,
with new items in the storefront everyday.
The Snoopy Town Shop, a store specializing in Snoopy merchandise, is on the 3rd floor, where you can find limited merchandise and original items you can’t buy anywhere else.
Kiddy Land is also famous as a destination for foreign celebrities visiting Japan. So what kinds of things do they buy?
Celebs who’ve bought Hello Kitty merchandise include:Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nicole Kidman, Janet Jackson and Cyndi Lauper.
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Mrs. Victoria Beckham bought a “Kyarakasa” (character umbrella) and hair elastics.
Angelina Jolie bought “Hai Hai Daisuki Akachan” (a crawling baby toy) as a souvenir.
Mariah Carey bought Rilakkuma merchandise.
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I was surprised to learn that this Kiddy Land was an originally book store when it opened right after the war.
It first started dealing in toys and souvenirs for residents of Washington Heights (a housing complex for occupying U.S. military personnel) in nearby Omotesando.
During the past few years, publicist Ms. Yamamoto says it feels that customers from Asia are surpassing Western customers.
Asian customers seem to like “fancy” merchandise, while Westerners prefer something “quirky and clever.”
Why don’t you try experiencing “cute Japan” at Kiddy Land, the toy store that's 100% fun?!










