One of the best one-brand shops, the Tama Depa (Tamagotchi Department Store) revels in Tamagotchi madness. I’m sure you’re aware of the Tamagotchi virtual pets but they’ve expanded into a lot more since then – here you’ll find video games, educational toys, stationery, toys and more.

But it’s also more than just a shop – there’s Tamagotchi gashapon, a range of hot mini donuts and even a Kuchipatchi mouth of truth! The latter is built into the outside of the shop and makes the shop easy to spot. I think it costs ¥100 – you put your hand in the mouth and make a wish; good people will be unharmed but liars will have their hand cut off! Somehow, I suspect the latter never happens. Then you turn a knob and your fortune comes out which you dip in water to reveal. It’s all a bit silly but kids will love it. The staff are happy to translate the fortunes for you too.

I wouldn’t say the Tama Depa is worth going out of your way for, but it’s right next to Takeshita Dori so if you like crazy cute, pop in even just to hear the hilarious Tamagotchi music and pick up a a chocolate Mametchi lollipop.

My purchases

Tamagotchi Donuts

Tama Depa carrier bag

Yummy Mametchi chocolate lollipop

How to get there

It’s almost impossible to miss! Not only is it right next to Takeshita Dori, the teenage fashion street of Harajuku but there’s a big pole with Tamagotchi figures (shown above), which you can see from the other side of the street. Just take the Takeshita exit from JR Harajuku Station (on the Yamanote Line) and the Tama Depa is across the road and just to your left. If you take the Meiji exit by mistake, just cross the road there and turn left -you should already be able to see the other exit and Takeshita Dori.

Last updated: 23 April 2011.

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All content in this blog post is by Marceline Smith, unless stated otherwise. Licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Posted by Marceline Smith on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 11:29 pm in Japan, Tokyo Shopping Guide.