How to Buy from Yamashiroya

Yamashiroya is a beloved Japanese store known for its wide range of toys, character goods, and pop culture merchandise. Whether you're a fan of anime, video games, or collectible figures, Yamashiroya has something for everyone looking to buy Japanese toys online.

If you live outside Japan and want to get your hands on Yamashiroya's authentic anime merchandise, this guide will walk you through the process of shopping on their website and having items shipped internationally.

Yamashiroya Brand Introduction

Yamashiroya is a legendary specialty store nestled in the bustling district of Ueno, Tokyo. Since its establishment in 1953, Yamashiroya has been a haven for toy enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados. Its six floors are packed with an incredible variety of toys, character goods, and collectibles, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

History and Legacy

Yamashiroya started as a humble toy shop and has grown into one of Tokyo's premier destinations for toy collectors and pop culture fans. Over its long history, it has maintained a commitment to offering high-quality products and excellent customer service, which has earned it a loyal following.

Yamashiroya’s selection is an extensive mixture of character goods, trading cards for all interests. Image Courtesy of Yamashiroya.com

Yamashiroya’s selection is an extensive mixture of character goods and trading cards for all interests.

Product Range

Yamashiroya offers an extensive range of products, catering to a wide array of interests:

• Toys and Action Figures: A vast selection of action figures from popular franchises like Gundam, One Piece, and Marvel.
• Plushies: Soft toys from beloved series such as Pokémon, Studio Ghibli, and Disney.
• Character Goods: Merchandise featuring characters from anime, manga, and video games, including keychains, stationery, apparel, and home goods.
• Gachapon (Capsule Toys): Hundreds of capsule toy machines with unique and collectible items.
• Model Kits and Hobby Supplies: Model kits for building and customizing, along with the necessary tools and paints.

Also Read: How To Buy From Recommended Stores

Navigating the Yamashiroya Website

Yamashiroya Physical Store

Yamashiroya's main store is conveniently located in the heart of Ueno, Tokyo, offering a vast array of toys and pop culture merchandise across its multi-story building. Image Courtesy of Yamashiroya.

Yamashiroya's main store is conveniently located in the heart of Ueno, Tokyo, offering a vast array of toys and pop culture merchandise across its multi-story building.

Address: 6-14-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005
Phone number: 03-3831-2320
Opening hours: 10:00-21:30 (Closed on New Year's Day)
Regular holidays: None, except for New Year's Day
Official website: Yamashiroya

Transportation:

About a 1-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Hirokoji Exit)
About a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station (Exits 5a and 5b)
Additional Information:
No parking lot available; public transportation recommended.
No customer restrooms inside the store.

Store Layout and Floor Guide

Experience the excitement of Yamashiroya’s multi-story store online, with each floor offering unique treasures to discover! Image courtesy of Yamashiroya.

• First Floor - Trend Toys: Featuring popular toys and mobile phone accessories. In-store events and pre-sales are common on weekends and holidays.
• Second Floor - Anime and Foreign Characters: Home to figurines and miscellaneous goods from TV shows and magazines.
• Third Floor - Puzzles, Game Characters, Trading Cards: A wide selection of jigsaw puzzles, game character goods (including Pokémon and Kirby), and trading cards.
• Fourth Floor - Kids Toys: Toys for children, including Kamen Rider, Sentai heroes, Pretty Cure, and more.
• Fifth Floor - Character Figures/Goods and Hobbies: Gundam model kits, soft vinyl models, scale plastic models, paints, tools, and materials for model making.

Events and Community

Yamashiroya actively engages with its community through various events:

• Pop-Up Shops: Temporary shops featuring exclusive merchandise from popular franchises.
• Character Appearances: Special events where fans can meet their favorite characters.
• Workshops and Demonstrations: Interactive sessions where customers can learn about model building, painting, and more.

Also Read: 5 Handy Tools to Find Japanese Products

Online Presence

Recognizing the global demand for its products, Yamashiroya has expanded its reach with an online store. International customers can browse and purchase items conveniently from anywhere in the world. The online store offers the same high level of service and quality assurance as the physical location.

Yamashiroya is dedicated to delivering joy and excitement to fans of all ages. Whether you're visiting the bustling store in Ueno or exploring the online shop, Yamashiroya promises a unique and fulfilling shopping experience that celebrates the best of Japanese pop culture.

Navigating and Purchasing from the Yamashiroya Online Store

Step 1: Visit the Website and Search for Products

Begin by visiting the Yamashiroya official website. The homepage showcases various categories and collections, making it easy to browse through the available products. You can use the search bar at the top of the page to find specific items by entering the product name, character name, or category. For example, typing "Pokémon" or "One Piece" will display all related merchandise. Tip: Use a translator!

One Piece Card Game, page is currently in Japanese.

As for reading Japanese, it’s completely possible to use your browser’s Translate capabilities. While browsing, use a translation tool for a better understanding of product descriptions and categories.

On Chrome, right-click the page and choose "Translate to English."

On Chrome: Right-click the page and choose "Translate to English."

The text will be translated, providing a general understanding, though it may not be perfect.

Step 2: Browse Categories

If you're unsure of what you're looking for, explore different sections of the website. Yamashiroya offers a wide range of products categorized into:

• Trend Toys
• Anime and Foreign Characters
• Puzzles
• Games
• Kids Toys

Select from various categories of items available.

Step 3: View Product Details

Click on a product to view detailed information, including price, availability, and specifications. Carefully read the product descriptions to ensure the item meets your expectations. Look for notes such as "予約受付中" (Reservation in-progress) for pre-order availability or "残りわずか" (Limited stock) for items with low stock.

Be sure to review the product details carefully, including any release dates for pre-orders!

If the product offers options like size or color, select your preferences accordingly. For clothing, consult the size chart provided on the product page.

Also Read: Pre-Order Products From Japan

Step 4: Place Your Order Through ZenMarket

Since Yamashiroya does not provide direct international shipping, you can use a proxy service like ZenMarket to purchase products and have them shipped to your home. Here's how:

• Copy the Product Link: Find the product you want on the Yamashiroya website and copy its URL.
• Paste it into the ZenMarket Search Bar: Go to the ZenMarket website and paste the product link into the search bar, then press Enter or click the search icon.

Directly paste Yamashiroya URL into the ZenMarket Search Bar

• Add to Cart: A confirmation window will appear. If you're ordering general merchandise, you can add it directly to your cart. For items with options (e.g., color or size), specify the details in the "Product Description" section to ensure accuracy.

Finish detailing the order and click Add. Make sure you’re logged in!

• View My Account: After adding the item to your cart, ZenMarket's team will review and confirm it. You will receive a quote that includes:
  • Product price
  • Japan domestic shipping fee (if applicable)
  • ZenMarket's service fee of 500 yen

Confirm the products have been added to your account.

Once you confirm the quote, you can add credit to your account using a credit card, PayPal, or other methods to officially place and pay for your order.

If you need to cancel an item before payment, simply click the trash can icon next to the product in your cart.

Additional Tips

• Check for Promotions: Yamashiroya often has in-store events and promotions, which might also be available online.
• Stay Updated: Follow Yamashiroya's social media or website updates for information on new arrivals and exclusive items.

Shipping Options and Costs

Yamashiroya provides multiple shipping options to cater to different needs and budgets. Shipping costs depend on the destination country, the weight and size of the package, and the chosen shipping method. Estimated shipping costs and delivery times are displayed during the checkout process.

Domestic Shipping

For customers in Japan, Yamashiroya offers several domestic shipping options with varying delivery times and costs.

International Shipping

For international customers, Yamashiroya partners with reliable shipping carriers to ensure your items arrive safely. Options typically include standard airmail and express services.

Customer Support and Returns

Yamashiroya offers comprehensive customer support to assist with any inquiries or issues that may arise. Customers can contact the support team via email or phone, and they are available to help with order tracking, product information, and return processes. For the latest contact details and support hours, please refer to the Yamashiroya website.

Conclusion

Shopping from Yamashiroya online is a great way to access exclusive Japanese toys and merchandise. By following this guide, you can navigate their website, place your order, and have your favorite items shipped directly to your doorstep no matter where you are in the world. Happy Shopping!