Two Unique Toy Shops in Yokohama – So Many Adorable Little Things That’ll Make You Squeal!

By Nata

Independent travel, we usually plan our itinerary carefully before setting off. But I must emphasize that not every trip needs to be strictly by the book. The joy of independent travel lies in stumbling upon favorite sights, restaurants, or quirky little shops, or having your eyes opened by something new and connecting more deeply with locals...

Yokohama, close to Tokyo and known as Japan’s third-largest city, thrives on port trade, bustling with international visitors. It’s a melting pot of multicultural exchange. On this trip to Tokyo, we also scheduled a day in Yokohama. The whole experience was very relaxed and laid-back, especially compared to the hectic schedule of the previous day when we dashed between Tsukiji, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba. The two little shops I’m introducing today were discovered by chance while wandering around Yokohama. Their unique themes caught my attention, so I couldn’t help but drag Wade inside. There aren’t many online reviews about them, but they’re actually really interesting spots—so much so that I had to recommend them if you love these kinds of things.

The first shop is Toys Club, located in Yamatecho, Naka Ward, Yokohama. It was founded by the world-renowned tin toy collector Teruhisa Kitahara. At the entrance, you’ll find all kinds of toys for sale, and inside there’s also a small tin toy museum. Adult tickets are 200 yen, and elementary and junior high school students pay 100 yen. If you’re interested in seeing Mr. Kitahara’s collection, it’s worth paying the small admission fee to go in.

There are plenty of tin vehicle toys—you can even pick up a little souvenir to take home as a display piece.

This adorable Volkswagen mobile café car x Toys Club collaboration tin model actually has a life-size version too. Keep reading and you’ll see it soon.

Such cute vintage car models—oh, and one of them even has a convertible top. I swear one looks like it’s being driven by Barbie and the other by Ken.

Tin car models that will drive both big and little boys wild—this is a paradise for boys and train enthusiasts.

There are also lots of tin figurines and character models here. You could stare for hours.

Yokohama-limited Monchhichi keychains

Yokohama-limited RODY keychains (yep, the price definitely screams “limited edition”)

Once something’s labeled “limited,” it just makes you want to pull out your wallet... but then I saw the price and came to my senses.

This must be the mascot of Toys Club?! There’s also a signboard of it at the entrance.
 
Tin robots

The nostalgic Mazinger Z (Majinga 0?), looks like an early collectible—how many years has it been...

Seeing this scene reminded me of when I might have seen one of these tin figures at my grandfather’s or a relative’s house when I was a kid. It gave me a strong sense of déjà vu.

Retro models and nostalgic imported toys hold a lot of childhood memories for many people.

Toy-themed commemorative mugs—finally giving non-toy collectors (like plate lovers) a reason to splurge, haha.

Such a cute mug—why didn’t I buy it back then? I regret it!

Actually, looking back, I think this plate was pretty cheap. It’s just that I don’t have a strong love for this American retro style, so I let it go (fans who do like it, please ignore what I just said).

There were some items here that were featured on a Japanese variety show called "Kaiun! Nan demo Appraisal" (Open Fortune: Appraisal of Anything). One of the guests, Mr. XX, had a certain item. Turns out it was from this shop. We didn’t see it on display in the museum earlier (we only found out after looking it up later—we really should’ve checked it out), but as we walked around, we ended up in the garage area next door. These are also Toys Club’s treasures. Aside from tiny toys, there are also “toys for adults.”

Could these vintage cars also be part of Mr. Kitahara’s collection?!

The real-life, full-size version of the Toys Club x Volkswagen mobile café car is right next door. Anyone who loves taking photos would go crazy here.

This is actually the entrance to the second shop I’m about to introduce—Christmas Toys. Let’s go check out what kind of Christmas-themed toys they have.

The Christmas decorations outside are bright and colorful but not overly heavy. Unlike typical Christmas-themed stores that are loaded with ribbons and wreaths, this place has a slightly cute and healing vibe—an overall very likable atmosphere.

Here is actually the second Christmas Toys store I’m going to introduce. What do the Christmas-themed toys look like? Come on, let’s go take a look together.

The decorations outside are bright with Christmas colors but not at all heavy. Unlike the usual Christmas-themed shops that are overloaded with ribbons and wreaths, it feels a bit cute and healing — just a very likable atmosphere.

Christmas comes every year, so get prepared in advance and buy some items to store.

Among the Christmas-themed goods, have you noticed all the dolls and plush toys? Don’t forget — they celebrate Christmas too.

There are even more items here, so many that it’s overwhelming and you won’t know where to start.

There are so many really atmospheric Christmas decorations here.

Okay

These exquisitely cute felt gift bags are perfect for packing selected candies and chocolates to give to your loved ones — they’ll definitely be delighted.

They also have clothes for kids here, and the toys and playful themed prints are quite rare, exclusively printed by Toys Club — moms, don’t miss out.

Even Santa loves Coke.

The lids of these candy jars — aren’t they just too retro? So cool.

Look at this, look at that — how could anyone not go crazy here?

The Christmas tree ornaments here are really pleasant to look at (not the cheap, rough kind).

Such cute mugs.

The vintage model magnets are quite refined — I bought some to collect (for details, click here to check).

These two little shops are both very charming. Do you like collecting cute and atmospheric toy displays? Taking a stroll here will definitely lift your mood.

Info
Toys Club, Christmas Toys
Address: 239 Yamate-cho, Yokohama (Click here for map. Transport info: Get off at JR Ishikawacho Station, walk 15 minutes from the South Exit; or take the Minatomirai Line, exit at Exit 6 “Motomachi-Chinatown Station” and walk 5 minutes)
Phone: 045-621-8710
Business hours: 9:30–18:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays until 19:00)
Official website: Toys Club, Christmas Toys

"Natasha is not messy
Loves being a stylish lifestyle enthusiast and cooking researcher