Twist your heart away? Discover 5 insanely cool capsule toy machines across Taiwan

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Popularized in Taiwan after originating in Japan, capsule toy machines have garnered a huge fanbase across the island. It’s become a little daily delight to casually twist one while out shopping. ETtoday News Cloud has specially compiled a list of 5 popular capsule toy machines around Taiwan — from unbelievably giant machines to ones that house 80 machines at once — each guaranteed to satisfy your capsule toy cravings.

▲ Taiwan’s largest capsule toy machine makes its December debut. (Photo / netizen)Great AttractionsProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement. The same applies to all following images.

2017 Tamsui Egg Egg Festival

Taiwan’s largest capsule toy machine makes its grand finale appearance in Tamsui. The 2017 Tamsui Egg Egg Festival was held in Tamsui’s Fairytale New Town, featuring a large colorful container park with dozens of egg-themed fun activities including a super-large colorful egg, World Capsule Toy Exhibition, Egg Evolution Museum, and cartoon egg celebrities — something for both adults and kids to enjoy.

Entry to the Egg Egg Festival requires purchasing a ticket, which comes with a “Prank Card.” Collect stamps from eight designated themed pavilions to exchange for a token to use the giant capsule toy machine. This so-called largest capsule toy machine in Taiwan stands about four stories tall, formed by stacking two machines together — truly massive and spectacular. Netizens say although the prizes inside aren’t major, every capsule contains a small toy.

Time: Now until April 8, daily from 09:30–18:00 (closed on Chinese New Year’s Eve)
Location: Tamsui Fairytale New Town (intersection of Xinshi 5th Rd. Section 3 and Ding’er Intersection)

▲ The sitting robot looks super cute. (Photo / Kaohsiung Food Map authorized for use)Kaohsiung Dream Mall “Mizu Robot Capsule Toy Machine”Taiwan’s only “Mizu Robot” capsule toy machine in Kaohsiung debuted in December at Dream Mall. Standing 4.49 meters tall, each twist costs NT$100, with top prizes including a Gogoro scooter, round-trip flights between Hong Kong and Taiwan, an iPhone 8, electric folding bikes, and small home appliances. The promotion runs until February 28, 2018 — a short two-month period — so those planning to visit Kaohsiung soon should give it a try.

Location: Kaohsiung Dream Mall Plaza

Event Period: Now until February 28

▲ The super-large capsule toy machine Gacha Box in Tainan, which began operations on July 15, was later renamed M.E.me Ball. (Photo / IG@ provided, please do not reproduce without permission.)
Gacha_Box (M.E.me Ball)

In July, a giant capsule toy machine made from a 20-foot container appeared on Wumin Street in Tainan. Taking over two months and approximately NT$500,000 to build, it houses over 9,000 capsules. Created by Ms. Chuang and her friends, the turning dial part resembles a ship’s helm, and the machine's blue-and-white color scheme gives off strong maritime vibes.chang2015_tainanEach twist costs NT$100, the same as a regular vending machine. Prizes include round-trip flights for two to Japan, bicycles, iPhone 7s, various household appliances like coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, soda machines, as well as practical items — there’s a prize for everyone.

Address: Vacant lot at No. 152, Wumin St., West Central District, Tainan City

M.E.me Ball Facebook Page

▲ Tainan Double-Decker Bus Capsule Toy Machine. (Photo / Facebook page “Tainan Aishi Flower Lulu” authorized for use, please do not reproduce without permission.)

Double-Decker Capsule Toy Bus
M.E.me Ball fan page

▲Taiwan Bus Double-Decker Gashapon Machine. (Photo / Facebook page"Tainan Aishí Huálùlù")Authorized for use only. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Double-decker gashapon bus

In November, a moving "double-decker gashapon bus" appeared in Tainan. Its exterior was designed to resemble the classic British red double-decker bus, and it contained nearly 7,000 gashapon capsules. Not only was it an eye-catching spectacle, but the grand prize was actually a round-trip economy class ticket to London, UK!

A giant gashapon machine costs 100 NTD per play, and boasts that every try is a winner. Just prepare two 50 NTD coins, and you could take home prizes like the grand prize—a round-trip ticket to London, UK, the second prize—two servings of teppanyaki at Grand Formosa Regent plus a Bentley car pick-up service, and more. Residents of Tainan can be the first to try their luck!

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Event dates: November 4, 2017 (Sat) to February 28, 2018
Event address: No. 210, Qianfeng Road, East District, Tainan City

▲Taichung’s “Le Gao Egg Shop” has over 80 gashapon machines, and the store also houses a collection of classic LEGO bricks. (Photo/Nini and Blue Food & Play DiaryProvided, the same applies to all below. Please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.)

Le Gao Egg Shop

Taichung’s “Le Gao Egg Shop,” a specialty store with over 80 gashapon machines, is a must-visit mini paradise for serious gashapon fans. The shop is packed with gashapon machines that are simply thrilling to look at, fully satisfying your gashapon craving.

Address: No. 316, Chongqing Road, West District, Taichung City
Business hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM