The most unique penguin-themed shop in Tokyo every fan should visit
Tokyo may be full of quirky stores and themed shops, but tucked away in Toshima, you’ll find something truly one-of-a-kind: a shop dedicated entirely to penguins. Unlike the Suica Penguin Store at Tokyo Station, which focuses mostly on mascot goods, this little gem is packed with rare finds, collectibles, and everyday items all inspired by our favorite birds.
As a fellow penguin, I had to visit THE shop, and let me tell you. It’s amazing. It is the kind of shop where you are like, “shut up and take all my money!” There is the Suica Penguin Store in Tokyo at the Tokyo Station, but this one is much more unique, and the owner is great.
You can find here everything your penguin heart desires, and probably a few things you didn’t even know existed. Stepping in for the first time feels overwhelming in the best way—shelves and displays are bursting with penguin treasures. There are soft plushies of every size, retro-style figurines, books both for children and collectors, quirky kitchenware, stationery, puzzles, and even clothing. Every corner reveals something new, whether it’s a vintage piece you’d never expect to find or a playful modern design. It truly feels like walking into a penguin wonderland where every item celebrates these incredible birds.
How to Get To the Tokyo Penguin Shop
📍Address: 北大塚2−26-1, Toshima, Tokyo, Japan
Penguin Shop Ikebukuro is located in the Toshima City area, just a short walk from Ōtsuka Station (大塚駅) on the JR Yamanote Line. You can also reach it from nearby stations, such as Mukōhara Station (Tokyo Sakura Tram) or Ikebukuro Station, although Ōtsuka is the most convenient. The shop is about a 7–8 minute waddle from Ōtsuka Station, making it easy to combine with a day out in Ikebukuro or a visit to the Sunshine Aquarium.
We also went a second time, and since we were staying near Ueno Station, we hopped on the JR Yamanote Line and rode directly to Ōtsuka Station, which takes around 15 minutes without transfers. From there, it was a simple walk through the neighborhood streets until we spotted the shop. It’s a relaxed and local area, so keep an eye out for the little penguin signs pointing you toward your destination.
Opening Hours
The shop is generally open from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. However, hours can vary—especially during holidays—so it’s always best to double-check the official website before visiting.
When we first went, we arrived on a day it should have been open, but had mixed up the times and found it closed. Luckily, we reached out to the owner via Facebook, and he kindly confirmed the correct hours for that day. Thanks to his quick reply, we returned later and finally stepped inside—and it truly felt magical.
What to Buy at Penguin Douzou Store
Beyond the endless shelves of plushies and penguin-themed kitchenware, the real treasures of the shop are the unique and sometimes rare finds. You’ll spot retro collectibles that feel like they belong in a penguin museum, limited-edition Japanese goods you won’t see anywhere else, and even handmade items crafted by local artists. From adorable stationery sets and quirky mugs to vintage figurines and specialty books, every corner holds something different. It’s the kind of place where collectors will lose track of time, and casual visitors will still find the perfect penguin souvenir to bring home.
Practical Details for Shoppers
Most items at Penguin Shop are reasonably priced, with small souvenirs and trinkets starting around ¥500–¥1,000, while larger plushies, collectibles, or specialty goods can range from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 or more. The shop accepts both cash and major credit cards, making it convenient for travelers who don’t carry large amounts of yen. Since it’s a small, independent store, tax-free shopping for tourists is not available, so please keep that in mind if you’re planning to make a big purchase.
Our Penguin Shopping Experience
As mentioned, the owner, Hiroshi, is fantastic. We briefly discussed penguins, and he recommended some items worth purchasing.
Walking into the shop, we were instantly overwhelmed—it was one of those moments where you want to buy absolutely everything. After taking a deep breath, we managed to stay “calm” and left with just a whole bag (or two) of treasures, from plushies to quirky penguin-themed kitchenware.
The prices were fair, with smaller items starting around a few hundred yen and larger collectibles a bit higher, so there’s something for every budget.
It was such a pleasure to chat with Hiroshi, and although our Japanese wasn’t good enough for a deeper conversation, his kindness and enthusiasm made the visit even more memorable.
Make sure to follow the shop on Facebook for updates on the latest penguin arrivals and on Instagram to keep up with the penguins’ adventures.
If you find yourself in Tokyo, make sure to waddle over to Penguin Shop Ikebukuro—it’s a must for any penguin fan and a delightful surprise even if you’re just curious. Meeting Hiroshi, exploring the shelves, and bringing home unique treasures made it one of the trip’s highlights. If you enjoyed reading about our visit, share this post with a fellow penguin lover, and don’t forget to check out our other penguin adventures in Japan, like the Suica Penguin Store and the penguins at Sunshine Aquarium. Who knows—you might find your next penguin paradise.
Nearby Attractions to Penguin Shop Ikebukuro
If you’re planning a visit, you can easily combine it with other sights in the area:
- Sunshine Aquarium. Home to penguins, sea lions, and a rooftop open-air marine garden.
- Sunshine City. A massive shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and even a planetarium.
- Ikebukuro Station area. One of Tokyo’s busiest hubs with department stores like Seibu and Tobu, plus plenty of dining options.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Cultural performances and exhibitions are just a short ride away.
- Ōtsuka neighborhood. A charming area with local izakayas and a retro Tokyo feel, perfect for wandering after your penguin shopping.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a tiny commission, enough to help a penguin keep up its globe-trotting lifestyle. No extra cost to you, just more fish for me. Thank you for supporting the adventure!