GODZILLA-YA

Time Travel To Vintage Collectibles
[updated July 2022]

Time travel is easier than you think. Just fasten your seatbelts and go to Godzilla-ya in Koenji! Its uncountable number of toys from around the 70’s makes you feel like you’re in kids heaven. Especially fans of Japanese franchises such as Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Astro Boy will not want to miss a visit here. Of course Godzilla toys are another highlight, but dolls, cards, plastic models, 70’s figures and books also attract many collectors from all over the world. After your journey, you can have some food and drinks surrounded by these toys from the good old days at the bar Godzilla-ya 2 on the first floor, just under Godzilla-ya.

Owner Masahiro Kizawa is an expert on historical toys, so much so that he appears as a semi-regular on the Tokyo TV show “Kaun! Nandemo Kanteidan”, a show that appraises historical items (basically a Japanese version “Antiques Roadshow”). He will buy antique toys for the shop and you can consult with him about items there (you may want to have a Japanese friend of guide with you if you cannot speak Japanese).

From the Koenji Station South exit turn right, walk along the train line on you will see the Godzilla-ya signs in about 5 minutes. Godzilla-ya is on the 2nd floor, and Godzilla-ya 2 is on the 1st, and both are under the train tracks. They are also accessible from the opposite side, the alley under the train tracks.

ACCESS

Writer: Angelo, Greg
Photographer: Kazuno