WA’s first official Gashapon Bandai shop has arrived at Westfield Booragoon, bringing a slice of Japan’s toy culture to Perth. Tucked inside the shopping centre, this dedicated store is lined with rows of Bandai’s iconic capsule toy machines, each packed with high-quality mini collectables from popular Japanese anime, games and characters. If you’re craving that authentic “only in Japan” gashapon experience, this is as close as it gets without jumping on a plane.
Gashapon is all about the thrill of chance. You pop in your tokens, twist the handle and wait to see which mystery collectable you’ll score. The surprise is half the fun, and part of the appeal is that you never quite know which character or design from the series you’ll get. Bandai is one of Japan’s biggest and most trusted toy brands, known for its character goods and model kits, so you can expect detailed, well-made miniatures rather than throwaway trinkets.
The shop itself feels very “Japanese arcade”: bright, clean and neatly organised. Machines are arranged in tidy rows so it’s easy to browse and take your time choosing a series. There are over 100 capsule toy machines to pick from, covering a huge range of themes and fandoms.
Think Sanrio favourites like Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, Bandai’s legendary Gundam, One Piece, Tamagotchi and lots of other cute, quirky and cool lines – from keychains and charms to mini figures and accessories. Whether you’re into anime, gaming, kawaii characters or just love fun little souvenirs, there’s something to suit all ages.
Alongside the classic round capsules, you’ll also find some more unusual styles, including flat “booklet” gashapon that come out as a slim pack instead of a pod – perfect if you’re looking for something a bit different to collect or gift.
New ranges and limited series are brought in regularly, so the line-up on the machines is always changing. It’s worth popping back from time to time, as you’re likely to spot fresh releases and seasonal collections you may have seen online or in Japan.
Getting started is simple, even if you’ve never tried gashapon before. A token machine inside the shop accepts both cash and card, so you don’t have to worry about having coins on you. Prices vary slightly by series, but most machines require three tokens (around $10), with some starting at two tokens and others at four for premium sets. Once you’ve got your tokens, just choose your machine, follow the on-screen or printed prompts, insert the tokens and turn the handle to release your capsule.
To help you decide, there’s a display of sample collectables showing what’s currently available in-store, which makes it much easier to find your favourite series. There’s also a simple video guide explaining how the machines work, which is useful if you’re new to gashapon or visiting with kids. Staff are on hand in-store at various times, and they’re friendly and happy to explain the process, help you find a particular series or offer tips if you’re trying to complete a set.
Gashapon Bandai Official Shop is a fun stop for families, anime and gaming fans, collectors and anyone who loves a bit of novelty. Kids will love the excitement of turning the handle and seeing what comes out, while adults who’ve travelled to Japan will appreciate the nostalgic hit of stepping back into that gashapon arcade atmosphere. It’s also a great place to pick up small, unique gifts or stocking fillers you won’t find in regular toy aisles.
Whether you’re doing a shopping centre visit, looking for a rainy-day activity with the kids or simply missing the buzz of Japanese capsule toy streets, this Booragoon store is well worth a visit. Set a budget, grab some tokens and have fun seeing what you pull from the machines – you might just find your new favourite collection to chase.
View this post on Instagram
Gashapon Bandai Official Shop
Address:
Westfield Booragoon
Shop 95, 125 Riseley Street
Booragoon WA 6154
(located in the food court, opposite Mega Culture)
Opening hours:
As per Westfield Booragoon trading hours – check the centre’s website for current times.
Website / Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/gbo.aus/
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Mum of two girls and working as a registered nurse. Originally from Singapore, I have spent the last 17 years in Perth where I raised my beautiful girls. After being a mum, I find passion in exploring new places and doing new activities with my kids. Besides mummy duties, I find joy in pretty dresses and books.
