Can I visit the Pokémon center and ghibli store at Skytree without a ticket?

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo Skytree and wondering whether you need to buy a ticket just to visit the Pokémon Center or the Ghibli Store, here’s the straightforward answer from someone who’s been there many times: You do not need a Skytree observation ticket to go to these shops.

The Skytree tower itself is mainly about going up in the elevator to the observation decks—those require a paid ticket. But right next to the tower, there are two shopping malls, and that’s where the Pokémon Center and Ghibli Store are located. These are regular retail shops, so anyone can walk in without paying for the tower’s entry. It’s a common misconception, but the shopping area is completely separate from the observation experience.

“Is the shopping mall easy to find without buying a ticket?”

Yes! The shopping malls are right at the base of the Skytree tower. When you arrive, you can’t miss the giant tower above, and at its foot are the entrances to the malls. They’re well-signposted in English too. Just head to the Tokyo Solamachi complex, which is the name of the shopping and dining area around the tower. The Pokémon Center Tokyo Skytree Town and the Ghibli Store are both inside this complex.

“Are there other interesting shops or restaurants in the same area?”

Absolutely. The Tokyo Solamachi mall has a huge variety of shops, many of which showcase regional specialties from all over Japan. For example, I personally love visiting TORITON, a famous conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) chain from Hokkaido, known for having some of the best sushi in Japan. It’s very popular among locals and tourists alike, and the prices are reasonable—expect about ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 (roughly $11 to $22 USD) for a satisfying meal. This kind of regional specialty shop is a great way to experience authentic Japanese food without leaving Tokyo.

“What’s the vibe inside the Pokémon Center and Ghibli Store? Are they crowded all the time?”

From my experience, the Pokémon Center can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays, because it’s a beloved spot for both kids and adult fans. The Ghibli Store tends to be a bit calmer but still popular. Japanese people often visit these stores not just as fans but as collectors or gift buyers. It’s common to see locals browsing carefully for limited edition items or seasonal goods.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend going on weekday mornings right when the mall opens at 10 AM. That way, you can browse more comfortably and maybe chat a bit with the staff, who are usually friendly and can tell you about new arrivals or special items.

“Can tourists buy everything in these stores, or are there restrictions?”

Most items are available to everyone, locals and tourists alike. However, some limited edition goods or collaborations might sell out quickly, and sometimes they have purchase limits per customer to keep things fair. Japanese people tend to be very respectful about these rules, so it’s good to follow them too.

Also, if you’re worried about language barriers, don’t be surprised if staff speak only basic English. However, the packaging and displays usually have English descriptions, and many products have images, so it’s fairly easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Japanese.

“How much time should I allocate if I want to visit the shopping mall plus the Pokémon Center and Ghibli Store?”

If you’re just popping in for a quick look, 30 to 60 minutes might be enough. But if you want to explore more shops, try some food, and soak in the atmosphere, plan for 2 to 3 hours. The mall has around 300 stores and restaurants, so there’s plenty to see beyond the main attractions.

What Japanese People Actually Do at Skytree Shopping Area

From my own visits, many Japanese people come here not just as tourists but as a casual day out spot. Families, couples, and friends often meet up to shop, have lunch, or visit specialty stores from different regions. It’s also common to pick up souvenirs here because the mall has a good selection of local treats and crafts that you won’t find at the typical tourist spots.

Unlike just rushing to the observation deck and back, locals often spend hours wandering the shops, trying new snacks, or enjoying seasonal events and pop-up exhibitions that happen regularly inside Tokyo Solamachi. This approach gives a more relaxed and authentic experience of the area.

Practical Tips

• Getting There: Take the Tobu Skytree Line or Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Tokyo Skytree Station. The mall is right connected to the station exit.
• Opening Hours: Most shops, including the Pokémon Center and Ghibli Store, open around 10 AM and close by 8 or 9 PM.
• Prices: Entrance to the shops is free. Items vary widely, from small souvenirs around ¥500 ($4 USD) to collector’s items that can cost over ¥10,000 ($75 USD).
• Language: Staff usually have some English, but having a translation app helps.
• Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is handy for smaller purchases or local food stalls.

So yes, feel free to explore the Pokémon Center and Ghibli Store at Skytree without worrying about tickets. It’s a nice way to enjoy the area’s vibe, do some unique shopping, and maybe grab a delicious sushi meal without the crowd pressure of the observation decks. This approach reflects how many Japanese locals naturally enjoy the space—shopping and relaxing rather than just ticking off tourist spots.