Written by Jane Pipkin
Umaibo is a crunchy, crisp-like puff stick that has been around since the late 1970s. Its low price and wide variety of interesting flavors have made it one of the nation’s most beloved snacks. The only Umaibo-themed store in Japan can be found in Shinsekai.
At the Umaibo shop, you can buy bundle packs of this puff snack — browsing all the unique flavors. Think takoyaki, natto, and teriyaki (just to name a few). To add to the fun, you can also shop for original Umaibo-themed goods such as chopsticks, t-shirts, and stickers.
The shop has a bright Showa-esque feel to it, with models of the Doraemon-like mascot Umaemon and his friends dotted around the store. At the back, there’s even an Umaibo-themed torii gate. It leads to a mini shrine, where you can donate spare change and make a wish for luck.
If you’re a fan of another salty snack — Pringles — you’re in luck. Upstairs, you’ll find exclusive Pringles-themed merch.
How to get there
The Umaibo Store is a 2-minute walk from Exit 3 of Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Line. You can also access the store from Dobutsuen-mae Station, 7 minutes away on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji Lines.
- 374 m from Ebisuchō Station Sakaisuji Line (K18)
- 490 m from Dōbutsuen-mae Station Midōsuji Line (M22)Sakaisuji Line (K19)
- 495 m from Imamiyaebisu Station Nankai Main Line (NK2)
