Have you seen those incredibly colorful, pretzel-shaped gummies making compilation videos go viral on TikTok and Instagram?
That’s “Gummy-tzel”—the legendary Japanese candy famous for its mind-blowing crunchy exterior and juicy, soft inside!
If you’re planning to grab these ultimate Tokyo souvenirs at the new Hitotubu Kanro Harajuku store (located in the trendy “Harakado” shopping complex), you need to know the rules.
“Do I need a reservation?” “What if it’s sold out?” “Is the fluffy mofuwa gummy actually good?”
Don’t worry! Based on a real Sunday morning visit, this guide covers everything from the digital ticket system and exclusive menus to a secret loophole where you can buy them WITHOUT a ticket. Let’s dive in!
目次-table of contents
- How to Buy: The Crucial “Digital Line Ticket” System
- 【The Digital Ticket Schedule (Japan Time)】
- Sunday 11:20 AM: Real Visit Experience & Crowding
- Taste Review: The Legendary “Gummy-tzel” vs. The New Fluffy “mofuwa”
- No Ticket? No Problem! The 3rd Floor “Pop-Up Store” Loophole
- 【Harajuku Menu】Price List & Purchase Limits
- Shop Information: Hitotubu Kanro Harajuku
- Conclusion
How to Buy: The Crucial “Digital Line Ticket” System
To buy Gummy-tzels at the main Hitotubu Kanro shop (1st Floor), you generally need a Digital Line Ticket obtained through the Japanese communication app, LINE.
It is highly recommended to secure this the day before, especially for weekends when same-day tickets instantly disappear.
【The Digital Ticket Schedule (Japan Time)】
- Lottery Application Starts: 19:00:00 (7:00 PM) the day BEFORE your visit
- Lottery Application Ends: 19:59:59 (7:59 PM) the day BEFORE your visit
- Results Notification: 20:15 (8:15 PM) the day BEFORE your visit
💡 Note: If there are remaining slots after the lottery, first-come, first-served bookings open after 20:15.
Tickets are required for entry from opening until 16:00 (4:00 PM).
Sunday 11:20 AM: Real Visit Experience & Crowding
Luckily, I won a lottery ticket for a Sunday at 11:20 AM! Here is exactly what it looks like on the ground:
Organized Lines & Smooth Staff Guidance
At the 1st-floor waiting area, the staff forms neat queues based on your designated time slot.
They will explain the shopping rules clearly.
To ensure everyone gets a taste, purchases are limited to one checkout per person per day, with strict item limits.
A Massive Surprise: Free Full-Sized Samples!
After the explanation, the staff handed out a complimentary 5-piece bag of Gummy-tzels to everyone in line!
Tasting the crispy magic before even entering the store was an incredible highlight.
Flawless Morning Stock
Arriving in the 11:00 AM slot meant everything was fully stocked.
Some rare, exclusive items (like the Harajuku tins) are sold directly at the register, so just tell the cashier what you want.
On my visit day, afternoon slots (after 13:00) were still available for same-day booking around 11:00 AM.
However, popular flavors sell out fast later in the day.
Aiming for a morning slot is definitely your safest bet to secure your favorites!
Taste Review: The Legendary “Gummy-tzel” vs. The New Fluffy “mofuwa”
Here is an honest review of what you should buy from the Harajuku lineup:
The Ultimate Recommendation: “mofuwa” (190 yen each)
Harajuku is the unique spot where you can buy the mofuwa series (Yogurt Soda and Grape Soda flavors) individually.
True to its name (mofu-mofu means fluffy in Japanese), it feels like a soft, squishy cloud.
Unlike the hard crunch of a classic Gummy-tzel, mofuwa offers an airy, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.
It’s an absolute must-try!
Best Souvenir: “Gummy-tzel Tin 6-Piece Set” (1,600 yen)
This Harajuku-exclusive cute tin includes six classic flavors: Grape, Orange, La France (Pear), Soda, Grapefruit, and Peach.
Biting into one gives that iconic, crisp ASMR sound followed by a burst of rich fruit juice.
It’s perfect for gifting or filming your own taste-test video!
Summer Exclusive: Rare “Mango Flavor”
Found only in the “Gummy-tzel Petit Summer Vacation” bag, this seasonal mini-pretzel shape packs a tropical, punchy mango sweetness.
The packaging features cute mascot characters playing at the beach—making it a perfect summer memory of Tokyo.
No Ticket? No Problem! The 3rd Floor “Pop-Up Store” Loophole
Did you miss the day-before lottery? Didn’t win a ticket? Don’t panic! You can still buy Gummy-tzels without a reservation.
Head straight to the 3rd Floor of Harakado, where you’ll find the “Kanro Hitotubu Lab Pop-Up Store.”
While individual flavor purchasing is unavailable here, they sell the highly coveted Gummy-tzel BOX 12-Piece Set (2,200 yen) completely ticket-free! Around 11:30 AM, the line here is usually very short.
It is a fantastic hidden gem for tourists, but keep in mind they close once daily quantities sell out. Get there early!
【Harajuku Menu】Price List & Purchase Limits
The Harajuku store is the only physical shop where you can buy large Gummy-tzels individually to mix and match your favorite flavors. Note the item restrictions per person below:
| Product Name | Flavors / Features | Price (Tax Incl.) | Purchase Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gummy-tzel (Single) | Grape, Soda, Pear, Grapefruit, Orange, Peach | 190 yen each | Up to 24 pcs total (Max 4 for Soda/Grape) |
| Gummy-tzel Tin (6 pcs) | Harajuku Exclusive Tin (All 6 classic flavors) | 1,600 yen | Up to 10 tins |
| Gummy-tzel Tin “Hana” | Limited-edition flower design tin | 1,600 yen | Up to 5 tins |
| Gummy-tzel Petit Summer | Summer bag featuring the rare Mango flavor | 1,100 yen | Up to 5 bags |
| mofuwa (Single) | Pillowy, cloud-like texture (Yogurt/Grape Soda) | 190 yen each | Until Sold Out |
Note: The standard cardboard “Gummy-tzel BOX 6-Piece Set” is not sold at the Harajuku branch.
Shop Information: Hitotubu Kanro Harajuku
Both options are located inside the new Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “Harakado” building right in the heart of Tokyo’s fashion district.
| Shop Name | Location | Hours | Entry Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitotubu Kanro Harajuku | Harakado 1st Floor | 11:00 – 21:00 | Digital Ticket required until 16:00 |
| Hitotubu Lab Pop-Up | Harakado 3rd Floor | 11:00 – 18:00 | No Ticket Needed (Limited quantities) |
【Access & Address】
- Address: 1F/3F Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado, 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest Station: Directly connected to Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda & Fukutoshin Lines). A short 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station.
Conclusion
To guarantee your hands on Japan’s viral ASMR candy, entering the LINE digital ticket lottery at 7:00 PM the night before and aiming for a morning slot is the golden rule.
Not only will you secure all flavors, but you might also snag a massive free sample bag!
If you miss out on a ticket, don’t sweat it—just rush to the 3rd-floor pop-up shop right at 11:00 AM to buy the 12-piece box hassle-free. Happy snacking in Harajuku, and enjoy that epic, world-famous crunch!
