Day 5 in Japan: Kochi’s Donguri Kyowakoku (Studio Ghibli Store) + Gachapon Fun!

Siva McAteer • September 4, 2025

Kochi’s Donguri Kyowakoku (Studio Ghibli Store) + Gachapon Fun!

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan… prepare your heart, because this store in Japan is pure magic. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we docked in Kochi, and stumbled upon one of the cutest, dreamiest shops ever: Donguri Kyowakoku – the official Studio Ghibli store in Japan.

✨ Spoiler alert: It felt like stepping straight into a Ghibli movie!

Gachapon Warm-Up 🎰

We arrived about 10 minutes before the store opened, and if you’ve ever traveled Japan, you know what that means—Gachapon time!

👉 Fun fact: Japan has over 500,000 Gachapon machines nationwide. That’s half a million chances to score quirky, collectible treasures in capsule form.

Our first prize? Kochi’s famous Harimaya Bridge—a beloved local landmark and symbol of romance. Our second prize was Kuroshio-kun, the city’s adorable mascot. Olivia and I even swapped prizes, so it was a win-win.

Entering the Ghibli Wonderland 🌿

Finally, the doors opened, and wow—walking into Donguri Kyowakoku (which literally translates to “Acorn Republic”) was like being transported into a Ghibli dreamscape.

Every shelf, every corner, every display was brimming with Ghibli treasures:

Plushies of Totoro, Catbus, and Jiji 🐱
Beautiful stationery and home goods that make you want to redecorate your whole life
Blind boxes packed with surprises (we couldn’t resist grabbing a Totoro box and a Mei box—because honestly, there’s no wrong choice).

💡 Did you know? No two Donguri Kyowakoku stores are exactly alike. Each one has its own design and charm, making them must-visit stops for any Ghibli fan traveling Japan.

Why You Should Visit Kochi’s Donguri Kyowakoku

Kochi may not be the most famous stop on a Japan cruise (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka usually steal the spotlight), but this hidden gem makes it totally worth it. Whether you’re a hardcore Studio Ghibli fan or just love cute Japanese merch, this store will make your heart skip a beat.

Plus, it’s on the 2nd floor of the AVENUE building in Obiyamachi shopping street—so after you’re done shopping, you can stroll the covered arcade filled with local shops and street eats.

📍 Donguri Kyowakoku Kochi

Japan, 〒780-0841 Kochi, Obiyamachi, 1 Chome−13−23 AVENUEビル２階

What’s Next? 🎁

We left with our blind boxes in hand (stay tuned for our unboxing—it’s coming soon 👀). If you’re following along on our Japan Celebrity Cruise adventure, don’t miss our next stop!

#StudioGhibli #DonguriKyowakoku #GhibliStoreJapan #Totoro #Mei #Gachapon #KochiJapan #JapanCruise #CelebrityCruises #TotoroMerch #JapanTravel #AnimeMerch #StudioGhibliMerch #Kuroshiokun #HarimayaBridge #AcornRepublic

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Crazy Horse Memorial Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026

Did you know there’s a place in South Dakota where you can literally take home a piece of history? 👀 Yep—welcome back to Part 3 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure, where we dive into one of the most meaningful and fascinating areas of the entire complex: the Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial is already one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in the United States—but stepping into this center takes the experience to a whole new level.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 2

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026

👀 “Would you believe me if I told you this mountain has had over ELEVEN MILLION tons of rock blasted away… and it’s still not finished? Let me show you why this $5 tour is one of the best travel deals in America.” Welcome to Part 2 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure — and today we’re hopping on the guided bus tour that takes you right up to the mountain itself. For just five dollars per person, this ride gets you shockingly close to the carving-in-progress — and trust me… hearing the story while standing beneath it hits completely different. Our guide, Allen, shared how this all began back in 1947, when sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski arrived in the Black Hills from Connecticut… to a place with no roads, no water, no electricity. He literally lived in a tent for seven months before clearing trees and building a log studio by hand. By the late 1950s, with ten kids to raise, the family even opened a dairy farm right on site — and today they still raise cattle here. Oh — and the very first admission to Crazy Horse in 1950? 👉 Just 50 cents per carload.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 1

By Siva McAteer • January 27, 2026

“If you’re going to Mount Rushmore and NOT stopping here… you’re doing South Dakota wrong.” And honestly? I stand by that. 😏 Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, tucked into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, sits one of the most fascinating landmarks in the United States — the Crazy Horse Memorial. This isn’t just another quick roadside attraction. It’s one of the largest mountain carving projects in the world… and it’s still being built today. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore road trip, a South Dakota vacation, or a national parks adventure, put this stop high on your list.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 5

By Siva McAteer • January 26, 2026

Think the best views at Mount Rushmore are only at the beginning? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 5 — the grand finale of my Mount Rushmore tour series — where the Presidential Trail keeps delivering jaw-dropping scenery right up until the very end. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore vacation, a South Dakota road trip, or a Black Hills adventure, this is your reminder that this iconic destination is so much more than a quick photo stop. It’s a full-on experience.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 4:

By Siva McAteer • January 25, 2026

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Mount Rushmore Tour Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026

This is as close as you can get to Mount Rushmore without climbing the mountain itself — and honestly? Most visitors have no idea this trail even exists. 👀 Welcome to Part 3 of my five‑part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m continuing along the legendary Presidential Trail and showing you why this scenic walk completely changes how you experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If Mount Rushmore is on your USA bucket list, keep reading — this is where the magic really happens.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 2:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026

Most visitors snap a photo from the viewing terrace and move on… but if you really want to experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you have to get on the Presidential Trail. Welcome to Part 2 of my five-part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m sharing insider tips, fun facts, and smart planning advice so your South Dakota adventure feels unforgettable — not rushed.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 1:

By Siva McAteer • January 22, 2026

Think Mount Rushmore is just a quick photo stop you squeeze in between road trip snacks and your next destination? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 1 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore tour series, where I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you can visit like a pro, skip the rookie mistakes, and actually enjoy this iconic American landmark.

Celebrity Cruise & The Bittersweet Flight Home

By Siva McAteer • October 30, 2025

There’s that one moment every traveler knows too well — when you slip into your comfiest travel slippers, grab your airplane blanket, and realize… it’s time to head home. After sixteen incredible days exploring Japan and South Korea, I still can’t believe our journey has come to an end. This trip was everything — relaxing, inspiring, and filled with memories that will stay with us forever. From mouthwatering sushi in Tokyo to breathtaking temples in Busan, every single day felt like a new adventure.

Celebrity Cruise Day 12: The Airport That Feels Like the Future

By Siva McAteer • October 29, 2025

Only in South Korea would a robot greet you the moment you step into the airport. Welcome to Incheon International Airport, where technology meets tranquility — and yes, your travel expectations will never be the same after this. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the size (though it’s massive) — it was how quiet and calm everything felt. No rushing crowds, no blaring announcements — just peaceful background music and mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling digital screens showing relaxing visuals. It honestly felt like I stepped into a luxury spa disguised as an airport. 🤖 Smart Travel at Its Finest Incheon Airport is one of the most advanced smart airports in the world, powered by big data, robotics, and biometric technology. From self-check-in kiosks and face-recognition immigration to helpful robots roaming around ready to assist, it’s clear that South Korea has travel innovation down to a science. Every detail here is designed to make travel effortless — even the seating areas have wireless charging stations built right in!