Stepping Into Ghibli Magic in Nagasaki
Siva McAteer • October 9, 2025
A Visit to Renka, the Cozy Studio Ghibli Shop
If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, get ready — Day 9 of our cruise adventure took us straight into Ghibli heaven in Nagasaki. Our stop? Renka, a tiny but utterly enchanting Studio Ghibli store tucked into Shinchi Chinatown.
Why Renka Will Steal Your Heart π
Renka may be small, but inside it feels like you’ve stepped into a frame from a Ghibli film. Think Totoro plushies, Howl’s Moving Castle trinkets, puzzles, stationery, and whimsical home goods. Everything is official merchandise, beautifully made, yet surprisingly affordable — perfect for souvenirs that are meaningful, not overpriced.
Inside, the lighting is soft, the shelves are cozy, and wandering through feels like a gentle stroll through your favorite childhood movies. Fans online say it’s one of the few places in Nagasaki open even in the evenings.
Yelp
One standout find for us was the No Face piggy bank from Spirited Away. If you know your Ghibli lore, you’ll get why that’s a holy grail item. (We even compared it to the red cup No Face holds — a “same cup” moment!)
Fun Fact: Did you know that Ghibli is derived from an Italian word for a “hot desert wind”? The idea was that the studio’s films would blow a fresh wind through the world of animation.
Also: Studio Ghibli was co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, two giants of anime. Their films have shaped entire generations of dreamers and art lovers.
Tips for Visiting Renka & Other Ghibli Shops
- Go early if you can: Popular items (especially plushies and limited-edition goods) sell out fast.
- Explore both floors (if it has them): Renka has two floors packed with Ghibli treasures.
- Bring small bills: Some items are inexpensive but adorable — you’ll want to grab more than one.
- Compare with major Ghibli chains: Donguri Kyowakoku is Ghibli’s official merchandise chain across Japan. If you see similar items, you can compare prices.
- Don’t forget, the experience is part of the souvenir: snapping photos of shelves lined with Kodama, Totoro, soot sprites — those memories last far longer than trinkets.
- Bring Your Own Bag: By Day 9 of our cruise, we had done plenty of shopping — no surprise there! One thing I quickly learned while exploring Japan is to always bring a reusable shopping bag, especially when visiting Don Quijote. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also makes carrying all your souvenirs so much easier. In this case, it came in extra handy when we found and purchased our new favorite treasure — the No Face piggy bank!
Takeaway: A reusable bag isn’t just good for the planet — it’s a travel essential for spontaneous shopping adventures.
Our “Mission Accomplished” Moment
As soon as I spotted that No Face piggy bank, I knew it had to come home with us. When comparing it to the red cup from a past cafe, I laughed — we had chased that prop across Japan! Mission accomplished.
If you ever find yourself in Nagasaki’s Chinatown, don’t skip Renka. It’s a hidden gem for anime souvenirs, Studio Ghibli merchandise, and pure kid-at-heart joy.ο»Ώ
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