Explore Taipei's Underground Mall: A Family-Friendly Anime Adventure

Taipei Station's Four Underground Malls

The Taipei Underground Mall is 825 meters long, making it the longest underground mall in Taiwan. It connects to two railway lines and four MRT stations. The Taipei Underground Mall is 825 meters long, making it the longest underground mall in Taiwan. It connects to two railway lines and four MRT stations. The Taipei Underground Mall connects to two railway lines and four MRT stations.( Image source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government) The Taipei Underground Mall (Y Zone) is a haven for anime enthusiasts.

Taipei Station features four major underground malls:

1.Zhongshan Underground Mall (R Zone)

Connects from the lower level of the King Station to MRT Zhongshan Station, famous for its Zhongshan Book Street and Eslite Bookstore (R79).

2.Taipei Underground Mall (Y Zone)

Extending from King Station to MRT Beimen Station, this area focuses on anime and gaming, making it a must-visit for fans.

3.Front Station Underground Mall (Z Zone)

Located near Taipei Station and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, this area has seen a decline with many bookstores closing, but it still retains its charm.

4.K Zone Underground Mall

This mall connects the TRA Taipei Station and Zhongxiao West Road and has been revitalized by Dongsen, boasting a fresh and youthful atmosphere after renovations.

There are four main underground shopping streets around Taipei Main Station. Knowing the differences between the different areas will prevent you from getting lost.

Among these, the Taipei Underground Mall (Y Zone) is a haven for anime enthusiasts, stretching 825 meters and serving as the longest underground mall in Taiwan. It connects to two railway lines and four MRT stations ( Taiwan Railways, High Speed Rail, Tamsui Line, Bannan Line, Songshan Line Beimen Station and Taoyuan Airport MRT Line).

It also features four main areas: food, information, department stores, and clothing. The information area is dedicated to video games, anime, and collectibles. With over 90 stores related to gaming and toys, it can truly be considered Taiwan's version of Akihabara—a paradise for anime fans! Here are some must-visit stores:

4 Must-Visit Stores

1.Muse （木棉花） - Official Anime Merchandise (Shop 11)

Muse is Taiwan's official distributor for anime, bringing the latest Japanese titles and hosting events with anime producers, voice actors, and manga artists. They opened their first physical store in the underground mall, offering a wide range of merchandise from popular series like Attack on Titan, Spy X Family, Demon Slayer, and more, including keychains, DVDs, posters, and plush toys.

Muse is a Taiwanese distributor of officially licensed anime merchandise, selling official anime-related products. (Image source: Muse Facebook) Inside the shop displays the official anime merchandise available, featuring popular series and collectibles.

Muse

Address: Shop No. 11, Y Zone, Taipei Main Station Underground Mall

Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-20:00

Website: https://www.e-muse.com.tw/zh/

2.Magazines Freak （雜誌瘋） - Magazines and More (Shop 123)

While print media may be declining elsewhere, Magazines Freak stands strong as Taiwan's first specialty magazine shop. They offer a vast selection of magazines, especially rich in Japanese titles, ensuring you can find the latest releases in fashion, beauty, anime, and even niche sports. Their Taipei store is one of the best places to find trendy anime magazines and merchandise, and they also provide purchasing services if you can't find what you're looking for.

Magazine Freak, which has been around since the 1990s, is probably familiar to anyone who is into Japan. Highlights the extensive range of magazines offered, particularly emphasizing the rich selection of Japanese titles.

Magazines Freak

Address: B1, No. 100, Section 1, Civic Boulevard, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (Shop No. 123, Taipei Underground Mall)

Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-21:30

Website: https://www.tcma.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=D27E5F95BE5B51B4&sms=95A4A9DEA076D97E&s=DA30C494FC67798B

3.Toy Wonderland （玩趣瘋） - Kids' Toy Store (Shop 83)

A fantastic spot for children, Toy Wonderland is filled with large plush toys and capsule machines right at the entrance. They carry a delightful assortment of Disney and Sanrio products, model cars, remote-controlled vehicles, building blocks, and board games. This shop is like the Taiwanese equivalent of a toy paradise!

A vibrant view of the colorful toys and plushies available in the store, attracting children's attention.

Toy Wonderland （玩趣瘋）

Address: Shop No. 83, Y Zone, Taipei Main Station Underground Mall

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00

Website: http://www.taipeimall.com.tw/qa/home/129/shop_show

4.Grid Shops - Vintage Toys Museum

These two shops operate in a grid format, where different collectors sell vintage toys and models. Each grid is packed with nostalgic items, reminiscent of a treasure museum for those who grew up in the '70s and '80s. Parents can find that long-lost toy they missed out on during their childhood!

Address:

百式通格子舖 ： Shop 78

收藏家的店 ： Shop 45

The toys were rented out in a grid-like format to different collectors for sale. The shops showcase the nostalgic toys and models available from the past, arranged in a grid format reminiscent of a collector's museum.

Additional Highlights

The underground mall also features official stores for Nintendo, PlayStation, Sony, and HTC, as well as shops selling second-hand PS games, typically at prices comparable to those in Hong Kong.

The layout and arrangement of the video game store really remind me of the Sino Centre in Hong Kong back in the day. There are many claw machine and gashapon shops in the underground mall, so kids won't get bored. There are many claw machine and gashapon shops in the underground mall, so kids won't get bored. The underground mall also houses official stores for Nintendo, PlayStation, Sony, HTC, and other brands.

Taipei Main Station Underground Mall

Transportation:

1. Take the train to Taipei Main Station, and walk for about 3 minutes from Exit M1 to the Taipei Underground Mall.

2. Take the Songshan Line to Beimen Station (Taipei Underground Mall Exit).

Website: http://www.taipeimall.com.tw/en/home/about