IllustrationShop guides
Hobby shops in Tokyo & Osaka
Choose by hobby and location. Check branch entry information.
Read the guideDecision guides
Model-kit shopping guides for Japan
Choose a hobby-shop area, check the exact kit, and plan your budget and luggage. Browse by task or search all 30 guides below.
All 30 guides shown.
Find a shop
Choose a district, retailer or specialist stop that fits your trip.
IllustrationIllustrationShop guides
Akihabara model-kit stores
Use Radio Kaikan as a compact comparison, then add a dedicated secondhand stop if needed.
Read the guideShop guides
Osaka Nipponbashi model-kit stores
Use Joshin, Kotobukiya and Volks for three different builder needs.
Read the guideRoute planning
One-day Tokyo model-kit route
Choose Akihabara plus Shimbashi or Odaiba with a clear fallback.
Read the guideShop guides
Radio Kaikan hobby floors
Use 4F, 6F and 8F for different builder needs instead of browsing every floor.
Read the guide
PhotoShop guides
THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO
Check the 7F main store, 2F Annex, entry rules and stock limits before Odaiba.
Read the guideShop guides
Kotobukiya stores in Japan
Choose Akihabara, Tachikawa or Nipponbashi from your route and product target.
Read the guideMaker stores
Tamiya Plamodel Factory Tokyo
Use the flagship for the Tamiya ecosystem and the nearby Modelers Store for repair parts.
Read the guideShop guides
AmiAmi Akihabara for model kits
Use the broad 4F hobby store for kits, tools, materials and used items.
Read the guideShop guides
Yellow Submarine Akihabara
Compare new/used character models, Mini 4WD, tools and materials on Radio Kaikan 6F.
Read the guideSecondhand
Buying model kits at Surugaya
Use the dedicated Akihabara Plastic Model Store without mistaking web stock for a reservation.
Read the guideScale models
Scale model shopping in Tokyo
Use Tamiya, Volks and broad retailers without letting a Gunpla route define the category.
Read the guideMini 4WD
Mini 4WD shopping in Tokyo
Find kits, parts, materials and current circuit-capable shops through Tamiya's dealer network.
Read the guidePlan the visit
Choose a useful lead without treating online signals as guaranteed shelf stock.
Check the kit
Choose a suitable grade, understand labels and inspect a secondhand kit.
IllustrationBeginner guides
Your first Gunpla: where to start
Choose a design you enjoy. Check tools and instructions.
Read the guideGunpla basics
HG vs RG vs MG vs PG
Choose a grade by scale, detail, build time and luggage space.
Read the guide
IllustrationBuying checks
What is inside a used kit?
Read the condition notes. Check runners and instructions.
Read the guideSecondhand
Read Japanese condition labels
Decode a complete seller note, separate loose parts from missing parts, and show staff a question.
Read the guideIllustrationStock & editions
Limited editions, explained
Read the full edition name. Separate exclusivity from stock.
Read the guideTools & materials
Buying model-kit tools in Japan
Compare nippers, sanding, parts support and travel checks before buying.
Read the guideBudget & buying
Check the full cost and purchase terms before committing.
IllustrationBudget & planning
What will the kit really cost?
Add travel and packing. Compare complete delivered costs.
Read the guidePurchase planning
Store price vs online total cost
Compare matching contents, packed size and added travel or shipping costs with a fictional worked example.
Read the guideIllustrationBuying checks
Your model-kit shopping checklist
Match grade, scale and edition. Inspect box size and contents.
Read the guidePurchase conditions
Tax-free model-kit shopping
Understand Japan's November 2026 refund-method change before buying.
Read the guidePurchase conditions
Model-kit return questions
Ask about defects, opened bags, secondhand condition and deadlines before paying.
Read the guidePacking & shipping
Plan space, shipping and restrictions before buying supplies.
Travel planning
Pack model kits for the flight home
Budget suitcase space, protect boxes and separate kits from restricted tools or liquids.
Read the guideTravel planning
Large kit luggage space
Measure the actual box and reserve suitcase volume before buying.
Read the guideTravel planning
Ship model kits home
Compare parcel dimensions, customs, insurance and baggage alternatives.
Read the guideTravel planning
Paint, thinner and air travel
Check dangerous-goods rules before buying liquids, aerosols or blades for the trip home.
Read the guideModel-kit shopping budget
Plan a model-kit shopping stop with a purchase budget, transport allowance and packing checklist.
Plan my kit budgetTAKE IT TO THE SHOP
Model-kit shopping fieldbook
Compare two options, show Japanese questions and keep a personal checklist.