I'm in Tokyo...where are the model shops?

Hey all.

I just got in a couple of days ago and I want to pick up some stuff...hopefully for cheaper than it is in the US. But where do I go. Anyone have any ideas?

And "asking around" is kind of out of the question as I know next to nothing in japanese.

thanks in advance

Shizuoka- about an hour or so southwest of you. But don't worry, the public transportation system there is excellent.

http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/location/map001.jpg

Tamiya, Hasegawa, Fujimi, Aoshima, HLJ, Rainbow 10- all in Shizuoka. It is thee world headquarters for modeling. Jump on the JR line to Osaka- it's on the way. Skip the Shinkansen, though- it's quick, but will cut into your modeling budget.

http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/location/map002.gif

And bring me back something cool.

sumimasen. excuse me/sorry
kuruma no moderu-ya wa doko desu ka. where is the car model shop?
eigo de hanashite kudasai. speak in english please
watashi wa nihongo ga wakarimasen. i dont understand japanese
gomenasai. sorry.

maybe this will help?

this place is incredible.

HLJ lately mentioned the big opening of the Kotobukiya shop somewhere in Tokio. Can't find it on their website now.
Also there must be the big MrCraft shop.
People say that Rainbow10 is across the road from the Tamiya main entrance in Shizuoka. They are excellent and i heard that you can buy from the Tamiya museum shop....

One word: Akihabara

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihabara

It's inside Tokyo, just take the metro.

PS: Watch out for Otakus :rofl:

Just seen this on the tamiy web site might interest you.
http://www.tamiya.com/english/info/070220freemarket/index.htm

Spidereddie,

Have a look at this thread where I asked the same question last year.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=555546
Big thanks to Hirofkd for the info. I would not have done as well without it!!
It took me 10 hours in one day to get round them all. You should also visit Toku Hands craft store, its marked on most city maps - 6 stories of every craft and tool you can imagine including model kits, its north west of Shibuya railway in Udagawacho chome 12. Take lots of cash!

Malc.

Well, if you're in Japan, what else can be desired? I envy you buddy!!!!

i've been seriously thinking about visiting japan; it seems any plans will have to include at least two days for model shopping. i guess my girlfriend can go look at cherry blossoms or something. :lol:

Don't knock the cherry blossoms- the Japanese make it into a pretty good party.

Damnit, I want to go to Tokyo now....

Don't knock the cherry blossoms

i wasn't. :) merely saying my girlfriend would have to find something else to do for two days. :lol:

i'm going to tokyo, but it'll have to wait until next spring. i understand march is when you get the best blowfish sashimi. :grinyes:

Thanks guys for all your help! I'm so excited. Hopefully I can find cool stuff.

As per the cherry blossom thing...it's pretty unique and yesss a good party too.

Sorry for the Bump,but,I couldn't stay here without sayin' some stuff...

I went to tokyo yesterday...And I didin't find one single model!! I got freaking mad about that!! But I bought a bandana written "Nihon" in kanji,so I'm happy! :icon16:

Now,'bout the models,IF you find a Beisia (wich is a BIG shopping center,and if you're lucky as me,you'll find some hobby section like this one....)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/2442830190593/DSC04623.jpg
Now,that's just the car section...there is also the planes,bikes,and boats section...:D
Annnd,you can look for a Toys R Us,it's a nice place to get aoshimas of all kind. At least,The ones that I went had a lot of 'em! :D

Another thing: Those shoppings and toy shops usually doesn't care half of what the hobby shops have: If I compare that Shopping above with the nearest hobby shop,that is just a mere section,of the 4-5 sections that the LHS has!!

So,i'm quite happy living in Gunma...The only thing that I can't get in this region,is a nice paint degreaser!! :(

Moral: Don't stay just in Tokyo...:p