Japan

hi all,

i will be visiting tokyo this coming June. It is a company trip, hence, not free and easy.

I would love to visit hobby shops. But our itinery includes only 2 "shopping" areas -- (a) AEON shopping mall; (b) Ueno Ameyoko.

My question is, are there any hobby shops at the above 2 malls? or somewhere in the vicinity? I dont think we can escape from the clutches of the tour guide. =(

Go to tokyo but not visiting any hobby shop is ridiculous! *grumble*

Also, is it cheaper to buy iwata revolustion cr airbrush in tokyo or rather how much is one there, plus what type of compressor should i look for and how much. (in yen will do)

thank you all..!!

no one able to assist?

You'll eventually find out what's like soon, but it seems to me that AEON malls are ordinary department stores for clothes and foods.
http://www.aeon-mall.net/e/index.html

Ameyoko is a great place to shop fresh ingredients like fish and vegetable. At the end of each year, my father always take a 3hour round-trip to Ameyoko to get ingredients for a new-year cuisine.

As for Iwata airbrush, you don't have to pay for middle-man's profit, so that's a plus.

Many stores in Japan offer 5-10% discount on tools and supplies, but I don't think you can find such stores in Ueno. I'm surprised that Akihabara isn't part of your tour (it's only 2 stops from Ueno by JR Yamanote Line.) Maybe all those hardcore "otaku" people have scaried regular tourists off. (LOL)

Akihabara has a lot of Gundam and stuff, but not so many car kits. I think your best bet is to find a "Joshin" electrical store, they are usually huge and they have a large toy section with plenty of kits and supplies. Their prices are better than hobby shops too.

Gidday, I live within 3 km of the Narita (tokyo) international airport and there is a hobby shop in narita RIGHT next to the train station (you must ride a train to "narita" once getting off the plane.

I live right there and can show u the shop, it is small although has very well priced kits in my opinion. Much cheaper then what they sell for in the western world. Depending on what you want I can tell you whether this is a place where you would want to visit.

PM me or email pickleweasel_05 (at) hotmail.com

cheers

Aaron

Directly acros the street from Ueno Station (South Exit) there is a toy store.
A bit pricey though.

Akihabara has many.
Big Yodabashi Camera is about the best though these days. Its two/three stations south from Ueno.