The latest version of the Akihabara Gundam Model Kits Touring Route! A complete guide to efficiently visit new and used stores
I came to Akihabara to buy Gunpla, but there are so many stores that I don’t know where to start…”
I want to find the Gunpla I want in a limited amount of time by efficiently visiting stores!”
Akihabara, a mecca for Gunpla fans, is packed with hobby stores of all sizes. However, first-time visitors and those unfamiliar with the area may be at a loss as to where to go and how to get around.
This article introduces Gunpla stores scattered around Akihabara in a route format so that you can efficiently visit them, starting from JR Akihabara Station. From new products to rare bargains, you are sure to find the Gunpla you are looking for.
さあ、このルートを参考に、最高のガンプラを探しに行きましょう！1. basic of Akihabara Gunpla patrol route
First, let’s go over the basics of visiting Gunpla in Akihabara.
- Optimized tour route: Starting from the Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station, the stores were arranged so that visitors can make an efficient tour.
- Check for updates: Store hours and availability are always subject to change. Especially on new product launch days and weekends, crowds can be expected, so it is a good idea to check the official SNS of each store in advance.
- New products are usually sold out on the day they are released. If you want to be sure of getting your hands on a product, start your rounds at the opening time.
[Quick Reference] Summary of Akihabara Gunpla Shop Information
| Store Name | Features & Points | Distance from nearest station | Availability of tools and paint |
| Yodobashi Camera | Large selection of new items Point redemption available New products are highly competitive | In front of JR Akihabara station | ant |
| Otachi. | Gundam store specializing in used items Rare items can be found. | JR Akihabara station 1 min. walk | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Akihabara Radio Kaikan | Multiple hobby stores (Amiami, Yesabu, etc.) Discounts and parts sales are also attractive | JR Akihabara station 1 min. walk | ant |
| Bic Camera AKIBA | Surprisingly good places You may be able to find items that have been restocked. | JR Akihabara Station 3 min. walk | ant |
| VOLKS | In addition to Gundam plastic models, a wide variety of tools and paints are available. Available for purchase together with Gundam plastic models | JR Akihabara station 5 min. walk | ant |
| Hayakoya | Used Plastic Models Out-of-print kits and rare items can be found. | JR Akihabara station 5 min. walk | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Hobby Shop Tam Tam | A little far from Akihabara station, but plenty of inventory. For those who want to search carefully | Suehirocho station 1 min. walk | ant |
| celebrity or comedian (usu. male) representing a town or local area | Focusing on new Gundam plastic models We can expect to receive new items frequently. | Suehirocho station 1 min. walk | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| HOBBYLAND | Hobby store on junk street Rare items such as overseas limited edition kits | JR Akihabara station 6 min. walk | some yes |
(2) [Around JR Akihabara Station] New and used store tour route
Starting from JR Akihabara Station, here is an efficient route to visit Gunpla stores.
Route 1: Start at the large store in front of the station!
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba
First, go to “Yodobashi Camera” located right in front of JR Akihabara Station. The hobby section on the 6th floor has a large sales floor and a wide selection of products. Many new products arrive, but popular items sell out quickly, so it is recommended to check it out at the beginning.
- Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaoka-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours of operation: 9:30-22:00
- Point: Large selection but high competition. Opening attack is a must for new products!
2) Otachu. Akihabara No. 4 Gundam Specialty Store
One minute walk from Yodobashi. One minute walk from Yodobashi, right by the Denkigai Exit, is Otachi-yu, a specialty store of Gundam-related items. is located right next to the Denkigai exit. This shop mainly deals in used items, and you may be able to find rare Gundam plastic models that are not normally available, or items with a premium price. It is a great place to look for bargains.
- Address: Ichigo Akihabara Ekimae Building 7F, 1-15-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours of operation: 11:00-20:00
- Point: You may be able to find rare Gundam plastic models! Check the price as they are mainly second-hand items.
Route 2: From the Denkigai Exit to Chuo Dori!
(3) Akihabara Radio Hall (Amiami, Yesabu)
Akihabara Radio Kaikan is a very popular spot right outside the Electric Town exit. The entire building is a treasure trove of hobbies.
- Amiami Akihabara Radio Kaikan Store (4F): Attractive discount rates. Sometimes even better deals during sale periods.
- Yellow Submarine Akihabara Honten *Mint (6F): Check often as they are sometimes restocked in a guerrilla fashion. There is also a full lineup of parts for sale.
- Address: 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
- Hours: 11:00-20:00 / 10:00-20:00
4) Bic Camera AKIBA
Bic Camera AKIBA is located across Chuo Dori from Radio Kaikan. The hobby section on the 7th floor is known as a surprisingly good hiding place. Popular items that were sold out at Yodobashi and Radio Kaikan are sometimes restocked. You can also get points, so be sure to check it out!
- Address: 4-1-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
- Hours of operation: 10:00-22:00
- Point: A hole in the ground where you can find unexpected bargains!
5) Volks Akihabara Hobby Paradise 2
Volks” is located along Chuo-dori Avenue. In addition to Gunpla, there is a wide selection of tools, paints, and custom parts. This store is recommended for those who want to try painting and modifying Gunpla along with the Gunpla itself.
- Address: 4-2-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
- Hours: 11:00-20:00 weekdays / 10:00-20:00 weekends
6) Surugaya Akihabara Plastic Model Store
Surugaya is located behind Don Quijote. The store specializes in used plastic models and has many out-of-print kits and rare Gunpla that are hard to find. It is a must-visit store for collectors.
- Address: Kyomasu Sotokanda Bldg. 2F & 3F, 4-4-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
- Business hours: 11:00 – 21:00 weekdays / 10:00 – 21:00 weekends and holidays
Route 3: Toward Junk Street and Suehirocho
7) HOBBYLAND Akihabara
This hobby store is located on “Junk Street,” one street off Chuo-dori. Plastic models of Gunpla and other character-based models are displayed here. You may be able to find rare items such as overseas limited edition kits.
- Address: 3-7-14 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
- Hours of operation: 11:00-20:00
8) Hobby Shop Tam Tam Akihabara
A large hobby store near Suehirocho Station. It is a bit of a walk from Akihabara Station, but the shop has a large selection of items, and there is a possibility that they may have some in stock even if they are sold out at other stores. It is especially recommended for those who want to take their time and look for bargains.
- Address: Sakai Suehiro Bldg. 4F and 5F, 6-14-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
- Business hours: 11:00-20:00 weekdays / 10:00-20:00 weekends and holidays
Machi-Chara Hobby Museum
A small store located near Suehirocho Station. Although the store is small, it focuses on handling new Gundam plastic models. We are lucky if the timing is good, as we frequently receive new items!
- Address: Akihabara Tora Building 1F, 4-7-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
- Hours: 12:00 – 20:00 weekdays / 11:00 – 19:00 weekends and holidays
3. tips to enjoy Gundam Model Kits more
- Pre-research: If there is a Gundam model you want, check each store’s SNS in advance to check availability and arrival information.
- Decide on a budget: There are many attractive Gunpla in Akihabara. To prevent impulse purchases, it is a good idea to set a certain budget.
- Stay hydrated: The tour route involves a lot of walking, so be sure to drink plenty of water.
Summary: Go around wisely and get your favorite Gunpla!
The route described in this article will help you to visit the Gunpla shops in Akihabara efficiently.
**If you stroll the streets of Akihabara with the clear goal of “finding the Gunpla you want, “** you are sure to find your own special one-of-a-kind item.
We hope this article will help enrich your Gunpla life.
さあ、最高のガンプラを探す旅に出かけましょう！
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