Where to buy in Japan?

[kalvasflam]

If your looking for books the Mandrake in Shibiya is the best, when I was there last year I cleaned them out of Macross books. Since then they have got in a good stock of books again. They also have film cells and toys and kits and tons of Gashapons. The Shibiya store is a little difficult to find, each time I go there I mean to photo the road etc and post it here, there are members here who live in the area who may be able to give you pointers etc. When in Aki be prepared to spend the day. do the main strip and then do all the little shops in the oposite side of the station. Oh and while your there go to the toy Floor in the Yodabashi Camera superstore (its masive the other side of the station) they do have macross stuff and sometimes it gets discounted.

Shibuya, right? Great, my hotel is near there. If it's Shibiya, I might not know where it is... I have to find out from downstairs where to get the books. Yodabashi Camera store has toys? Wonderful, I wonder if the Canons there are sufficiently cheaper than in the states. I'll definitely try to see about getting those as well, wow, two birds with one stone.

Appreciate the help on this

[big F]

Shibuya, right? Great, my hotel is near there. If it's Shibiya, I might not know where it is... I have to find out from downstairs where to get the books. Yodabashi Camera store has toys? Wonderful, I wonder if the Canons there are sufficiently cheaper than in the states. I'll definitely try to see about getting those as well, wow, two birds with one stone.

Appreciate the help on this

Yes you are right my spelling is off Yodabashi Camera has stores all over tokyo. The one in Shinjuku has a basement model store will Yammies and Gundam and all modeling stuff. they are way cheaper than uy while at home. about 45% less. Best thing you can do is get em all and box them up and post them to a relative back home as a gift via EMS then collect them when you get home. Boxes are easy to get just go by the stores at closing time as they all put them out for recycling, then get your self some packing tape and some scrunched up newspaper for packing and of to the Yuubinkyoku (post office) you go the staff in the major offices are fairly good with gaijin so dont worry too much.

[kalvasflam]

Yes you are right my spelling is off Yodabashi Camera has stores all over tokyo. The one in Shinjuku has a basement model store will Yammies and Gundam and all modeling stuff. they are way cheaper than uy while at home. about 45% less. Best thing you can do is get em all and box them up and post them to a relative back home as a gift via EMS then collect them when you get home. Boxes are easy to get just go by the stores at closing time as they all put them out for recycling, then get your self some packing tape and some scrunched up newspaper for packing and of to the Yuubinkyoku (post office) you go the staff in the major offices are fairly good with gaijin so dont worry too much.

Thanks for the advice, I found the following: the Yodobashi at Shinjuku didn't seem to have anything, went to both basement stores....

But the Akihabara one had a great toy selection, sadly, I didn't have enough time to find the post office. it as really last minute, but managed to snag the last Fold boosted YF-19 Yammie, wish I had the space to take up the SV-51 and VF-0, but no such luck.

Thanks for the great advice, the prices were about the same as you'd find on the net, but not much different. Forgot to get my taxes back.... darn. Anyway, it was worth it. Next time, I'll be better preped.

[Save]

Thanks for the advice, I found the following: the Yodobashi at Shinjuku didn't seem to have anything, went to both basement stores....

But the Akihabara one had a great toy selection, sadly, I didn't have enough time to find the post office. it as really last minute, but managed to snag the last Fold boosted YF-19 Yammie, wish I had the space to take up the SV-51 and VF-0, but no such luck.

Thanks for the great advice, the prices were about the same as you'd find on the net, but not much different. Forgot to get my taxes back.... darn. Anyway, it was worth it. Next time, I'll be better preped.

I can take you around Akiba if you come again or show you around other areas in Tokyo. Yesterday was Hobby Complex there was a fleamarket there for toys.

[big F]

Thanks for the advice, I found the following: the Yodobashi at Shinjuku didn't seem to have anything, went to both basement stores....

Shoulda posted the pic of the store as there are now 3 Yodabashi cameras in Shinjuku. The one you want is under the games store. It`s filled to the brim with Gundam Tamiya and Macross and Gashapons.

If you can take Saverobotech`s invite to shop he knows his stuff. (next time I will ditch my friends and come shopping for the day with him)

Edited November 27, 2007 by big F

[Guest Bromgrev]

Yes you are right my spelling is off Yodabashi Camera has stores all over tokyo. The one in Shinjuku has a basement model store will Yammies and Gundam and all modeling stuff. they are way cheaper than uy while at home. about 45% less.

Hey, I'm staying in Shinjuku in January! how can I find that Yodabashi Camera basement paradise?

I can take you around Akiba if you come again or show you around other areas in Tokyo. Yesterday was Hobby Complex there was a fleamarket there for toys.

I'm so up for that! Edited December 13, 2007 by Bromgrev

[Jolly Roger Valkyrie]

Thank you all for posting very important information as to where to go shopping in Japan. Just went through the entire thread. EXCELLENT!!! I can't wait to start my trip to Japan!

Hey, I'm staying in Shinjuku in January! how can I find that Yodabashi Camera basement paradise?

I'm so up for that!

[soze]

What are the best places to hit that are close to the Tokyo Dome? I'm going to be staying at the Tokyo Dome Hotel, but I'll only have late afternoon to nights to shop around. I'll need to be able to hit up places quick before they close.

[Goodman Models]

Hey Gang,

I am living in Yokohama. I'd love to meet up with anyone fellow mecha/macross fans to hunt for cool stuff. I've been to Akihabara and Nakano. Where is the Mandarake in Shibuya? I don't know about that one. Also Wonderfest is coming up in February if anyone is interested in going. I sure will be!

anthony (Caseymunchkin)

[Guest Bromgrev]

Where is the Mandarake in Shibuya?

The Mandarake in Shibuya is in the basement of the Beam building, just a bit to the north-west of the big crossroads by the JR station. You can take the lift down from inside the building, or use the back stair directly from the street (see picture).

[robokochan]

Hey Gang,

I am living in Yokohama. I'd love to meet up with anyone fellow mecha/macross fans to hunt for cool stuff. I've been to Akihabara and Nakano. Where is the Mandarake in Shibuya? I don't know about that one. Also Wonderfest is coming up in February if anyone is interested in going. I sure will be!

anthony (Caseymunchkin)

if you ever come down to Osaka, PM me. I can show you around. There are a few other members here in Osaka as well.

Rob

[Goodman Models]

The Mandarake in Shibuya is in the basement of the Beam building, just a bit to the north-west of the big crossroads by the JR station. You can take the lift down from inside the building, or use the back stair directly from the street (see picture).

Hi Bromgrev,

Thanks, I'll be sure to check it out!

Casey

[big F]

I'm sorry I missed this thread some how. The Yodabashi with teh basement is in the shopping area in Shinjuku near the Yuubinkyoku (post office) in the Sky scraper district (Nishi Shinjuku).

Macross trivia time the building that gets knocked down by the SDF1 as it enters the atmosphere in Macross episode 1 is in Shinjuku Sky scraper district.

Along with the Hyatt that was used in Lost in translation. I usually stay at the Keio Plazza which is across the road.

Annoyingly I haven't got a photo. The store you want is under the Yodobashi games store that has all the large LCD screens out on the street showing all the latest games and stuff. My friend has pictures but he's currently in Cuba on holiday.

I have found on the net a picture of the street its in but is oldish so not all the signs are the same. But basically Yodobashi kinda own the street as you can see all the big white with red lettering signs are theirs. The one you want is on the left at the top of the picture. You can just about make out the awning over the ground floor entrance.

A map of the general area, this is a good one you'll notice the area round Nishi Shinjuku is filled with Yodabashi shops. there are a few other shops that you'll like too but just look round and look up at the the signs etc Yellow Sub and others are all there.

.... and finally you may recognize the building in the middle. The Seiji Togo Memorial building (Macross trivia). It has an art gallery in it now among other things, but was a major land mark in the area in the late 70's and early 80's. I was told by a local that round then there wasn't much really tall stuff in the area so the building really stood out. These days its difficult to get a good picture of it.

This picture was taken from the observation floor in the Government building free entry all day till 10pm worth the look if your there you can see for miles and soon realize just how near all the places you go to are to each other. You can see Yokahama light house and landmark tower on a good day.

Hope this helps out and we should get this pinned or get some good purpose taken photos of all the Macross selling shops district by district in Japan on a web page here at MW to help us and any possible new members out. The photos are easy each time you find a good Macross selling shop photo the out side take note of the address etc and then we could post it on a page. Map making is also a possibility as there are loads of the simple style Maps that they use in Japan (like above) all over the net.

Edited for spelling and clarity

Edited February 2, 2008 by big F

[Zen-Builder]

Other areas to visit for goods are Ikebukuro (more lady orientated), Kichijoji(lots of anime studios, a few shops, Gibhli Museum and lots of anime play around that area too), and Tachikawa(home of Kotobukiya).

HTH.

[Fortress_Maximus]

Some really great information has been added by everyone, thanks guys for keeping this useful thread alive!

[Zen-Builder]

I got a few more locatiosn out in the west of Tokyo, but peple best have a local guide them as some of the places are hard to find. Like Magic Box in Kokubunji or Times, both don't sell cheap but stock a lot of older/rare kits.

Another good location is Shinjuku, shops there include Sakuraya Hobby, Volks, Yellow Submarine, The Hobbit and a few smaller shops.

[type j9]

hi,

I post a scan to the akimap because the link in page 3 doesn't work anymore.

Or you can test this link http://akiba-ch.com/map/

:)

[type j9]

hi,

I post a scan to the akimap because the link in page 3 doesn't work anymore.

Or you can test this link http://akiba-ch.com/map/

:)

[Fortress_Maximus]

*bumped* for the benefit of eyesonme78

[kalvasflam]

I'm sorry I missed this thread some how. The Yodabashi with teh basement is in the shopping area in Shinjuku near the Yuubinkyoku (post office) in the Sky scraper district (Nishi Shinjuku).

Macross trivia time the building that gets knocked down by the SDF1 as it enters the atmosphere in Macross episode 1 is in Shinjuku Sky scraper district.

Along with the Hyatt that was used in Lost in translation. I usually stay at the Keio Plazza which is across the road.

Annoyingly I haven't got a photo. The store you want is under the Yodobashi games store that has all the large LCD screens out on the street showing all the latest games and stuff. My friend has pictures but he's currently in Cuba on holiday.

I have found on the net a picture of the street its in but is oldish so not all the signs are the same. But basically Yodobashi kinda own the street as you can see all the big white with red lettering signs are theirs. The one you want is on the left at the top of the picture. You can just about make out the awning over the ground floor entrance.

A map of the general area, this is a good one you'll notice the area round Nishi Shinjuku is filled with Yodabashi shops. there are a few other shops that you'll like too but just look round and look up at the the signs etc Yellow Sub and others are all there.

.... and finally you may recognize the building in the middle. The Seiji Togo Memorial building (Macross trivia). It has an art gallery in it now among other things, but was a major land mark in the area in the late 70's and early 80's. I was told by a local that round then there wasn't much really tall stuff in the area so the building really stood out. These days its difficult to get a good picture of it.

This picture was taken from the observation floor in the Government building free entry all day till 10pm worth the look if your there you can see for miles and soon realize just how near all the places you go to are to each other. You can see Yokahama light house and landmark tower on a good day.

Hope this helps out and we should get this pinned or get some good purpose taken photos of all the Macross selling shops district by district in Japan on a web page here at MW to help us and any possible new members out. The photos are easy each time you find a good Macross selling shop photo the out side take note of the address etc and then we could post it on a page. Map making is also a possibility as there are loads of the simple style Maps that they use in Japan (like above) all over the net.

Edited for spelling and clarity

Big F, in Tokyo again just very briefly for a couple of days, any chance you can point out more specifically for someone like me where the basement Yodobashi is on the map you had?

Thanks

[big F]

OK cant be totally sure but the green cross is written over the two streets that are most interesting. Yodabashi has a store on the corner which is full of mobile phones on the ground floor. Its not that store ( see my other post picture) the one you want is just down from there it has many large lcd screens outside under a retractable awning. there are games consoles and games on the ground floor to the side of the store is a staircase that leads down to the basement. on the way down you should see posters of new release figures usually idols and swim ware types occasional Gundam and if you are really lucky Macross. when you get to the bottom of the stair if they haven't rearranged it ( they like to do it) you l see a large glass cabinet full of Macross and Gundam stuff.Behind you as you face the cabinet will be loads of Gashapon machines and behind that models and such Macross is usually deposited near the tills end of the isles.

The main trouble is as I'm there at least once a year I just go all auto pilot and just walk there. Next time I promise I will take pictures and do a proper guide. if you can find the Phone shop Yodabashi your right there.

Hope that helps you some basically in that area is everything you'll need. there's a great comic store above one of the seconhand games shops just climb up the steepstairs past the hentai and keep going to the top, hes not always open but has some great stuff including TF and Macross stuff. Head back towards the Keio Plaza just where green line runs out on my map is a trader DVD They sell dvds games cds and most importantly macross Gashapon and collectables like the CMS figures. I snagged all of the CMS bar 2 there and got a near MIB Taka for 1200 Yen yup that was 1200 Yen aka £10 or $20. great place to rummage and open till ten.

Edited April 15, 2008 by big F

[the_foul_fowl]

Well, I'll be stopping by Tokyo for a few days in mid-Feb. The last time I went in Jan 07 I had a lot of time to trawl through the streets of Akiba, but this time my wife is coming with me, don't think she'll appreciate following me for hours at Akiba So I'll have to be very specific in my toy hunting!

Anyways, I've been reading that Akiba's changed a lot in the past 2 years, would need some help from those who've been there recently. I'll be looking for some new release Yammies like the nonFP v2 1J, destroids etc. Will be at least exploring Gamers, Rajio Kaikan, Asobit, Mandarake and Yodabashi. Are there any other places in Akiba that has Yammies at good discounts?

Also, off Akiba, in Shinjuku, Sakuraya Hobby Lobby ( http://www.sakuraya.co.jp/sshop/shi_hoby.html ) is good too?

Shoulda posted the pic of the store as there are now 3 Yodabashi cameras in Shinjuku. The one you want is under the games store. It`s filled to the brim with Gundam Tamiya and Macross and Gashapons.

For Yodabashi in Shinjuku, seems mighty confusing. On the Yodabashi website, is this the one with the basement mecha-goodness being mentioned?

http://www.yodobashi.com/ec/store/0011/

It seems that the main store has many sub-outlets, with a hobby branch here?

http://www.yodobashi.com/ec/store/map/0011/

Any 'intelligence' or 'field reports' would be much appreciated!

Edited January 30, 2009 by the_foul_fowl

[sketchley]

man... this thread is reminding me how badly layed out and organized Tokyo is...

Anyhow, on the map/0011, the hobby branch is labeled: ゲーム・ホビー館. It's also the "third" most distant from the station. (Good luck navigating your way through that station... the busiest station on the planet, some "3.64 million" people per day.)

[Save]

Hey Gang,

I am living in Yokohama. I'd love to meet up with anyone fellow mecha/macross fans to hunt for cool stuff. I've been to Akihabara and Nakano. Where is the Mandarake in Shibuya? I don't know about that one. Also Wonderfest is coming up in February if anyone is interested in going. I sure will be!

anthony (Caseymunchkin)

PM when you are coming into Tokyo, got lots of free time this month. Wonderfest is canceled it may be back for summer but it is not for sure.

if you ever come down to Osaka, PM me. I can show you around. There are a few other members here in Osaka as well.

Rob

Yeah Rob gave me and Tokyo Hunter the grand tour, even if I went back I would still need Rob to show me around. Man my head was spinning after that outing. Thanks again Rob!

I got a few more locatiosn out in the west of Tokyo, but peple best have a local guide them as some of the places are hard to find. Like Magic Box in Kokubunji or Times, both don't sell cheap but stock a lot of older/rare kits.

Another good location is Shinjuku, shops there include Sakuraya Hobby, Volks, Yellow Submarine, The Hobbit and a few smaller shops.

The Hobbit shops have all closed up Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Shibuya are gone. The one in Shinjuku is now a card game shop. Yellow Sub and Volks are stocking less anime stuff and more Dolls and game cards. Sakuraya Hobby is mostly the same stuff you can find at any major electronic shop with a hobby floor, but if you do go there head to the very back and you may be able to find treasure that has been pushed to the back of the shelves over the past years. There were a few cube shops in Shinjuku but I recently went shopping and all the ones I went back to are gone.

Recently Mandarake in Shibuya has been getting lots of good stuff and many people never go there. They were the only shops I've seen to have the Roy Weathering ver. for sale. If you ask me skip Shinjuku for hobby shopping and head to Shibuya.

If you are going to Akihabara PM me to take you around.

Edited January 31, 2009 by Save

[the_foul_fowl]

man... this thread is reminding me how badly layed out and organized Tokyo is...

Anyhow, on the map/0011, the hobby branch is labeled: ゲーム・ホビー館. It's also the "third" most distant from the station. (Good luck navigating your way through that station... the busiest station on the planet, some "3.64 million" people per day.)

Thanks! Yeah, it IS pretty confusing. I've often read how (relatively) pointless addresses in Tokyo are, and how even the locals sometimes go by landmarks rather than the street addresses.

Recently Mandarake in Shibuya has been getting lots of good stuff and many people never go there. They were the only shops I've seen to have the Roy Weathering ver. for sale. If you ask me skip Shinjuku for hobby shopping and head to Shibuya.

Mmmm, Shibuya, ok, sounds like it's worth a look! Hope I can squeeze at least an hour or so to drop by for a look.

Appreciate the offer to go round Akiba! I won't be able to take it up though, may not have much time there this time round.

[sketchley]

Thanks! Yeah, it IS pretty confusing. I've often read how (relatively) pointless addresses in Tokyo are, and how even the locals sometimes go by landmarks rather than the street addresses.

Once you figure out how to navigate, it's pretty simple. Though, having multiple branch stores in the same area is just... confusing.

Anyhow, some advice on navigating in Japan (and applicable to Korea and probably most Asian countries): http://poza.net/japan/living5.html

[big F]

the Large Yodabashi Camera store in Akiba has a whole area of models and Figure stuff its right near the station. Although some of the off the main street shops are better for the more unusual finds. Save is your best bet. Once you get to know the area It gets easy. Just navigate using Stations and bars or Yoshinoya's, works for me.

Shinjuku Station is the busyest and IIRC the largest station in the world. Remember half of it is underground. But again once you get to know it, it is easy and very handy when it rains and you still want to get about the shopping district without getting too wet.

Edited February 3, 2009 by big F

[cart]

Is anybody going this weekend to Akihabara? I was thinking of trying the stamp rally thing but not sure yet.

[Fortress_Maximus]

*bumped* for benefit of idlecogz

[Fortress_Maximus]

*bumped* for locutus

[VF-1S Alpha]

Wohoo,

finally arrived in Tokyo and staying with my wife at Shinjuku, at Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku, I will be doing my macross related shopping (BTW, is the Macross Frontier Movie still showing?), and I will be trying to check out the above mentioned stores on the forums/thread. My wife probably will be doing her own shopping, so if any Macross fans around, drop me a PM...

[sketchley]

Ｉ believe it's still showing in at least two theatres in Tokyo: http://www.macrossf.com/movie/popup.html

http://www.tohotheater.jp/index.html

お台場シネマメディアージュ

TOHOシネマズ西新井

http://www.movix.co.jp/index.html

MOVIX亀有

(No, don't know where any of these theatres are. Perhaps a member in the Kanto area can provide details).

[Save]

FYI Shinjuku, Sakuraya Hobby Lobby is closing this month on Feb. 28, 2010.

( http://www.sakuraya.co.jp/sshop/shi_hoby.html )

[VF-1S Alpha]

I want to say a great thanks for Adrian (Save) and Joseph from Tokyo Hunters for meeting up with me and my wife, and it showed me that Akihabara really is the land of Macross goodies, and I got VERY impressed on how both of these guys SCOUTED all areas of Tokyo for toy shops, anime, etc...

I will post some pics of us getting together, and my prize DX VF-25S Ozma Custom heavy pack for 12,600YEN

Will definitely be back for more (without my wife)...

Paulo

[Renato]

FYI Shinjuku, Sakuraya Hobby Lobby is closing this month on Feb. 28, 2010.

( http://www.sakuraya.co.jp/sshop/shi_hoby.html )

What the hell?? NNNOOOOOOOOOooo!!

They better open up a brand new one right next door. Heh, we should hold a vigil service for it, I remember going there pretty much every week way back in the day, and even meeting up MW members there when the Yamato v.1 VF-1 came out. Then the 1/48 came out a year later! The memories, man.

Edited February 26, 2010 by Renato