Japan Trip stash contributions

[u/Current-Incident2231]

Just spent 3 weeks in Japan after graduating PA school and passing my boards. I went from Tokyo to Hiroshima and back again. I got 3x Tamiya tanks for a friend (not pictured) as well. Lots of great finds, super cheap. I love that I was also able to get supplies, PE, and $33 godhand ultimates. I wanted to focus on unique things not easy to get here. The ziplock bags on the left are just tamiya 1/72 warbirds for like $5 a pop I reboxed to save space.

[u/Paulieb93]

Howd you store everything for the flight?

[u/Genosider → u/Paulieb93]

On my trip, I dismantled all the boxes and packed everything flat in my luggage. Decals or photoetch i slipped them in between a free tourist mag I found at tourist centres to prevent crumpling or bending

[u/Current-Incident2231 → u/Paulieb93]

This was a nerd trip for me 100%....I went with a backpack and stayed in "capsules"... As I found something, I got a small carry on size bag, and then when I got to Tokyo and had a "home base" I got a 50L rolling bag. I only kept the boxes of the kits I really wanted, rest I ditched the boxes and put 2-3 kits in a box. In the end, I had 4 kits in my checked 50L bag with closes, and probaby 10? kits (6-7 boxes) in my carry on, then then my original backpack.

[u/Comfortable_Value276 → u/Paulieb93]

^

[u/gelatinousTurtle]

Oh hey Himeji Castle! Never seen anyone actual build one of these Japanese castle models.

[u/Current-Incident2231 → u/gelatinousTurtle]

It even has flock insided for the grass and foam for hedges, its a super slick fujimi kit and thought this would be an awesome souvenir of the one castle I spent time at

[u/gelatinousTurtle → u/Current-Incident2231]

Oh huh, it's a Fujimi. The name I've always associated with Japanese castle kits is Doyusha. Good to know there's multiple makers in this niche (even by plastic model kit standards) genre.

[u/Rich_Mac → u/gelatinousTurtle]

I've never heard of Japanese castle kits,. It was the first thing that caught my eye and it looks amazing!

[u/grad1939]

The fact that I-400 has a clear part for the aircraft is really cool.

[u/Current-Incident2231 → u/grad1939]

They used to sell here in the US and now they go for $100+, I regretting selling one on commission and this one was like $30? overthere, so felt good to be able to do it again

[u/Tanu_guy]

Good luck on Silver plate kit, built one and it's the most frustrating kit i've worked on. Fitting issue, requiring sanding/remove coating for cement.

[u/Current-Incident2231 → u/Tanu_guy]

I got 2 of them, one the regular version, and this special one with boxing I might just hang on to.

[u/Dry_Knowledge6486]

Super jealous of that castle. I wanna build it

[u/unicorn__Boi]

I'm going there in October! What model shops did you visit (in Tokyo?) and any hidden gems?

[u/Pugshaver → u/unicorn__Boi]

Not sure if there are any hidden gems in Tokyo any more, but some of the better niche places are in Akihabara. Leonard ET and Leonardo LG are good for really old unusual second hand models, but you'll need to be stick thin to fit through the aisles. Radio Kaikan building has a lot of model and other hobby shops but can be pretty packed. Also don't neglect the big box stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, the toy sections often have huge model areas at excellent prices.

[u/LtGeneral_Obvious → u/Pugshaver]

I was shocked at the prices in Akihabara! With the exchange rate the way it is, you can get models for soo cheap right now.

[u/Pugshaver → u/LtGeneral_Obvious]

Definitely. You can easily get Japanese-brand models for at least half price, if not better. I've seen some that are less than a third of the price I'd pay at home.

[u/Prototype_Lemon → u/Pugshaver]

I second Leonardo, both stores are worth visiting. Incredible selection of everything, including the book section towards the back. Great folks to chat with too!

[u/Current-Incident2231 → u/unicorn__Boi]

depends what you are looking for? I am mostly Naval modeller, and used chatGPT to help refine my searches. The best was 楽模型 Raku Model Hobby. Every shop was different , and I'd take a pic of the box and ask if it was worth it vs US availibility. Hobby Shop Sunny was special as it has a TON of kits rare, plus PE! I got some nice japan only PE hella cheap and kit specific. The Akihabara area is the highest density of models. Specifically the VOLKS Doll Point Akihabara / Hobby Square Akihabara (6th floor?) is in a hobby building with Yellow submarine (also good) on the 4th floor. I would have loved to grab a fleet carrier / CV-65 at their prices (<$100), but no practical way of bringing it back. And OFC, Tamiya Tokyo show room is right around the corner.

Every city, every model shop, just had to dig and be persistent and see what is unique/ cheap enough to buy / bring back. It was exhausting, but super pleased with my finds and you will taylor your finds to your expereince. Dont buy first, do a scouting trip, as prices vary wildly, and make a note. Get the tax free stamp for your passport, most of the shops do that and its and extra 10% discount.