Passion & Precision: Tamiya Heaven In Tokyo

For those that love cars, it’s hard to think of a more exciting place to visit in Japan. The events are fantastic, the shops will blow your mind, and even just being out on the street watching cars can be an amazing experience. While the country’s love for the automobile is quite well known, the Japanese have an equally strong passion for their smaller scale hobbies.

Whether it’s those strange anime figurines, old video games, comic books, or anything else – Japan just might be the most hobby-obsessed nation in the world. Often this passion for hobbies crosses over with the love for automobiles and the result is one of the world’s greatest diecast, model, and RC scenes. Many of these Japanese-branded products are known and loved by hobbyists throughout the world.

So for many hobbyists, visiting Japan is stepping on to the home turf of their favorite brands. Of these brands, few are more well known or more respected than Tamiya. The company has been around since 1946 and its familiar twin star logo is known by model builders and radio control fans across the planet.

That brings me to the Tamiya Plamodel Factory, located in the Shinbashi district of Tokyo. It opened up a couple years ago, and I had the chance to visit for the first time last month.

While Tokyo is full of amazing hobby shops, the Plamodel Factory is unique in that it’s an actual retail store that offers the entire line of Tamiya products. Spread among the Plamodel Factory’s three floors you’ll find over 4,000 different Tamiya items for sale.

Upon walking in the front door, the first thing I noticed was just how large the place was. Unlike a lot of stores in Japan that can be rather cramped, there was plenty of space here to relax and get a good look at everything. I was also surprised at how nicely everything was presented. Some of this can be attributed to the newness I’m sure, but it had to be the most fashionable hobby shop I’ve ever seen.

The first floor of the store is dedicated to plastic models – not just cars but motorcycles, aircraft and ships as well.

This isn’t Planehunters , but I think I speak for many Speedhunters readers when I say have a strong interest in aircraft and military history. I’m sure this comes from the same place in my brain as the passion for automobiles.

There’s definitley something cool about seeing highly detailed Warbird replicas sitting right alongside the cars we know and love. It’s almost like a miniature version of Goodwood!

Whether it’s a scale replica of a Mitsubishi Zero or a Mitsubishi Evo, Tamiya seems to inject the same amount of detail into all of their products.

A WW2 tank diorama made out of sweets. I have a strong hunch this is one of those things you’ll only find in Japan…

Ah yes, but back to the cars now…

As I said a moment ago, the shelves are well stocked here. If it’s a car and currently produced by Tamiya, you’ll find it at the Plamodel Factory.

If you are a model builder or have an interest in Japanese cars, you’ve probably had an experience with a Tamiya kit sometime in your life. Seeing these older models displayed brought back a lot of memories for me.

It’s cool, for example, to see a model of the original Zenki Nissan 180SX – a kit which I believe came out at the same time the actual car did back in the late ’80s.

Of course it’s not just street cars either. Tamiya’s line includes all sorts of race machines too, like this selection of prototypes.

It’s nice that they also display the finished versions of the kits so you can see what they are supposed to look like when completed.

Somehow I can’t remember any of the models I put together as a kid coming out quite this well though. Where are the glue finger prints?

Formula 1 fan? Tamiya also has you covered there with dozens of kits based on the world’s great F1 machines. The lineup includes famous cars of recent memory…

…as well of those from more distant parts of Formula 1 history.

Needless to say, the iconic Tyrrell P34 is also included among the bunch. It’s not quite as detailed as the nearly $4,000 diecast model I posted last week, but captures the spirit nonetheless.

Not surprisingly, I found myself being particularly drawn to the these vintage-themed models. That Group A Mugen Civic looks especially cool.

The same goes for its German counterpart, the Group 2 Golf Mk.I racer.

On the modern end of the spectrum, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ have made a big splash in the hobby world, just at they have in the “real world”.

Not only does Tamiya offer detailed kits of both the 86 and the BRZ, they also offer the paint needed to model them as accurately as possible.

One of the most impressive things I found in the entire store were these framed, unassembled Nissan GT-R kits. At a little over $600 each they aren’t cheap, but it’s hard to think of a cooler piece of wall art for those GT-R fanatics out there.

Heading down to the basement level of the store, you arrive in the radio control section.

Tamiya’s contributions to the RC hobby are perhaps even larger than their contributions to the model world – and they all can be found at the Plamodel Factory.

While I never personally got too involved with radio control cars, I still get a lot of enjoyment from just looking at them.

The Hornet, The Grasshopper. You gotta love the sense of nostalgia that comes with this stuff.

The Lamborghini Countach – a dream car even in RC form I’d say.

But perhaps my memories most associated with Tamiya involve their off road RC trucks. I never had one myself, but I can recall being very envious of friends that had them or the strong feelings of want when I saw them in hobby shops.

The 1:10 scale “Bruiser” Toyota truck in particular is pure retro awesome. I’m so glad that Tamiya still offers this baby today. Maybe I should get one and see what I missed out on?

Slightly smaller, but just as cool is this RC version of the popular Suzuki Jimny.

In addition to every RC kit Tamiya makes, the store is also well stocked with just about every part and accessory you can think of. From fully painted bodies…

…to the small parts needed to get your machine back on the road or improve its performance.

1:14 Radio control big rigs. Does it get any cooler?

At over $1,100 for a complete tractor and trailer set they aren’t cheap, but it’s hard to think of anything better in the “I want to play with this now!” department. What kid (or adult who hasn’t grown up) wouldn’t want one of these?

Heading up to the third floor, there’s even a work space and race track for small scale RC vehicles. Given the lack of space in Tokyo, I’m guessing this a popular hangout for local hobbyists.

In addition to the plastic model kits and RC items, the store is also stocked with hobby blades, tweezers, drill bits, and other items for model builders. There’s also a large selection of plastic for scratchbuilding projects.

Let’s not forget the vast array paint products either…

There’s also a full line of airbrush kits and even a complete miniature paint booth. A bit more professional than laying newspaper over the kitchen table like I used to do…

The store also has a decent book and magazine section, with titles dedicated to both real and scale vehicles.

Diecasts? Yep, they have a few of those as well.

You can also find a big selection of official Tamiya-branded merchandise available. I quite liked these work aprons myself.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a big RC or model person, I highly recommend checking out the Tamiya Plamodel Factory if you ever have the chance. It’s a fine place to relive childhood memories and perhaps even rediscover an old love.

Just be warned that as with a lot of destinations in Japan, there is great potential for severe damage to the pocketbook. Come prepared!

-Mike

Tamiya Plamodel Factory Shimbashi

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

77 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

well i WAS feeling good about my tamiya gt-one's finished quality

2

well i WAS feeling good about my tamiya gt-one's finished quality

3

My god!
I'm drooling front of my screen...

4

My god!
I'm drooling front of my screen...

5

This just reminds me I need to get my airbrush working.
(As a car model builder this place is on the bucket list).
Great post Mike.

6

This just reminds me I need to get my airbrush working.
(As a car model builder this place is on the bucket list).
Great post Mike.

Author7

@ComJive Haha. I'm sure it's still better than anything I've ever built!

Author8

@ComJive Haha. I'm sure it's still better than anything I've ever built!

Author9

@jzx81 Thank you! As I write this I'm actually glancing at a few unbuilt kits sitting on the shelf above my desk. Hopefully I'll have time to dig into them soon.

Author10

@jzx81 Thank you! As I write this I'm actually glancing at a few unbuilt kits sitting on the shelf above my desk. Hopefully I'll have time to dig into them soon.

Author13

@TheExoDozzMRT Maybe you shouldn't go there. I hear they make you buy every product you get saliva on!

Author14

@TheExoDozzMRT Maybe you shouldn't go there. I hear they make you buy every product you get saliva on!

15

Thank you Mr. Garrett for these photos. You just made my jaw hit the floor in amazement.

16

Thank you Mr. Garrett for these photos. You just made my jaw hit the floor in amazement.

17

Oh wow. 2856 yen for the BR-Z…? Comes out to roughly $30 CAD, where I live the Tamiya models often cost twice that. What a steal!

18

ignasidimas gràcies. Llàstima que quasi tot siguin kits per muntar...

19

Wow - that is heaven!

20

They even made a unimog kit. Suppose i must finish the Morris Mini though.

21

Sorry to be pedantic, but the small scale RC track is actually a Mini 4WD track.

22

@BigFoigg Wow really? I just finished a Tamiya R33 GT-R and I got it for $25.

23

wow that place is amazing!!  I remember when those old RC cars were new! the hornet, grasshopper, and bruiser (which looks amazing to this day)those old RC cars were so cool because they where really scaled down versions of automobiles, rather than the modern carbon pan chassis with just a lexan cover.

24

THIS is the place of all places :D

25

Oh my God, I want everything! Every model in every photo was exquisite! :D

26

I am definently going to order one of those bruiser RC trucks after reading this article lol

27

I am definently going to order one of those bruiser RC trucks after reading this article lol

28

#scalespeedhunter

29

#scalespeedhunter

Author30

@ClaytonPayton In a way it's just like real cars. I prefer race machines that are as close to "real" cars as possible :)

Author31

@ClaytonPayton In a way it's just like real cars. I prefer race machines that are as close to "real" cars as possible :)

Author32

@jdmflash Haha, you're on the same page as me!

Author33

@jdmflash Haha, you're on the same page as me!

Author34

@MartinBrandan Imagine how I felt in the store!

Author35

@MartinBrandan Imagine how I felt in the store!

36

i saw the article on the yodobashi camera store model section last year and when i was lucky enough to go there i spent an easy $300 on plastic models, cant wait to go here next!!

37

i saw the article on the yodobashi camera store model section last year and when i was lucky enough to go there i spent an easy $300 on plastic models, cant wait to go here next!!

38

I used to own the hornet back when i was little and my bro had the shaft driven 4wd super hornet.

39

I used to own the hornet back when i was little and my bro had the shaft driven 4wd super hornet.

40

All those YENS!!!!!!

Author41

@tom959 Haha, nice to hear. Yodobashi should give me a commission!

42

Every time I see a modelkit of a car I want to buy it but never do. I'm way to scared I'll mess it up. :P
 
But what a cool store. The closest comparison I've seen was a Marklin train shop, it was just a neat and tidy. Most hobby stores around here are dens filled with clutter and shelves all the way to the ceiling. It's a shame because that creates a barrier for people to enter and maybe start a great hobby.

43

As nice as the body is, the Bruiser's beauty is underneath it. Steel ladder frame with steel leaf springs, metal live axles with differentials and Toyota-style ball-style steering knuckles, and a metal-case 3-speed transmission/transfer case.

Author44

@lonestranger Haha, that's awesome. I love how it sounds like you are describing a real 4x4.

Author45

@guReMcO Yeah I know what you mean. The shops in Japan are usually pretty well-kept, but don't have quite the same presentation as the Plamodel Factory.

46

@Mike Garrett  @lonestranger The Bruiser is and the Hilux are the most iconic kits for scale wheeling. In the states a classic Bruiser kit can go for big money.

47

@ClaytonPayton Sand Scorcher and Rough Rider were my dream machines many moons ago :)

48

omg. *drools uncontrollably* and seeing some of the kits that i built way back when i was in gradeschool (they all succumbed to experimentation like chopped-off roofs, paint thinner gradually making the plastic brittle, and so on) ticked all the nostalgic boxes for me.  heheh.
 
this seems more of a tamiya museum than a hobby store.  hey tamiya, why won't you do the same thing with your plant over here in Cebu, Philippines?  :)

49

awesome post! I was there at the same store 2 years ago, thanks for bringing back all the memories with this post!

50

So sweet, I need to visit japan, someday.  For now I just bought an RC Tamiya LunchBox, "for my son".  At least that's what I told his Mom.

51

@clevernamehere  @BigFoigg 
The newer kits are usually around $60-$80 in Canada! The R33 kit has been around a while though which would explain the price difference

52

$600 for the framed GTR!? You could build that yourself for 10% of the price!

53

I spent a bunch of yen at a die-cast store near Nippori Station last year. Even though I've already got a lot of unfinished Tamiya kits, I'm definitely visiting this store on my next visit this fall. Thanks for the tip Mike!

54

!!!! yeah those had replica VW trailing arm suspension and all that. seriously old school.I was always partial to The Lunchbox.  there was just something so cool about a lifted Van. I finally got an RC car when I was like 12 for xmas haha. it was the King Cab.  And I was not gentle with it =(

Author55

@Censport No prob! I'm sure you'll love it.

Author56

@AlanPeterson1 Great strategy!

57
Speedhunters Bryn

Tamiya only came up in conversation over the weekend, so I dug my old catalogues out. I turn a page and I'm 15 again... Those work aprons are a thing of wonder. Much need.

58

banzaimag TamiyaUK OMG!!!!! Where is that??? #drewling

59

So much want there.  If I had the cash those shelves would be empty in one visit.  Unimog, HKS R32, Z-Tune R34, Warsteiner M3.  It's probably a good thing I don't have access to that store actually lol.

60

danielduchon TamiyaUK Tokyo... :-(

61

banzaimag TamiyaUK so sad... :(

62

danielduchon TamiyaUK Not if you're in Tokyo.... (but agreed, sad for the rest of us)

Author63

@Speedhunters Bryn Word! I just love how they've kept the old stuff alive alongside the latest and greatest.

Author64

@Trae S Yep. The temptation to buy stuff you don't really need is probably the worst thing about Japan. Haha.

Author65

@PeteSanchez  @clevernamehere  @BigFoigg Yikes!

Author66

@Janne Koskinen Anytime!

67

I have the Bugeye STI featured in one of the pictures (As I drive a bugeye WRX) and my friend has the 300ZX in the same picture because he drives one of those.

68

WOW that brings back memories... I actually still own my RC Super Hornet , the box is gathering dust in my wardrobe , thinking i should wipe it down and bring it back out for a spin

69

Hi I'm luca from Italy I'm looking for this vintage model tamiya ford f-150 ranger xlt 58027 code if you contact me

70

Hi.im from malaysia..can u shipping tamiya mini 4wd car and spare part..if can .please email me fazzry89@gmail.com..thanks.

71

see so many  models still for sale that have not been for sale since mid ninetys i have a few would like to get to japan one day with about  2,000 us lol

72

I so want to go to that place some time maybe on my OE if I can

73

me gustaría tener un local así en Lima

74

How much would an RC kit cost??

75

andooylim Depends, entry level which is where I would start if you've never owned one would be a TT-02 or TT-01 Type E based kit. 

About $100-$150

 If you plan on only running it once or twice and then putting on it shelf, then the base kit is fine.

 If you plan on going a bit further and being on the SpeedHunters site can't just keep well enough alone; then mandatory upgrades are ball bearings and oil shocks. If you goto your local Tamiya website in the EU or US/North America you'll find a list of of the upgrade parts. Your owner's manual/assembly book has all the part numbers for the stock parts + a few of the upgrades. It is ideal to assemble the car with the upgrades.

 You can pick up a cheap 2.4Ghz radio from Hobby King for about $35 with servo. 

 Beware if you order kits from Japan, if you get a Japanese market kit it will not come with a electronic speed control. All US/EC kits come with one and you can get US/EU kits from Japan at a discount because of exchange rates.

 The initial expense is a bit high compared to some other hobbies and can quickly get out of control just like 1:1 cars can but it's fun and even better when you find other friends to join in either just bashing or racing.

76

Is this item is available in your shop
Tamiya carbon reinforced fm chasis
Item code 95239. *400 how much per piece do you accepting shipping transaction and how much it will cost.
From cavite philippines

77

Hi, I am from South Africa and have seen a lot of pictures of Model cars with your logo on. Where can I buy. I know of a guy that sells it here in SA l, but he is extremely expensive. I would like to build my own collection. Please help me. Thank you

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS