Sorry this took me so long to get done. I finally got it posted and shared the data via google sheets and google maps. the link to the spreadsheet the link to the map my blog post with tips for your toy hunting trip, though it's primarily aimed at first-timers I will keep all data updated if people let me know what's changed. This was up to date as of Feb 2017.
That's some hardcore work there! Thanks for sharing. Man I have to get to Japan, I've only said this 9000 times in the last decade.
A lot of effort there, so thanks for putting in the time and collecting it all, as well as posting it here. Lots of good and useful information, especially for noobies as you said. And even as someone who has lived there, you can never have too many tips, trust me. Only thing remaining is to bring along that handy local who knows all the secret ins-and-outs, not to mention help with the language. One of my favourite parts of the guide:
Oh wow! 3rd post and what a great one it is! Thank you so much for the layout! I am sure the other travelers will be very happy with this! BIG PROPS!
Pretty cool. I would arrange by station. That way I can plan on being in the area for a day and hit the stores in the area (easy enough for me to rearrange).
Thanks for the map! I'll be heading over there next year and this will be very helpful =))) I appreciate the other nuggets of wisdom like this also... "The little bottles of booze are often free on international flights and your Godzilla sofubi will look great holding one!"
bummer to see that home rice in shimokitazawa is expected to close in 2017! it was one of my favorite shops in my trip a few years ago.
Is Cosmo Knight Alpha still open? I'm not sure I'd make it out there even if it is open, but if it's closed I won't even try.
It’s only open certain days as far as I know.. But 12-8 is usual fare.. Try to message Yoda San on IG? ~ @yodamasahico Edit: But yes, it totally should be up and running. There have been lots of recent posts of people at the shop...
This list is great! I merged a few spots onto my map in Google so I can try to see as many as possible. My wife and I are headed to Japan next Wednesday for a week. I'm really interested in seeking out Sangatsu Honpo - Sunguts storefront. I found the address on their website, but it looks like the time in which they are there is very random (mid month sat/sun 2-7). Anyone have suggestions on seeking out Sunguts figures while in Japan?
Since the spreadsheet and map are 15 months out of date, I talked with @Mad Martian and he said people are encouraged to leave comments at the bottom of the blog post for corrections and omissions.
A mate has kindly offered to go on a little shopping mission for me in central Tokyo,I really don't want him to be having to navigate multi story malls. From what I can tell Mandarke Complex is the most accessable for the pedestrian. Am I right? and if he goes there with a few item reference numbers will he be able to buy stuff easily? Cheers for any advice
Hello, its best to get the image and name from the website itself (Please make sure its the correct store as there are 3. Complex, Shibuya and Nakano. After that, just show it to the staff.
Mandarake has many locations throughout Japan (not just Tokyo) and each has different stock. The good news is they have their entire inventory for every store on their web site. You can find the items you are looking for and which locations have it - in English. They also ship worldwide for a reasonable fee if you're not in a hurry, so no need to depend on your friend. They tend to charge a little more than other stores, but the convenience can't be beat.
I was in Tokyo at the end of 2017 and Nakano Broadway has a bit more variety than the last time I was there. Back in 2009, I didn't see any of the newer toys but now, they have a little bit of everything. Also, One Up is in Nakano Broadway so you'll find some of the newer vinyl toys there as well. If I was to send someone to one place, it would be Nakano, plus you can get soft serve ice cream while there I'm not sure if I set the doc so people can edit it. I just changed the setting so anyone that clicks on the link should be able to edit when needed. New Link Here
Agreed - Nakano Broadway was one of my favorite places we went in Tokyo! I wasn't even interested in buying toys on my trip, but loved walking through all the various shops - such a wide variety of stuff to look at. In contrast, I hated Shibuya. And if you go to Nakano, take the train one (two?) more stop west to Koenji - Koenji was my favorite neighborhood and that's where I plan on staying next time we go to Tokyo.
Just in comparison to Nakano I was less into Shibuya. But, I didn't like having to walk down (and then UP to leave!) 10 flights of stairs to get to the shop. And it was mostly devoted to manga (and videos?), with just a few aisles of toys. Also, it was cramped, hot and stuffy. It was alright, but I had a much more pleasant and interesting experience at Nakano.
I think I misunderstood, then. You're just talking about the Mandarake stores and not the different wards?
