Looking for Some Model Train "Concepts"

[Abushoni]

Greetings All,

 

I have been a Japan aficionado for 30 years and model train hobbyist for 3 hours (my first Kato kits arrived and been constructed today).

 

I am planning my 3rd pilgrimage to Japan in November with visits to Nagoya and Osaka. Being the engineer that I am, it is easier for me to research things at the conceptual level and hence identified the following things I can do, model trains related: 

1) Go to model trains shops.

2) Go to model trains cafes.  

3) Ride and watch some trains.

4) Visit some train bars.

5) Train related museums.

 

Since this is Japan, I am sure I have some blind spots and there are great adventures I am not aware of. Any recommendations for new "concept" will be appreciated. 

 

Thanks,

 

Abushoni

Edited September 9 by Abushoni

[cteno4]

Hi @Abushoni glad you found us and now have your first train! Careful it’s a very addictive hobby!

 

I would add look for a few of the more interesting tourist trains that have interesting food service on board and interesting seating layouts. They are a bit more fun than the standard train ride. They are scattered though so you would need to plan the trip around them.

 

Some model train shops have big rental layouts you can run your trains on as well if you pick up any while you are there, so you can run your Japanese model train in Japan! Also good to do if you pick up a used model just to make sure it’s in good shape (some shops will let you test run your purchase on their layout for free).

 

check out some of the recent travel topics folks have done about their trip planning and experiences and you will probably find a lot of good ideas and narrow your questions some.

 

cheers,

 

jeff

[bc6]

I'm really into GREENMAX kits and would love to visit them as well as RG-ROKKO whenever I get to Japan. 

[N-Osoi]

2 hours ago, Abushoni said:

Nagoya and Osaka

Hi there, welcome! A trip to Japan earlier this year reignited my model train hobby - in fact it was walking into a shop in Osaka! There are a few in Den-Den town but a good shop was Joshin Super Kids Land - an entire floor is just model trains! Be prepared, it will be overwhelming.

 

I recommend catching the Shinkansen if you haven't before, and there are some lovely trains around Osaka and Kyoto, if you also like cats you can make a day trip to the Wakayama Electric Railway to see the cat station master https://visitwakayama.jp/en/attractions/detail_590.html

 

Kyoto also has a train museum but I didn't manage to get there on that trip. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3972.html

 

Enjoy!

Edited September 10 by N-Osoi

[Abushoni]

Hello All,

 

Thank you for the answers and specific details. 

 

Looking forward learning a lot from this community and hopefully add my 2 cents.

 

Best,

 

Abushoni 

[kuro68000]

Here's my map with lots of interesting places for fans of Japanese rail: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VU5-TTOX1I0L3lZ9AYtyep38_RndNYE&usp=sharing

 

If you click on each point you can then open it in Google Maps and check photos, navigate etc. It's got shops, railways, museums, tourist attractions etc.

 

If anyone finds any that aren't on there, let me know and I'll add them.

[Kingmeow]

I will be going back for a second time next month.  Nagoya is on my itinerary but Osaka is not since we were there the last time we went.

 

As N-Osoi mentioned you MUST go to Joshin Super Kids Land in Osaka in the Den Den Town area!!!  Go to the 5th floor and you would not want to leave!  Every and all kinds of model trains and other hobby related supplies.  If you are a tourist, wave your Passport and they will take off the 10% VAT tax.  Plus, last time we were there a year ago, using a VISA credit card will get you another 5% off.  I don't know if that program is still in effect but I've read very old posts on the internet and it seems it was available back then so I imagine it is still in effect.

 

If you are time pressed, there's also a Joshin Super Kids Land in Nagoya but the Osaka one is their HQ and biggest store.

 

Also near Joshin's in Osaka is Popondetta (non-descript entrance next to McDonald's if I remember correctly).  Very worthwhile store for used items (they also have new) but they do not participate in the Duty Free program so no 10% VAT removal if you have a passport.

 

In Nagoya, there's the SCMAGLEV Museum and Railway Park.  I plan to visit.  You can even purchase time to try the Shinkansen simulator.  From the looks it's more than just a PC and a big screen.  Now if it leans on a curve....  😄

 

https://museum.jr-central.co.jp/

[chadbag]

3 hours ago, Kingmeow said:

As N-Osoi mentioned you MUST go to Joshin Super Kids Land in Osaka in the Den Den Town area!!!  Go to the 5th floor and you would not want to leave!  Every and all kinds of model trains and other hobby related supplies.  If you are a tourist, wave your Passport and they will take off the 10% VAT tax.  Plus, last time we were there a year ago, using a VISA credit card will get you another 5% off.  I don't know if that program is still in effect but I've read very old posts on the internet and it seems it was available back then so I imagine it is still in effect.

 

yes this has been the place I've visited the most and bought the most stuff at when in Japan myself (RG Rokko and one other place when I am buying remotely).  The tax free PLUS the Visa thing has always been great and they have pretty good selections of stuff.

 

[Abushoni]

kuro68000,

 

Thank you so much ! I was just bulding my own map, but it looks like you are years ahead....thank you for sharing 🙏

 

Abushoni

[Kamome]

You will find a wealth of train related things to do.

1. Every large city will have a good concentration of hobby and train stores. Obviously the bigger the city, the larger the offering. If you're used to finding addresses in Japan, you shouldn't find it too challenging but a bit like 3D chess. Having a phone with google maps or similar whilst in Japan will help greatly. You can purchase a short term data only sim card from places like Yodobashi camera (usually cheaper than the airport options) 

2. If you are a fan of cats (I am not) and n scale train mechanisms assumedly choked up with cat hair, you could visit here in Osaka. (apologies to cat fans for my outburst)

   https://www.railway-cats.com/?lang=en

3. Not even sure where to start. So many options to list depending on your area of interest.
4. Not sure about train bars other than diorama bar in Tokyo. It used to be in Ginza but now appears to have moved to Shibuya, currently called Bar Ginza Diorama Shibuya. If it's just the feel of railways and not necessarily model railways you'd like to mix with alcohol, this place is in Tennoji, Osaka.  https://maido-bob.osaka/spot/train-bar-station-aka-eki/
5. If you're in Osaka, Kyoto is a short train ride away and the railway museum is very good. 

Edited September 13 by Kamome
Empty lines

[kuro68000]

For visitor SIM cards, I find Ubigi are good. They send you an eSIM, so make sure your phone is compatible - all recent ones are. They are cheap, and you can manage the SIM with their app so if you run out of data it is easy to top it up.