KATO Kyoto Store - Model Train Paradise

[SL58654号]

During my spontaneously-planned voyage to Kyoto from my home in Kumamoto, I knew that after leaving the Kyoto Railway Museum that there would be at least one more haven of (model) railways that was not-to-be-missed seeing as how I was in Kyoto for the first time in 12 years. The KATO Kyoto retail outlet was excellent. Everything an average to the more refined railway enthusiast of N gauge models could want, as well as OO-9 and HO Bachmann Thomas models as well. Well worth it if you are anywhere near or in Kyoto Station. 
From this store I purchased the two items seen at my seat on the Shinkansen, and a future visit is not out of the question for me! 

 

 

 

 

 

Seen here are one of the "Bug Boxes" that I purchased. Ffestiniog Railway trains obviously resonate with Japanese rail fans since they're so cute. 

A quaint Japanese local station. I've already got one that's planned to be on my unfinished layout. 

A roundhouse and turntable clearly meant to emulate the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum. In good taste. 

[SL58654号]

He's a cheeky little engine, and Japan certainly loves him! 

 

Next time I think I'll pick up one of the Kyoto-themed Chibi Locos.

The George England engines aren't being left out of the picture. I have three thus far. KATO is ramping up their British narrow gauge offerings through OO-9 layout starter sets.

Had my new ED75 1005 tested at the store before cordially saying goodbye. 

 

What a store! Japan and model trains go together like green tea🍵and biscuits! This German documentary seems to agree with my thoughts. 
What exclusive KATO Kyoto items would any of you fellows like to obtain from either the store itself or elsewhere?

While they are sold out here, I'm currently bidding on a KATO Umekoji 8630 SL! Wish me luck! 

[katoftw]

I wasn't wowed by the store.

 

I was there last year.  Nice place, lots of stuff.  But I guess as there wasn't nothing of interest to buy for myself.  I guess it felt like a let down.

 

They had all the common kato range plus a lot of niche stuff.

 

Not my thing, but their HO range inside the store was quite large and surprising.

[Kingmeow]

I was there in 2023.  Nice, very boutique'ish store, but the selection was not as great at their Hobby Center store in Shinjuku.  Nevertheless the more stores there are to spread the gospel the better!  😎

 

The interior store decoration was very zen and it made you feel peaceful with model trains.  😁

[Dillon]

8 hours ago, SL58654号 said:

What exclusive KATO Kyoto items would any of you fellows like to obtain from either the store itself or elsewhere?

The 009 Oscar lol

[SL58654号]

21 hours ago, Dillon said:

The 009 Oscar lol

Ask and you shall receive, although I did not see it on the shelf there. I'm really hoping that (since Bachmann UK didn't make their own) KATO will make a OO-9 Taliesin Single Fairlie sometime! 

[SL58654号]

23 hours ago, Kingmeow said:

 

The interior store decoration was very zen and it made you feel peaceful with model trains.  😁

Zen you say? Interesting. That's just the feeling that I want my layout to emulate once I finish it after I move into my new house in the countryside. It's far more Japanese-looking that my current apartment. 

What might the Hobby Center store have had that was more noteworthy? 

[Kingmeow]

59 minutes ago, SL58654号 said:

Zen you say? Interesting. That's just the feeling that I want my layout to emulate once I finish it after I move into my new house in the countryside. It's far more Japanese-looking that my current apartment. 

What might the Hobby Center store have had that was more noteworthy? 

 

It depends on what you are after.  Noteworthy is only based on your needs.  It does have a layout upstairs where you can run with fellow customers.

 

The Hobby Center has a lot more variety and it feels like, well, a big hobby store.  The Kyoto Station store has more "warmth" given the generous use of wood and Japanese motifs.