The Gundam Base Tokyo — Attraction in Tokyo

A Gunpla Paradise: My Visit to the Gundam Base Tokyo

As a Gundam enthusiast visiting Tokyo, a trip to the Gundam Base Tokyo was an absolute must-do, and it certainly lived up to the hype! Located on the 7th floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba, it's easily accessible and a true haven for fans of the iconic Mecha franchise.

Stepping inside feels like entering a different world. The sheer variety and volume of Gunpla kits on display and for sale are astounding. From the latest releases to limited edition items and even older, hard-to-find kits, the selection is truly comprehensive. Whether you're a seasoned builder looking for a specific model or a newcomer just starting your Gunpla journey, you're bound to find something that catches your eye. The different grades (HG, RG, MG, PG, etc.) are well-organized, making it easy to navigate the vast inventory.

Beyond the retail experience, the Gundam Base also offers an immersive look into the world of Gunpla. There are display areas showcasing expertly built and painted models, often featuring impressive dioramas that bring iconic scenes from the anime to life. It's inspiring to see the level of craftsmanship and creativity that goes into these builds. For those looking to get hands-on, there's a Build Room where you can assemble your newly purchased kits right on the spot, equipped with tools and guidance if needed. This is a fantastic way to immediately dive into the hobby and connect with other builders.

One of the highlights for me was the exclusive Gundam Base limited edition kits. These special releases, often featuring unique color schemes or accessories, are highly sought after by collectors and offer a tangible souvenir of your visit. I'd recommend checking these out early in your visit as they can sell out quickly, especially popular items.

The atmosphere is electric, with fellow fans excitedly browsing the shelves and admiring the displays. It's a great place to soak in the passion for Gundam and connect with like-minded individuals. The staff are generally knowledgeable and can assist with finding specific kits or answering questions.

While the primary focus is on Gunpla, you can also find a selection of other Gundam merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles. However, the Gunpla selection is undoubtedly the main draw.

A word of caution: the Gundam Base can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you're looking for a less hectic experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours. Also, be prepared for the possibility that highly anticipated new releases or exclusive items might be sold out due to high demand.

Overall, the Gundam Base Tokyo is an unmissable destination for any Gundam fan visiting Tokyo. It's more than just a store; it's an experience that celebrates the artistry and passion surrounding the Gunpla hobby. From the impressive selection of kits to the inspiring displays and the opportunity to build on-site, it's a true pilgrimage site for enthusiasts. Even if you don't end up buying anything, simply being surrounded by so much Gundam goodness is a...

I have been to a few Gundam Bases around the world 🌎 and this visit has given me some mixed feelings 💞.

To start with, after I visited Gundam in Yokohama, I never thought I will visit another Base in Japan 🇯🇵. Simply because not everyone travelling ✈️ 🧳 with me is a fan. Nevertheless, we came to see the Unicorn 🦄 Gundam 🤖 and visit the flag ship store.

Let me break this review into 2️⃣ halves.

The Gundam Robot : Google Map 🗺️says the shop opens at 10am 🕙 and that’s accurate. ✅ However, Gundam Robot only starts moving at 11am 🕚 & it will move or perform for exactly 1min. (See my pics and video) Is it impressive⁉️Yes, it is. I would think for kids 👦👧, it would be amazing! 🤩 It moves 🦾, has lights 🚨, and speaks 🗣️.

It is as impressive as the one in Yokohama? No, it is not 🙅‍♂️🙅‍♀️🙅. Yokohama Gundam is easily 7️⃣ stories tall and it performs massive movements. However, at Yokohama, you have to pay 💰to enter 🎟️ and it is no longer there. ❌ The exhibition has been taken down. So, I will say this Tokyo Bay Gundam, will do for any fan, I enjoyed it. 🙇‍♂️

There’s a Mobile Gundam Cafe ☕️behind the robot if you are interested in grabbing a Bubble Tea 🧋in special Gundam Tumbler 🥤.

The Base : There are two shops. One is right behind the robot and in there, you can purchase stationary ✏️📏🗒️, turn some Gachapon balls 🪩, buy T-Shirts 👕 and stickers. And very limited small Gundam Kits. Mostly sold out…..🚫

The actual base is located inside Diver City in the mall @ Level 7️⃣. We made our way up, only to be told that we need advance booking for entry. All entries for the entire week has been given out. (See my pic 📸) Wow this is a huge disappointment for me ❤️‍🩹….. I translated the web page and didn’t exactly come across any specific mention that we have to ballot for queue numbers.

From the outside, the store looks huge! But it was also fairly empty. I don’t understand why they couldn’t be flexible for off peak hours and make some arrangements. That means, there is no way I can make my way back there again within the week.

I’m gonna offer you my Pro Tips for this visit:

Book your queue number ahead of time! I assume is from the web page? Double check and make sure you get a number or there is no way they will let you in.

Go at 10am sharp (weekend) to visit the base shop on the ground floor behind the robot first. But your stuff before everyone else, then go back out (20m away) to the robot to see the performance starting at 11am.

*Each person can only buy 1 of each item (that’s the same rule as Yokohama) so if you need more, bring a friend along. It’s a long walk from the train station. So start off early… a good 15-17mins walk to get right in-front of the Gundam Mechbot

Bandai or whoever runs this place needs to seriously revise the entire process. Obviously the demand out weights the supply. Looking at all the unhappy reviews I can see you are not carrying the Image and Title of a Japan 🇯🇵 Gundam Flagship Store rightly. Children will be disappointed as would be...

The Gundam Base Tokyo, located in the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba, is a must-visit destination for Gundam enthusiasts, and even enjoyable for casual fans. The main draw is the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue outside the mall, which performs short shows with movement, lights, and sound at specific times (typically 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM), with evening viewings considered more visually impressive. A smaller shop next to the Gundam statue sells souvenirs, gachapon, apparel and very limited kits. A larger store, the actual Gundam Base, is located on the 7th floor of the mall. Many reviewers highlight the impressive displays inside, showcasing a wide range of Gundam models from different series and grades, including customized builds and competition winners providing inspiration for builders. However, access to the 7th-floor store may require advance booking, especially on weekends and holidays, and a lottery system might be in place. Weekday visits are recommended for potentially easier access. Reviewers express mixed experiences regarding stock availability. While the selection of Gunpla kits is generally vast, ranging from entry-level to exclusive limited editions, many report that the specific kits they were looking for were often out of stock. Some have found shelves stocked with the same items, leading to disappointment for those seeking variety. Limited-edition Gundam Base exclusive kits can be difficult to obtain. it features four main zones: the Shop Zone, offering around 2,000 types of Gunpla; the Builders Zone, where visitors can assemble their purchased models; the Factory Zone, showcasing the plastic model manufacturing process; and the Event Zone, hosting various Gunpla-related events and limited-edition product sales. Adjacent to the facility, the life-sized Unicorn Gundam Statue stands as a prominent landmark, captivating visitors with its impressive scale and design. Nearest Station Yurikamome Daiba Station 5 minutes on foot Rinkai Line Tokyo Teleport Station 3...