Shizuoka Hobby Square — Local services in Shizuoka

Shizuoka Hobby Square is a great place to visit if you enjoy building models. Shizuoka has a history of model making as many large hobby model manufacturers are located in Shizuoka including Fujimi, Aoshima, Hasegawa, Tamiya, etc. This industry developed because before WWII as manufacturers of wooden models and toys took advantage of the plentiful forests in Shizuoka to create their goods. The permanent collection is free admission. Payment for special events varies by the event. When I was there they had a huge RC car track set up with lots of people racing cars they had created. Be sure to check out the gift show which is stocked with lots of models of all types. It`s easy to get to the Shizuoka Hobby Square; just across from the train station. There are signs but they are a little small. The museum is on the third floor so you will take an elevator...

This is just a few minutes walk from Shizuoka JR station. There's a covered walkway leads directly to it. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free, but the special exhibition is usually ¥300-500. There's a history of models in Japan, but unfortunately it is only in Japanese. The good news is that there are some explanations of traditional Shizuoka crafts that are Japanese and English! The bulk of the collection is simply model displays. Shizuoka is the model capital, so many of the famous manufacturers are based here including Bandai. There are lots of Gundam models on display, as well as more standard model cars and airplanes. It is very small, but considering the importance of models in Shizuoka and Japanese culture in general I'd highly recommend visiting here if only for a...

Free entrance to view the history of Japan plastic model manufacturing. For Gunpla fans, there are a few limited premium Bandai products that you can find here. Worth strolling through for 10 - 15 min if Ty...