Do you mean this museum?

This one is in Shimbashi, Tokyo.  It's nice.  It's also an outlet; ground floor is scale models, basement is RC, and the second floor is the museum.  It's small, like most things in Japan.  They had some really old Tamiya models/toys on display.  I was there in '08.

Some more shots...

If you can get to Yokohama, you can visit the IJN Mikasa and the Nippon Maru.  The museum at the Nippon Maru has some wooden ship models.

I have not yet found any other musiums specific to scale modeling.

icit

Going to Japan in a few weeks, a bucket list thing, I'm wondering if anyone has gone before and is it worth a trip to the Tamiya museum? Is there anything else "modelling" worth looking at? Some advice would be appreciated.

ICIT

 

You definitely need to visit Iwakuni, and the air base there. I was stationed there back in 1989, and, at that time, they had a real Zero on display in a hangar. Not sure if it's still there. Wish I had known about the Tamiya museum while I was there.........

I don't think he would be allowed on the base just for a visit.  I was at Kadena back in the 80s and even then we didn't allow people to just come on and look around.  I would think things are a bit tighter these days.

Watchmann

Do you mean this museum?

This one is in Shimbashi, Tokyo.  It's nice.  It's also an outlet; ground floor is scale models, basement is RC, and the second floor is the museum.  It's small, like most things in Japan.  They had some really old Tamiya models/toys on display.  I was there in '08.

Some more shots...

If you can get to Yokohama, you can visit the IJN Mikasa and the Nippon Maru.  The museum at the Nippon Maru has some wooden ship models.

I have not yet found any other musiums specific to scale modeling.

 

Aaaah!  Bringing the family here in April! Ive marked this on my off line map.  When you say "outlet" you mean Tamiya outlet store?

In Osaka visit Den Den Town. There are a number of great hobby shops there. Especially Joshin.

allan

 Aaaah!  Bringing the family here in April! Ive marked this on my off line map.  When you say "outlet" you mean Tamiya outlet store?

Yes, Allan, it includes a store.  I got a good deal on the I-400 while I was there.

If you will be in Tokyo, Akihabara is the place to go for all your model needs. Too many shops to list - try Googling "hobby shops in Akihabara".

The science museum in Ueno is pretty neat. The floors are organized sort of chronologically, with the top floor having aerospace stuff. Last time I went there was a real Zero. The dinosaur exhibits in the basement were awesome.

The maritime museum in the bay is also neat. There was an Emily flying boat parked outside. The building is designed to look like a ship. Go to the top floor for exciting radio control ship jousting!

You can access all the above using the JR Yamanote Line train. But you will need to catch another train (monorail?) to get to the last one.

If you are going with someone who knows how to get around using the trains, you will be golden. Have fun!

Wow,enjoy yourself,I would really love to visit there myself,but a little to far and exotic for my wife.

Devil Dawg

You definitely need to visit Iwakuni, and the air base there. I was stationed there back in 1989

I was station at Iwakuni in 72 and had a great time there though I probably wouldn't recognize  the place today. One amusing note, I went to see Tora Tora Tora that just came out and was playing at a theater in Iwakuni and when the scene came to the Japanese planes launching from the carriers, the audience all started throwing their hands in the air shouting BONZAI! BONZAI!

I later done several tours in Okinawa and did some dets back to Iwakuni. I love Japan, it's history, culture, models and would like to see it one more time if I ever get the chance to.

Archangel Shooter

 

 

Devil Dawg

You definitely need to visit Iwakuni, and the air base there. I was stationed there back in 1989

 

 

I was station at Iwakuni in 72 and had a great time there though I probably wouldn't recognize  the place today. One amusing note, I went to see Tora Tora Tora that just came out and was playing at a theater in Iwakuni and when the scene came to the Japanese planes launching from the carriers, the audience all started throwing their hands in the air shouting BONZAI! BONZAI!

I later done several tours in Okinawa and did some dets back to Iwakuni. I love Japan, it's history, culture, models and would like to see it one more time if I ever get the chance to.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind revisiting Iwakuni, either. I went to Okinawa back in April 2008 for my oldest son's wedding (he was stationed at Futenma at the time), and got to take a tour of the caves where the command center was located during the battle back in 1945. Very haunting. 

As far as the Zero at Iwakuni (forgot now who posted about it earlier), I think it's at the main gate, so a visitor should be able to see it, if it's still there.

Gary

Oh I have to do this some day...

Here's hoping you have a fun and safe vacation/holiday! 

PS: Post some photos when you get back if it's not too much trouble! 

Ias there last year. Whatever you do, if you have an appointment anywhere, BE ON TIME. Punctuality is big in Japan. 

Well, that rules out bringing my wife to Japan. She's never on time for anything.