Shizuoka Hobby Square - Image 1
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Shizuoka Hobby Square

4
·511 reviews·Shizuoka, Japan

Explore Japan's hobby capital! Shizuoka Hobby Square showcases intricate model cars, robots, and more, celebrating a rich manufacturing legacy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Shizuoka Hobby Square - Image 1

Shizuoka Hobby Square

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Japan's hobby capital! Shizuoka Hobby Square showcases intricate model cars, robots, and more, celebrating a rich manufacturing legacy.

4
(511 reviews)

"A compact gem for hobbyists, offering a free glimpse into Japan's model-making prowess."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry Gem 🌟

The permanent exhibition is free! Special exhibits might have a small fee, but it's worth it.

JR Station Convenience 🚂

Just a short walk from Shizuoka JR Station, with a covered walkway. Look for small signs.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Model Car Showcase

Model Car Showcase

Permanent Exhibition

Marvel at intricately detailed model cars, a core part of Shizuoka's manufacturing legacy.

Gundam & Robot Displays

Gundam & Robot Displays

Permanent Exhibition

Explore a vast collection of Gundam and other robot models, showcasing Japanese pop culture.

Special Exhibition Events

Special Exhibition Events

Special Exhibition Hall

Experience rotating exhibits, from RC car tracks to unique model car gatherings.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Impact

Enjoy the Shizuoka Hobby Square for free! While the permanent exhibits are always free, special exhibitions may have a small fee. It's a compact space, perfect for a quick, insightful visit.

Hobby Capital Access

Located conveniently near Shizuoka JR station, this square is a testament to Shizuoka's status as Japan's hobby capital. Plan your visit around local events for an even richer experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique exhibits & activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

10 years old me wouldn’t believe that we made it here 🥹 Aaa Buat kalian yang mau ke Maruko Chan land, ini lokasinya di Shizuoka ( kalo dari Tokyo mesti travel pake Shinkansen/bus) Terus dari Shizuoka kalian bisa take train ke >> Shimizu sekitar 15 menitan Sampe di Station Shimizu ada free shuttle bus ke S-Pulse (ini tuh mall) dan Maruko Chan land nya ada di dalem mall tsb 🌝 Entrance fee nya : ¥1...
@rrreats
39.7K likes • 269.2K views

Free Entry Gem 🌟

The permanent exhibition is free! Special exhibits might have a small fee, but it's worth it. Reddit

JR Station Convenience 🚂

Just a short walk from Shizuoka JR Station, with a covered walkway. Look for small signs. Reddit

what a dope hobby shop🤯#yellowsubmarinw #hobbyshop #lifeinjapan #livinginjapan #hiroshima #traveljapan #japantok
@readyplayer.cat
5K likes • 41.2K views
Very slow start cost me my race 😂 blue lane start. What a fun night race in Shizuoka Hobby Square with 🇵🇭Team against people I follow here in IG. What a night to remember. #tamiya #tamiyamini4wd #tamiyaphilippines #tamiyaph #tamiyamini4wdindonesia #tamiyamini4wdmalaysia #tamiyamini4wdphilippines #tamiya_mini4wd #tamiyaphilippines #mini4wd #mini4wdjapan #mini4wdindonesia #mini4wdphilippines #tami...
justin.tamiyagarage
47 likes • 1.1K views

Bilingual Info Available 🌏

While most exhibits are in Japanese, some traditional craft explanations are bilingual. Reddit

Gift Shop Treasures 🍯

Check out the gift shop for a wide variety of model kits and hobby items. Reddit

15th SHIZUOKA AUTO MODELER'S MEETING‼️ 本日は10時より「静岡オートモデラーの集い」に参加しております〜😄 #modelcar #carmodel #minicar #miniature #miniaturecar #diorama #scalemodel #187scale #scale187 #1zu87 #shizuoka #shizuokahobbysquare #静岡オートモデラーの集い #オートモデラーの集い #静岡 #静岡ホビースクエア #ジオラマ #ジオラマの世界 #e49fxndioramamodelcar #モデルカー #ミニチュアカー #ミニチュア #模型車 #模型
e49fxn
64 likes • 778 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry Gem 🌟

The permanent exhibition is free! Special exhibits might have a small fee, but it's worth it. Reddit

JR Station Convenience 🚂

Just a short walk from Shizuoka JR Station, with a covered walkway. Look for small signs. Reddit

Bilingual Info Available 🌏

While most exhibits are in Japanese, some traditional craft explanations are bilingual. Reddit

Gift Shop Treasures 🍯

Check out the gift shop for a wide variety of model kits and hobby items. Reddit

Quick & Insightful Visit 👍

Perfect for a 10-15 minute stop if you're in the area. Great for model enthusiasts! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(511 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Shizuoka Hobby Square for its free admission and fascinating displays of detailed model cars, robots, and more, reflecting the city's status as a hobby capital. While small, it's a worthwhile quick stop for enthusiasts, though most information is in Japanese. Some note that special exhibitions can add a small fee.

"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 Ou are around."

Jeff Tao (Momonoart Studio)

"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 few minutes!"

Peter Kadden

"Convenient and good for a part of sightseeing or playground tour with Lu ku lu. We can learn the history of toy cultures in Shizuoka."

N.Macchan

What People Like

Free permanent exhibition
Detailed model displays
Convenient location

What People Dislike

Primarily Japanese text
Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

It's a very short walk from Shizuoka JR Station. There's a covered walkway that leads directly to the building. Keep an eye out for the signs, though they can be a bit small. Reddit

Yes, it's conveniently located near Shizuoka JR Station, making it easily accessible by train. If you're coming from Tokyo, you'll likely take the Shinkansen or a bus to Shizuoka. TikTok

While not directly mentioned for the Hobby Square itself, if you're visiting the Maruko Chan land in Shimizu, there's a free shuttle bus from Shimizu Station to the S-Pulse mall, where the Hobby Square is located. TikTok

Information on dedicated parking for the Hobby Square is limited, but it's best to utilize public transport due to its proximity to Shizuoka JR Station. Reddit

The most common and efficient way to travel from Tokyo to Shizuoka is by Shinkansen (bullet train) or by bus. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The permanent exhibition at Shizuoka Hobby Square is completely free to enter. Special exhibitions may have a fee ranging from ¥300-¥500. Reddit

For the free permanent exhibition, advance booking is generally not required. For special events, it's advisable to check their official website or social media for any booking requirements. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official Shizuoka Hobby Square website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information on operating hours. Instagram

The Hobby Square is generally open on weekends, but it's always best to confirm the specific operating hours for the day you plan to visit, especially if there's a special event. Reddit

Since the permanent exhibition is free, discounts are typically not applicable. For special exhibitions, check for any potential group rates or event-specific promotions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a wide variety of models, including detailed model cars, motorcycles, robots (like Gundam), and airplanes, reflecting Shizuoka's rich hobby manufacturing history. InstagramReddit

The permanent exhibition is primarily in Japanese. However, some explanations regarding traditional Shizuoka crafts are available in both Japanese and English. Reddit

In the past, special events have featured interactive elements like a large RC car track where people race their custom-built cars. Reddit

Most visitors find that 10-15 minutes is sufficient for a quick stroll through the permanent exhibition, making it a great addition to other sightseeing. Reddit

Yes, children who are interested in models and toys will likely enjoy the displays. It's a great place to learn about the history of toy cultures in Shizuoka. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Shizuoka Hobby Square itself is primarily an exhibition space and does not typically have on-site dining facilities. Reddit

Being located near Shizuoka JR Station, you'll find numerous dining options in the vicinity, ranging from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. Reddit

It's generally recommended to consume outside food and drinks before entering exhibition spaces. Check for specific venue policies upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, the area around Shizuoka JR Station is well-equipped with cafes where you can relax and grab a coffee or a light snack. Reddit

Shizuoka is known for its fresh seafood, particularly tuna, and its delicious green tea. You can find these specialties in many local restaurants. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the permanent exhibition, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially in special exhibition areas. Reddit

The detailed model displays, especially the Gundam and car models, offer great photo opportunities. The special exhibition areas can also provide unique backdrops. Instagram

Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in museums and exhibition spaces to protect the exhibits. Please be mindful of any signage. Reddit

You can use hashtags like #ShizuokaHobbySquare, #ModelCars, #Gundam, and #HobbyJapan to share your experience. Instagram

A camera with good macro capabilities or a smartphone with a decent camera will work well for capturing the intricate details of the models. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Shizuoka Hobby Square is a great, quick stop for families, especially if your children have an interest in models, robots, or cars. The free admission to the permanent exhibition makes it an accessible outing. While the exhibits are primarily static displays, the sheer variety of models, from colorful cars to iconic Gundam robots, can capture a child's imagination. Reddit

Consider visiting during a special event if available, as these sometimes include more interactive elements like RC car tracks, which can be particularly engaging for younger visitors. The proximity to Shizuoka JR Station also makes it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing without a lot of travel hassle. Remember that most informational text is in Japanese, but the visual appeal of the models transcends language barriers. Reddit

hobby Enthusiasts & Collectors

For dedicated hobbyists, the Shizuoka Hobby Square is a pilgrimage site. As the heart of Japan's model manufacturing industry, it offers a unique insight into the history and craftsmanship behind beloved brands like Tamiya, Bandai, and Hasegawa. You'll find a curated selection of models that celebrate the evolution of the hobby, from classic cars to the latest Gundam kits. InstagramReddit

Keep an eye on their schedule for special exhibitions, which often feature unique displays, competitions, or even opportunities to see rare or limited-edition models. The gift shop is also a key attraction, potentially offering exclusive items or hard-to-find kits that are perfect for collectors. The square's convenient location makes it an easy addition to any Shizuoka itinerary focused on automotive or model culture. Reddit

Day-Trippers from Tokyo

If you're on a day trip from Tokyo, the Shizuoka Hobby Square is an excellent, compact attraction to add to your itinerary. It's easily accessible via the Shinkansen, and its location near Shizuoka JR Station means you won't spend much time traveling once you arrive. The free admission and short visit time (10-15 minutes) make it a perfect, low-commitment stop. TikTokReddit

Combine your visit with other Shizuoka attractions, perhaps exploring the city center or enjoying local cuisine. The Hobby Square offers a unique glimpse into a significant aspect of Japanese culture and industry, providing a memorable experience without taking up a large chunk of your day. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Shizuoka: The Heart of Japan's Hobby Industry

Shizuoka is renowned as the 'Hobby Town' of Japan, a title earned through its deep-rooted history in manufacturing high-quality models and toys. Before World War II, local manufacturers leveraged the region's abundant forests to produce wooden models and toys. This foundation paved the way for the development of plastic model manufacturing, making Shizuoka the birthplace of many iconic hobby brands. Companies like Bandai, Hasegawa, Tamiya, Fujimi, and Aoshima all have significant ties to this region, contributing to its reputation as a global hub for hobby enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

The Shizuoka Hobby Square serves as a testament to this legacy, showcasing the evolution and artistry of Japanese model making. It's a place where visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation that have defined the industry for decades. The annual Shizuoka Hobby Show is a major event that draws international attention, further solidifying the city's status as a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about models. Instagram

Beyond the Hobby Square, Shizuoka's commitment to its hobby culture is evident in various initiatives and events throughout the year. This dedication ensures that the city remains a vibrant center for creativity and a pilgrimage site for model builders and collectors worldwide. Exploring Shizuoka offers a unique glimpse into a significant aspect of Japanese industrial and cultural heritage. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Shizuoka Hobby Square Exhibits

The Shizuoka Hobby Square offers a fascinating journey through the world of scale models. Its permanent exhibition is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, featuring an impressive array of meticulously crafted model cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and robots, most notably the popular Gundam series. These displays highlight the precision and detail that Japanese manufacturers are known for, providing a visual history of the hobby. InstagramReddit

While the permanent collection is a draw, the special exhibitions are where the Hobby Square truly comes alive with dynamic content. These rotating displays can range from intricate dioramas to large-scale RC car tracks, offering interactive experiences and showcasing the latest trends in the hobby world. Past events have included thrilling RC car races, demonstrating the active community surrounding model building and racing. InstagramReddit

For those interested in the cultural context, the Hobby Square also touches upon Shizuoka's traditional crafts, with some bilingual explanations available. This blend of modern hobby culture and traditional craftsmanship provides a well-rounded understanding of the region's creative spirit. Don't forget to visit the gift shop, which is stocked with a variety of model kits and hobby-related merchandise, perfect for souvenirs or your next project. Reddit

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