The JDM Guide.

Hunting Minicars in Tokyo: Tomica, Kyosho & More

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Tokyo is a paradise for collectors of miniature cars — whether you’re after affordable Tomica models, premium Kyosho die-casts, or rare limited editions from event runs. From flagship stores to tucked-away hobby shops, here’s your guide to scoring those elusive finds.

1. Tomica Shop, Character Street - Tokyo Station

Tomica

📍 Map

The holy grail for Tomica hunters. This official Tomica store inside Tokyo Station’s “First Avenue Character Street” carries:

  • Store exclusives (Tokyo Station editions, anniversary cars, and rotating limited releases)
  • Huge wall displays of the latest series
  • Gashapon (capsule toys) with Tomica keychains and micro models

💡 Tip: Go early in the day. Exclusives often sell out quickly.

2. Yodobashi Camera & Bic Camera (Akihabara, Shinjuku, etc.)

📍 Yodobashi Akiba Map

These giant electronics megastores have full toy sections with:

  • Regular Tomica mainlines
  • Tomica Premium and Limited Vintage Neo (LV-N) lines
  • Kyosho models occasionally stocked in hobby corners

💡 Best for grabbing current releases at retail price.

3. A PIT Autobacs Shinonome

S2000 Tomica

📍 Map

More than just a car parts megastore — their model section often carries:

  • Premium 1/64 Kyosho and Ignition Models
  • Tomica sets, often themed around Japanese police or fire departments
  • Rare AutoArt and Spark models in larger scales

💡 Great combo trip: browse car parts, see real car displays, and hunt models.

4. Yellow Submarine (Akihabara & Shinjuku)

📍 Akihabara Map

A hobby shop chain specializing in trading figures, but also carries:

  • Used Tomica and Kyosho models in glass cabinets
  • Rare limited runs and discontinued pieces
  • Good spot to haggle for harder-to-find models

💡 Collectors’ tip: Check their resale cases — sometimes you’ll spot discontinued LV-N gems.

5. Mandarake (Akihabara & Nakano Broadway)

📍 Nakano Broadway Map

Mandarake is famous for anime, but their toy sections are goldmines:

  • Used and vintage Tomica (even boxed first editions)
  • Kyosho models, sometimes older Ferrari or GT collections
  • Niche makers like Ebbro and HPI

💡 If you’re into vintage Tomica from the ‘70s and ‘80s, Nakano Broadway is a must.

6. Tokyo Hobby Shops (Akihabara side streets)

Around Akihabara, smaller stores like Liberty and Popondetta (train shop that also stocks Tomica) often carry:

  • Loose and rare Tomica cars
  • Event-limited Kyosho releases
  • Collector-grade stock at higher prices

💡 Worth wandering off the main streets — these shops rotate stock often.

7. Events & Pop-Ups

Keep an eye out for:

  • Tomica events (Takara Tomy holds fairs with exclusives)
  • Tokyo Auto Salon (January) — many model makers drop event-only cars
  • Hobby shows like Shizuoka Hobby Show (a bit outside Tokyo)

Tips for Collectors

  • Cash helps: Some second-hand shops prefer cash, especially in Nakano.
  • Box condition matters: If you’re planning to resell, always check for unopened boxes.
  • Rotating stock: Tokyo’s shops change inventory fast — don’t hesitate if you find something rare.

Sources & References