The first spot I’ll introduce is the newly opened “TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO,” which opened in May 2024. It’s located just a 5-minute walk from the Karasumori Exit of JR Shimbashi Station.

Upon entering the facility, the first thing that catches your eye is the 4.65-meter long “Full-Size Mini 4WD 1/1 Aero Avante.”

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mini 4WD, the first model of the Mini 4WD REV series, the “Aero Avante,” has been turned into a full-size replica. This dream machine, which has even raced alongside the F1 course at the Suzuka Circuit, is permanently displayed at the facility.

Upon entering the sales floor, you’ll be amazed by the towering shelves, about 4 meters high and 100 meters long, filled with an impressive collection of around 6,000 items, including Mini 4WD cars, plastic models, and RC cars.

Looking up at the shelves, thinking “I want that model, it’s so cool,” is such a nostalgic feeling. It instantly took me back to my childhood and made my heart race with excitement.

The shelves are equipped with through windows, allowing you to see from one end of the facility to the other. The impressive display and the sense of openness are unique features of this facility.

If you look at the wall, you’ll find replica original illustrations used on the packaging! The delicate strokes convey a warmth that can only be achieved through hand-drawing. *Please note that the exhibits may change depending on the time of year.

The model displays are also captivating. One notable example is the “1/35 Military Miniature Series,” which is considered highly valuable as a historical reference. The instruction manuals for each product not only explain how to assemble the models but also provide background information about the military vehicles that inspired them. What’s impressive is that the manuals are written in Japanese, English, French, and German!

This is the RC car “Lunchbox” (12,100 yen). The larger tires on this model are particularly popular among customers from Europe and the United States.

When you purchase an RC car or a finished product, you will receive a “TAMIYA TOKYO LL Bag” (990 yen) as a gift! The generously sized bag is perfect for fitting the RC car box inside, which is quite convenient.

By the way, the hotel staff who accompanied me on the visit purchased the “Walking Penguin Craft Set” (2,420 yen). They immediately assembled it and are having fun playing with it in the bath with their child. Not only does it look great, but its realistic movements are very TAMIYA!

At the event space “MODELERS SQUARE,” various events are held, including competitions and experience sessions for Mini 4WD cars and RC cars, craft workshops, seminars, and talk shows. On free days, visitors can use the course to freely race Mini 4WD cars.

You can race not only your own Mini 4WD but also the ones available for rent at the store! They offer about three types of Mini 4WD cars for free rental at all times. When you actually race them, you’ll be amazed and say, “Wow, they’re this fast!”

After enjoying some shopping, take a break at the café space located right next to the “1/1 Aero Avante Full-Scale Mini 4WD.” You can savor a special coffee from the popular coffee shop “ONIBUS COFFEE.”

During the “Full-Cowl Mini 4WD 30th Anniversary Campaign,” they offered special latte art (cafe lattes starting at ¥540 for a small size). I had the chance to enjoy this limited-time menu. *Please note that the latte art is no longer available.

Next, let’s head to “Karasumori Shrine.” The sight of the long approach flanked by mixed-use buildings gives a distinct “Shimbashi” vibe.

Karasumori Shrine, with its modern buildings, stands in contrast to its origins, which date back to the Heian period. The name “Karasumori” is derived from the area once being a pine forest where crows gathered and built their nests.

This long-established shrine, revered since ancient times, is evident from the large number of visitors. Not only tourists, but also locals and workers from Shimbashi visit regularly to offer their prayers.

It is one of the few shrines dedicated to the deity Amenouzume no Mikoto, the goddess of performing arts. The shrine is known for blessings related to artistic skill, business prosperity, family safety, and the success of prayers for victory.

Be sure to try the “Shingan-iro Omikuji” (500 yen), a unique fortune that lets you choose from four colors: red (love and good relationships), yellow (wealth, luck, and business), blue (warding off misfortune, work, and academics), and green (health and family). Along with the omikuji, you also receive a “wish ball” and a “wish plaque,” making it a special experience.

I chose the red one for love and good relationships, and… I got “Kichi” (Good luck)!

The omikuji not only reveals your overall fortune but also offers specific advice on actions to take, travel destinations, and even lucky songs to listen to. The contents are full of dramatic and intriguing details, such as “A life-changing encounter awaits you in the hustle and bustle,” making it an enjoyable read with plenty of depth.

On the wish tag, you write your wish using a pen in the same color as the omikuji you drew. The wish bead has a cute charm that makes you want to carry it with you every day.

Finally, fold the wish tag into four parts and tie it with the same colored string to complete the offering. …Wait a minute? It’s green?! Actually, I couldn’t resist and ended up drawing the green one for health and family too!

The Uchimori Shrine at night, bathed in the warm glow of lanterns, was also quite magical.

When you think of Shimbashi, it’s known for its casual and enjoyable dining spots! So, the last place I’d like to introduce is “Uo to Nihonshu Uobaka Ichidai Shimbashi Honten.”

The exterior of the building is lined with bottles of famous sake such as Dassai and Jikon. This is definitely promising!

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a large refrigerator dedicated to sake. On this particular day, there were three varieties of the highly sought-after “Jūyondai” available. When ordering, you can browse the chilled sake cabinet and choose exactly what you’d like to try.

This time, I selected “Shinsei Colors Seisei” (1 go / 2,419 yen). The French pronunciation of “Seisei” as “Ecru” adds a stylish touch! Made with “Sake Komachi,” a unique rice variety from Akita Prefecture, it has a fruity and smooth sweetness. As a popular brand, it’s incredibly easy to drink!

I recommend the “Sashimi 5-piece Assortment (1 serving / 1,098 yen, pictured here as 3 servings).” It’s a satisfying dish that allows you to enjoy a variety of seasonal fish. On a certain day in November, the selection included tuna, horse mackerel, amberjack, sea bass, red snapper, and winter yellowtail.

The “Mentaiko Dashi-maki Tamago (1,318 yen)” is a popular dish among foreign tourists. The rich, spicy mentaiko (cod roe) perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolled omelet, making it a delicious treat. Of course, it pairs wonderfully with Japanese sake!

As the night deepens and you return to Shimbashi Station, the SL Square is beautifully illuminated. The lights are displayed annually from mid-November to early January, and on this occasion, Santa Claus could be seen in the driver’s seat.

By the way, regardless of the season, a loud whistle is sounded from the SL locomotive every day at 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00. As expected from the birthplace of the railway, this is definitely worth checking out!