Who's been to Tamiya HQ in Shizuoka?

[cardesigner]

So, this is my umteenth trip to Tokyo in the past few years...and I've managed to pass Shizuoka riding the Shinkansen many times...I even spotted the Tamiya building in the background, with my hands and nose pressed up against the train glass thinking to myself, "I wish I could stop and have a look!"

The "boss" and I are going to Japan again next month, and she has granted me a few hours in Shizuoka to visit Tamiya HQ.  She claims it's been long enough and I've begged plenty, so she caved in.  [8-|]  Besides we shelled out some good money for a 2 week JR pass and said why not, let's go check out Shizuoka.

 So now I ask, for those who have been there- anything I should know?  How much time did you spend there?  I suppose you could sit there all day and drool all over the display glass, but I was just trying to get a feel.  Also, is there anything else worth checking out in the area? 

 I'm counting down the days, gosh I feel like a little kid!  [au]

 

[DeeMiller]

Maybe a stupid suggestion but making an appointment wouldn't do the trip any harm.

Oh, and take a cellphone with a camera with you...

 

Dee.

[bakaguyjean]

 Bring an RC to drive at the circut. it only cost 1 yen on the weekends and its free any other time.to bad you cant work in a whole day. hows that old saying go,give em an inch. just an idea.[] 

[bjr250]

I only got to spend about 45 minutes at Tamiya HQ while killing time on my way back to Tokyo earlier this year but I "did" get to see everything.

I would have liked to have spent longer and probably could have spent a couple of hours in the archive room looking at all of the statics as well as the RC's.  The front loby has some of the 1:1 cars that the models are based off, another room has current models on display and there is a small shop.

 For a good idea of what is on diplay dig up ukclaire's showroom.

 

The directions on the English version of the Tamiya website (http://www.tamiya.com/english/news/event/visit/visit.htm) are pretty foolproof but if catching the bus and the driver doesn't understand "Mitsubishi-Iriguchi"(Entrance of Mitsubishi Plant) ask for "Keirinjo"(Cycle-race Track).

[Japanscaledriver]

mitsubishi iriguchi stop has changed, **** me if I forgot the new name, but the cycling track suggestion is a good one.

I spent about 1 hour there and that was enough, though it is tempting, the prices at the shop are just too high to make you want to buy anything there.

The archive room is about the best one, but I agree with driving at the track, it's the one thing I wasn't able to do, couldn't find the track (forgot to ask) and didn't have a car anyway!

other than that, shizuoka is a quiet place, especially if you've been to tokyo or osaka. 

[cardesigner]

Thanks for all the great info guys.  My main concern was how much time I would take, I figured about an hour would be enough,  although I would like to take lots of nice pictures.  So 2 hours should be plenty of time to look at everything, take pics and browse the store.

 I wouldn't buy much there, maybe something to say I was there- but I'm sure it's all MSRP prices where in Tokyo  I can get the same items at deep discount.

 As for getting around, I think we'll be fine as we both speak Japanese but thanks for the clarifications on directions!  []

[JAnderson]

I've been lucky enough to visit HQ a few times now for meetings and such. It's a real treat to take a gander at the showroom. But the real treat is behind closed doors, IMO...

You can walk to the Circuit in about 20 min from what I remember, make sure to stop at Rainbow Ten next door if you make it over to the circuit. 

[HunterZero]

Oooh, how cool would it be to tour the production lines as well to see how all the kits are made?

Even more interesting... I wonder what it's like in the R&D section, where they test build and design all the forthcoming kits...

 - James

[DeeMiller]

Using your your profession as an excuse (be creative now), I hope you can take a look at the actual factory.

Or is this Area 51?

How does Tamiya deal with curious fans?

Making an appointment can open closed doors.

 

Dee.

[JAnderson]

There are areas they may let you see but it depends on scheduling... Most of it is closed of to employee's only and they would not let me take pictures of course. You have to remember we are in business and future products are not to be leaked so R&D is off limits unless you an employee as well.

[DeeMiller]

Ah ok.

Thx for clearing that.

 

Dee.