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WC Gundam
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Sun Seto
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日本語/Japanese  Sat 12/01 11:12 JST
Tokyu Hands is a blessing from the good lord for residents of Tokyo and visitors alike.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
As a visitor to Tokyo when I was still back in ol Blighty, every year I would make sure a trip to Tokyu Hands was on the schedule. You can buy just about everything under the (rising) sun here. Everything from Gundams to bags, to clocks, accessories - anything.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
For folks living here, Tokyu Hands is also the place to go for DIY stuff. have a look at this previous article on how I got materials from Tokyu Hands to make shelves for my figures.

I remember there being a few decent DIY stores in the UK - although I've long forgotten the names.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
These pics were taken on the 2nd floor at the Shibuya Flagship store - a ton of fasteners needed for my armor.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Flexible metal rods useful for...something.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Ball bearings useful for tripping people up.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Steel rods useful for picking your nose.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Was going to pick up some of these metal plates and use em as a background for figure shoots - the light would shine through or something.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Rubber and plastic blocks of all shapes n sizes - got some to dampen the rattle on my armor.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
More rubber stuff.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Use these to hang my Strike from the ceiling.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Polystyrene blocks - more expensive than the real thing ^^;

You can also get wood, fabrics, electronic diodes etc etc. Do drop by if you have the time. Get off at Shibuya station, walk down Center Gai and ask directions from there.
Tokyu Hands (click to enlarge)
Polls
Trent in Minnesota
Otaku
Registered on 2007/02/10 15:13
We used to have this place called Axeman, and they would sell all this kind of stuff, but I don't think they extist anymore. They also sold stuff for popular hobbies, like paints, models (no gundams though), doll stuff. 
(ID #65556) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:28
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 13:35
All I need is rope, an excellent DIY tool I say

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5052/ropefq5.jpg
(ID #65557) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:38
icie in Australia
Not so much DIY as a proper hardware place. The chain called "Bunnings" has huge warehouses full of DIY stuff. Giant planks of wood? You got it, stored down the back. Flooring, roofing, every kind of need, you can find there. By comparison, hobby shops are more specific to models and stuff, but are like an expensive and smaller little brother to the big-ole hardware houses.
(ID #65558) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:48
radical anime fan in Urban Jungle Singapore; no vines, and not even overhead cables either. Only train tracks.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
That's really convenient.
(ID #65559) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:49
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
goddammit!!

A shop in japan which has everything I would need for making any model kit (save for paints). Man I wish i had a place like that instead of having to to to 3 different shops for stuff...
(ID #65560) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:50
qingy in center of the galaxy
SMS
Registered on 2007/10/06 05:09
looks like the Japanese equivalent of Home Depot to me, DIY stuff rocks
(ID #65561) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:50
kakit in Toronto, Canada
Student
Registered on 2007/04/24 07:45
Yep we've got Home Depot and Rona over here in Canada for most of that stuff. 
(ID #65562) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:57
Ashper in Birmingham, U.K
Student
Registered on 2007/11/24 06:07
In the U.K we have B&Q for DIY stuff..... the big stores are full of everything you could possiblt want for any job around the home.

Still doesn't look as big as one of those stores
(ID #65563) Posted on 2007/12/01 11:58
Sgt Beavis in Dallas, TX, USA
Overpaid Computer Nerd
Registered on 2007/07/23 22:59
Tokyu Hands isn't really comparable to Home Depot or Lowes in the US.  Yes, they are both DIY type stores but Home Depot and Lowes focus exclusively on home improvement.  Tokyu Hands is more like a massive hobby store.  A few of the floors focus on home improvement but the other floors focus on other hobbies.  In the US we have many other hobby stores to take care of those things.

I guess the biggest difference can be made by the observation that you can walk into a Home Depot and buy EVERYTHING you need to actually build a house with your own hands (you can actually order houses at Lowes) Tokyu hands does not have that.  They might have enough to do the trim work. 

All that said, Tokyu hands is still one of my MUST VISIT places when I'm in Japan.
(ID #65565) Posted on 2007/12/01 12:50
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
I need to go different shops to get different things but Tokyu Hands sure is convienient...
(ID #65566) Posted on 2007/12/01 13:32
cutetwirler in Nagoya, Japan
Student Of Japanese, in Japan
Registered on 2007/11/20 08:37
I LOVE Tokyu Hands! We have one in Nagoya and I go there often, just to mill about and see what's there. There's so much!! 
(ID #65567) Posted on 2007/12/01 13:36
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
Yeah... Tokyu Hands. Where half the money I took to Japan stayed. :P

Yes, it has tons and tons of stuff for hobbysts, but it's not only that.
At least Tokyu Hands in Tokyo... I think there are 3 different stores, and I've been in all 3. Shibuya, Ikebukuro and another one.

Anyways, what really caught my attention was the toys/weird stuff session. Being a tourist and all, I wasn't interested in home supply, bags and other stuff... though they had all of it. Books, kitchenware, electronics, gardening supplies, etc etc etc

But I wish so much I had one of those near my place... we don't even have a decent hardware store around here. Nothing to help on DIY tasks.
(ID #65568) Posted on 2007/12/01 13:54
DrPepperMan85 in London UK
Student, BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Registered on 2007/11/30 22:59
I was in Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku, when I was in Tokyo at the end of march for two weeks this year. I was surprised how much stuff they sold! 
(ID #65569) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:01
DrPepperMan85 in London UK
Student, BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Registered on 2007/11/30 22:59
Sorry my bad that should have been Shibuya! :X sorry!
(ID #65570) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:02
windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Registered on 2006/12/25 12:20
DrGUID in London
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
Registered on 2007/11/14 20:13
I spent hours in the Shinjuku branch. I bought some lovely wacky birthday cards in there that I've not seen in the UK, although I regret not buying the Yamanote Line alarm clock.
(ID #65573) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:22
n1ck in Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/09/03 21:01
Anyone in KL knows any shop like that here?
There are some DIY shops i know, but much much smaller than that
(ID #65574) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:31
Drawing in North America
I am just really impressed that they have a section with leather sewing tools and leather on sale to make hip leather pouch and another section with scientific equipments (beakers and such).
Kind of expensive, all in all, though.
(ID #65575) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:42
Ninja Mari in Japan
Japanese Student
Registered on 2007/11/06 11:10
Tokyo Hands... I could spend hours just going  around and around and around it. So much stuff to see, buy and want. I've been to some branches out of Tokyo, too. It's where you go for anything.
(ID #65576) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:42
notfair in Malaysia
Student, ACG Fans
Registered on 2007/08/14 16:34
Got, but the one i see not very big.
(ID #65577) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:43
junq man in former superpower
trying to stay relevant
Registered on 2007/08/18 05:03
Yes, Tokyu Hands is a goldmine. However I spent a long time in there looking for sticky parcel tape last time, (seems there are 748 different kinds of sticky tape in Tokyo), then found you can get the same stuff from 100 yen stores for less...I like the woodworking department where you can have wood cut and shaped to order. They used to have a model department but it closed some time ago.
(ID #65578) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:44
Alafista OTAKU in Singapore
Singapore Customs
Registered on 2006/12/25 11:34
Ah shucks, we dun have a one stop shop for all these stuffs in singapore
(ID #65579) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:54
J Carlton in Connecticut
Auuuugh.  Why can't I find out about places like this when I need them.  This place looks like just the place I need around here.  My friend who had to close his hardware store recently could have dome something like this and filled a need that the local Wal Mart and Home Despot don't fill.  I love that place.  I'm going to make sure I  visit the next time I go to Japan
(ID #65580) Posted on 2007/12/01 15:19
Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Student
Registered on 2006/12/26 11:13
OH my god. That place is like heaven for me. Too bad I can't go there =(
(ID #65581) Posted on 2007/12/01 16:00
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58
I don't recall there being a store entirely themed with the "DIY" moto in  mind here. Either way, I still get my hands on cool stuff like this just going to a couple places around me :). Though it'd probably be much more convenient to have it all in one place just like the store featured in this post :p!
(ID #65585) Posted on 2007/12/01 18:18
faiyaka in California
Student
Registered on 2007/10/11 08:30
Now that really looks like a one stop shop. Sadly there's none of that resort where Iam. I usually have to go to several store to get all that i need. Sometimes not even getting all of it.
(ID #65586) Posted on 2007/12/01 18:51
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Student Engineer
Registered on 2007/01/01 14:12
Yes there are quite a few in Dutch Country (Pennsylvania). I have a kuzans right off the campus that I can get everything DIY for. They sell all sorts of stuff- wire, wood, crafts, etc. I get my stains for my wood bases from them (cheaper). They are quite convinient and I don't have to be in a crowded Wal*Mart. Power to Mom and Pop stores!!!
(ID #65587) Posted on 2007/12/01 18:59
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
Home Depot, and Lowe's. Maybe you have heard of them? We also have Ace Hardware, and a bunch of mom and pop stores. Since I fix stuff around the house a lot, and do my own electrical and plumbing work, this helps a lot. I think there are 734 DIY shops around my house in a one mile (1.60934 Kilometers) radius around my house. Hmm.. I might be exaggerating a little. 

(ID #65588) Posted on 2007/12/01 19:27
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
Danny, the ball bearings are also good for throwing behind you when you are on a motorcycle and making holes in peoples radiators if they are driving waaaaay too close to you. Not a nice thing to do, but neither is letting them run me over. *insert evil laugh here*
(ID #65589) Posted on 2007/12/01 19:28
chun in work buried ;_;
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:33
man I wanna go back to japan again! I love Tokyu hands! :P
When I was staying at Ikebukuro, the tokyo hands had a pet shop type thingie near the top! And there's also a Nekobukuro where U pay to play with cats :P
(ID #65590) Posted on 2007/12/01 19:38
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
DRAGUN = Modern ninja (using ball bearing isntead of caltrops) with a Halibut on his banner. ;)
(ID #65591) Posted on 2007/12/01 19:49
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
Odd you should mention Halibut. Since they are like Kryptonite to Ninjas. Little known fact there. Share it, spread it around.... its okay, you can have it. Its yours. I dont even want credit. 

I guess riding a black motorcycle, with black leathers and a black helmet do make me look ninja-ish. Especially because I always have a katana strapped to my bike. GROWL!
(ID #65592) Posted on 2007/12/01 20:36
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
We have home depot and city mill here that have a ton of diy items, though you can always ask them to do the work for you for a fee.
(ID #65593) Posted on 2007/12/01 20:51
shayouzoku in Tokyo
Marketing Research
Registered on 2007/11/28 06:11
If I walk into a Tokyu Hands, before I know it it's dark outside and my wallet is empty...
(ID #65596) Posted on 2007/12/01 22:27
JapanAnime in Hilversum, Holland
Student Business Economics
Registered on 2007/08/05 18:23
I have some DIY stores in my city, both big and small stores. Besides that, there are even bigger DIY stores in a nearby city. I myself am not really a DIY guy, so these stores hardly see me. ^^"
(ID #65600) Posted on 2007/12/01 23:19
bvc100 in KL Malaysia
Something to do with cars
Registered on 2007/10/15 00:54
In Malaysia, these sort of shops/stores are usually referred to hardware shops/stores. There are small ones like only a shoplot big (but sometimes these small shops stocks up stuff that the bigger ones don't have), usually owned by an old guy and his family members. there should be at least one in a given residential area. then there's the bigger store type. ever heard of ACE Hardware anyone?
(ID #65602) Posted on 2007/12/01 23:36
CMWilly in Los Angeles, CA
Animation
Registered on 2007/04/19 10:59
i love tokyo hands! you can buy everything under the sun. its much more clean then the cluttered don quixote.
(ID #65610) Posted on 2007/12/02 01:01
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
We have some around here but they're pretty average.  Still missing a few stuff that I'm looking for but I don't do a lot of DIY stuff. 
(ID #65627) Posted on 2007/12/02 04:37
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth
Illustrator & Designer
Registered on 2007/04/09 18:37
I was lucky enough to pop into a Tokyo Hands once when I was in Tokyo and I picked up some zip tones and full background scenes to use for manga making!

Nothing like that here and as someone already mentioned below, all we have is a hardware supplies warehouse chain called Bunnings that mainly aimed at backyard handymen stuff rather than hobbyist in us all.
(ID #65637) Posted on 2007/12/02 08:02
djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State
High School Graduate... Now what?
Registered on 2007/01/08 20:06
Wow, this is definitely more handier than he OSH down the street. It sure beats having to buy off the net too... Bummer.
(ID #65656) Posted on 2007/12/02 11:58
blauereiter in Tokyo, Japan
CG artist, Sunrise Emotion
Registered on 2007/07/07 22:02
There's just so much to see in Hands. I frequent it and Kinokuniya quite often when I am in Shinjuku.
(ID #65663) Posted on 2007/12/02 12:47
Joshua in singapore
student
Registered on 2007/08/26 11:41
yea i visited tokyu hands when i was in japan from 23 - 30 nov. was at the takashimaaya at the JR station and one level had tokyu hands and i visited it :D

But danny you openned a shop? I spoted this when i was around the asukusa kanon temple

http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc0271pb9.jpg

(ID #65666) Posted on 2007/12/02 13:06
Shaman in Singapore
Project Manager
Registered on 2007/11/04 21:53
in SG you can find similar stores, much smaller in size, Sim Lim Square has got a few...
(ID #65667) Posted on 2007/12/02 13:18
Kaj in Somewhere between NL and JP
Sysadmin
Registered on 2007/09/22 21:25
Oh yeah. Tokyu Hands is the shit when it comes to just about anything DIY and then some.

Love to snoop around there, getting ideas for casemods and things around the house.

We have an ample supply of DIY-shops, but those are clearly focused on DIY stuff; building materials, lighting, paint, furniture and so on, but TH has more diversity. Our DIY-shops don't carry electronic parts; just the end  product.
(ID #65683) Posted on 2007/12/02 21:42
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
we also have some DIY shops here but not as wide ranged as Tokyu Hands.

i've never imagined that kind of shop exists where you can buy almost anything ^^

it's japan's Wal-Mart lolz XD
(ID #65728) Posted on 2007/12/03 04:26
Oni Kei in Canada
Student
Registered on 2007/12/06 10:41
Dang... I wish there was a shop like that then I wouldn't have to make all the things myself.... 
(ID #66228) Posted on 2007/12/07 02:03
duffman in the Urban Jungle that is Manila~
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
Registered on 2007/10/30 20:56
oooh~ now that is what i call a man's store^^
(ID #66278) Posted on 2007/12/07 11:17
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