The Gundam Base Tokyo

The Gundam Base Tokyo is a true epicentre of anime and mecha culture, located in one of Tokyo's most modern districts. As the flagship centre dedicated to the Mobile Suit Gundam universe, this spot in Japan combines a massive specialty store, an interactive creative zone, and an extensive exhibition of rare collectibles.

Situated on the seventh floor of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping complex on Odaiba Island, this centre invites visitors to dive into the world of Gunpla (plastic robot models). Thousands of assembly kits are on display here — from simple versions for beginners to highly complex collector's models, many of which are exclusive to this location. A visit often begins with marveling at the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue that greets guests at the building's entrance.

Inside, the space is divided into several themed zones, including a workshop where you can build your model right after purchase and a gallery featuring works by the world's best builders. Thanks to its high rating and incredible atmosphere, this place has become a must-visit not only for die-hard franchise fans but also for any tourist wishing to see the high-tech and creative side of Japanese pop culture.

When planning a visit to The Gundam Base Tokyo, we recommend checking the latest information in advance to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible. The project's official website and social media channels will help you find out about special events, limited edition releases, or any potential changes to the opening hours.

An exciting interactive experience awaits visitors at The Gundam Base Tokyo: here, you can not only purchase the rarest Gunpla models and exclusive merch but also immerse yourself in the creation process. In the special creative workshop, guests are invited to assemble their first model, while the exhibition halls provide inspiration through thousands of detailed figures that showcase the franchise's evolution over decades.

The main spectacle worth heading to the plaza in front of the shopping mall for is the Unicorn Gundam transformation show. This giant robot comes to life at specific times: it changes its armor plates, moves parts of its head, and lights up with bright neon glows, which looks particularly impressive after sunset. After the show, we recommend stopping by the Gundam Café to try themed dishes and drinks styled after your favorite characters.

For shopping fans, there are specific rules: due to high demand for certain items, there are often limits on the number of products per person, ensuring that exclusives remain available for all guests. Even if you don't consider yourself an anime fan, the scale of the display and the incredible Japanese attention to detail will leave a lasting impression of your visit to this high-tech hub.

The attraction is located on the famous man-made island of Odaiba, which is easiest to reach from central Tokyo via public transport. The most scenic route is via the automated Yurikamome line: take the train from Shimbashi or Toyosu stations to the Daiba stop, from where the shopping mall is just a 5-minute walk.

An alternative is the Rinkai line, which you can take from Shin-Kiba or Osaki stations to Tokyo Teleport (Exit B). From this station, the walk to the entrance takes about 3 minutes. The train ride to Odaiba is an attraction in itself, thanks to the futuristic views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.

If you plan to arrive by car, the drive from Haneda Airport or the Shinagawa area takes about 20 minutes. Paid parking is available for visitors at the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping complex. Using a GPS and precise coordinates will help you easily find the building among the other massive structures in the district.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the phenomenon of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, which launched in 1979. The original anime about piloted robots revolutionized the "mecha" genre, and the main protagonist, Amuro Ray, became a cult character not only in Japan but far beyond. Today, The Gundam Base Tokyo serves as the flagship hub for Bandai Namco, preserving and developing this rich heritage.

The famous Unicorn Gundam statue appeared at the entrance in 2017. Originally intended as a temporary installation for the franchise's 40th anniversary, its incredible popularity with tourists turned the giant robot into a permanent symbol of Odaiba. This engineering masterpiece, standing nearly 20 meters tall, is capable of transforming from "Unicorn Mode" into "Destroy Mode," making it one of the city's most photographed landmarks.

The Gundam Base centre itself opened in its current format in 2020, replacing previous exhibition spaces. It was envisioned as a place where fans of all ages could immerse themselves in the world of Gunpla — the culture of building plastic models. Today, it is a global centre of attraction visited by thousands every year to experience a piece of Japanese animation and robotics history.

To fully enjoy a visit to The Gundam Base Tokyo, we recommend setting aside about 2–3 hours. This time is sufficient to leisurely explore the store's massive range, visit the exhibition area with rare items, and perhaps try your hand at the model-building workshop.

Be sure to take the Unicorn Gundam show schedule into account — the performance itself is brief, but it's worth arriving 15 minutes early to secure a good photo spot. If you also plan to visit the themed Gundam Café or explore the entire shopping mall in detail, your stay might extend to half a day.

The Gundam Base Tokyo welcomes guests according to the operating hours of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall. On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On weekends and public holidays, the hours are extended: visitors are welcome from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Please note that the operating hours of some interactive zones and the café may differ slightly from the store's main schedule. Before your visit, we recommend checking the official website for information so you don't miss the final evening shows at the robot statue.

A visit to The Gundam Base Tokyo is a great excuse to explore the futuristic Odaiba district, where the concentration of interesting spots is mind-blowing. Just a few steps from the centre is the famous Unicorn Gundam Statue and the massive DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex, where you can continue shopping or relax in one of the many cafés.

For those seeking active entertainment or a unique visual experience, the nearby HADO ARENA Odaiba offers augmented reality, and the mysterious Immersive Fort Tokyo is also close by. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to create a full day's itinerary, combining the world of Japanese animation with modern technology and relaxation by the bay.