About 20 minutes by train or bus from Ikebukuro Station, in a corner of the Minami-Nagasaki area, which straddles the border between Shinjuku Ward and Toshima Ward, a striking red train is on display. This is where "Hobby Center Kato Tokyo," a showroom operated by the model railway brand "KATO," is located.

A model railway shop with strong ties to the local community.

Hobby Center Kato Tokyo is one of the largest specialty stores for model trains in Japan.

Beyond simply selling products, we also promote the appeal of model trains and dioramas. Previously operating in Takadanobaba, we established our base here approximately 40 years ago following the relocation of our headquarters.

"Located in a residential area, it's popular with a wide range of people, from elementary school students to adults. It's also close to Ikebukuro, a hub for hobbies and subcultures, making it an area with a strong affinity for model trains," says Shigeru Takabayashi of the sales department.

Check out the impressive railway diorama!

The store's main attraction is its railway diorama exhibit. Rather than depicting a specific region, it's created to resemble a fictional city that evokes a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, allowing visitors to enjoy the feeling of stepping into the world of the diorama.

"First, try paying attention to the movement of the trains and the sense of scale of the diorama. After that, if you look at the finer details such as the atmosphere of the town and the appearance of the figures, you can immerse yourself more deeply in the world of model trains," Takabayashi explained, giving us some tips on how to appreciate them.

The Shinkansen bullet train model boasts unwavering popularity.

The store stocks everything from model trains themselves to the tracks and control equipment necessary to run them, and even tools for creating dioramas. With hundreds of different types of trains currently available, the overwhelming selection means you can start your model railroading hobby right away.

Among model trains, the "N gauge," which is an internationally standardized type, enjoys consistent popularity. Starter sets that include trains, tracks, and controllers are also available, making them a great choice for beginners.

Among the many N gauge models, Shinkansen trains such as JR East's E5 series and the N700S, which operates on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, remain very popular.

"For our overseas customers, not only Shinkansen trains but also Yamanote Line trains are popular. We handle N gauge models of overseas railways as well as Japanese railways, such as the TGV, known as France's high-speed train, so we have a lineup that will satisfy even enthusiasts," Takabayashi explained.

You can also enjoy a driving experience with your favorite vehicle.

The second floor also features a model train operation experience corner. If you purchase items at the shop on the first floor, you can enjoy a free 25-minute run on a full-scale diorama. You can also bring your own trains, so many people enjoy running their favorite models.
  
"The controller for driving is easy to use, so children and first-timers are more than welcome. You can experience what it's like to be a train driver by adjusting the speed and considering where to stop. We hope you'll not only enjoy displaying the vehicles, but also experience the fun of actually operating them."

Creating your own world freely is one of the joys of model railroading.

The appeal of model trains lies in the fact that you can enjoy both the thrill of running them and the depth of craftsmanship involved in creating them. Because you can express your ideal world with your own hands, many enthusiasts who experience its charm continue building until they are satisfied. Some recreate cityscapes and build towns, while others gaze at their favorite trains and immerse themselves in nostalgia.

"By continuing to promote the culture of model trains in this location close to the city center, such as Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, we hope to encourage people of all ages to drop by," says Takabayashi.

With a little imagination, model trains offer endless ways to have fun. Today, too, Hobby Center Kato Tokyo opens the door to a world where adults and children alike can lose themselves in time.

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Hobby Center Kato Tokyo

電話：03-3954-2171 
住所：東京都新宿区西落合1-24-10 
アクセス：都営地下鉄大江戸線 落合南長崎駅から徒歩5分 
HP：https://www.hobbycenterkato.com 
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/katoshoptokyo/

*Please check the link above for details on business hours, regular holidays, and driving experience.