Anime Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of "Mobile Suit Gundam" and Recommended Dining Spots: Exploring the World of Gundam Mainly in Tokyo
January 30, 2026
Since the start of the anime broadcast in 1979 to the present day, "Mobile Suit Gundam" has enjoyed immense popularity worldwide. Its appeal lies in the realistic mechanical design, profound storylines, and the human dramas of its characters. Having spawned numerous series, this work continues to influence culture widely beyond anime, including models (Gunpla), games, apparel, and exhibition events.
This article introduces a journey to visit the "holy sites" where you can experience the world of Gundam. Focusing on Tokyo, we have carefully selected popular spots that are easily accessible to everyone, exploring the features and charms of each facility, along with recommended dining spots nearby.
Each spot holds many stories, history, and points that fans cannot miss related to the world of Gundam. Tracing Gundam’s traces that live within Japan's urban landscapes, this journey offers not just tourism but a special experience that deepens understanding and excitement for anime culture.
Recommended Anime Pilgrimage Route
The Gundam holy sites introduced in this article are scattered throughout Tokyo but can be visited efficiently using public transportation. The journey starts in the Tokyo Bay area, Odaiba. From there, you pass through East Tokyo, including Akihabara and Nakano along the Chuo Line, before heading to Kami-Igusa, the birthplace of Gundam. This route is like traveling back in time from Gundam’s "present to origins."
Below, we introduce key highlights of each spot, along with access from the previous destination and estimated visit times.
1. Odaiba: THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO & Unicorn Gundam
Access (starting point): From JR Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, etc., via Yurikamome or Rinkai Line
Gunpla displays and limited products at THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO
Life-size Unicorn Gundam statue
Estimated stay: 2–2.5 hours
2. Oshiage: STRICT-G Tokyo Solamachi Store
Access (from Odaiba):
Yurikamome "Daiba Station" → "Shimbashi Station"
Toei Asakusa Line "Shimbashi Station" → "Oshiage Station"
Approximate time: about 45 minutes
Nearest station: Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei Line, Tobu Line "Oshiage Station"
Highlights:
Gundam official apparel shop "STRICT-G"
Can be combined with Tokyo Skytree sightseeing and aquarium visits
Estimated stay: 1–1.5 hours
3. Taito Ward: Bandai Headquarters
Access (from Oshiage):
Toei Asakusa Line "Oshiage Station" → "Kuramae Station" or "Asakusa Station"
About 5 minutes on foot
Approximate time: about 15 minutes
Highlights:
Exhibition space open to the public on weekdays only
A place to feel Gundam’s industrial background along with the traditional downtown atmosphere
Estimated stay: 30 minutes to 1 hour
4. Akihabara: TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO
Access (from Kuramae):
Toei Asakusa Line "Kuramae Station" → "Asakusabashi Station"
JR Sobu Line "Asakusabashi Station" → "Akihabara Station"
Approximate time: about 10–15 minutes
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from JR "Akihabara Station" / 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Suehirocho Station"
Highlights:
High-quality Gundam figure exhibits and limited product sales
Shopping in the heart of anime culture
Estimated stay: 1.5–2 hours (exhibition and shopping)
5. Nakano Broadway
Access (from Akihabara):
JR Chuo Line "Akihabara Station" → "Ochanomizu Station" → "Nakano Station"
Approximate time: about 20 minutes
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from north exit of JR Chuo Line / Tokyo Metro Tozai Line "Nakano Station"
Highlights:
A treasure trove of used and rare Gundam goods centered around Mandarake
A unique cultural space with eclectic shops gathered
Estimated stay: 1.5–2 hours
6. Kami-Igusa Station
Access (from Nakano):
JR Chuo Line "Nakano Station" → "Takadanobaba Station"
Seibu Shinjuku Line "Takadanobaba Station" → "Kami-Igusa Station"
Approximate time: about 20 minutes
Nearest station: Just steps from Seibu Shinjuku Line "Kami-Igusa Station"
Highlights:
Bronze statue in front of the station, Gundam departure melody
Walking around the area of the former Sunrise headquarters
Estimated stay: 30 minutes to 1 hour
If you follow the above route, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Gundam while efficiently touring Tokyo. In the next section, we will introduce more detailed information about each spot.
Located inside "DiverCity Tokyo Plaza," the landmark of Odaiba, THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO is the official comprehensive facility where you can fully enjoy the charm of Gunpla (Gundam plastic models). As a permanent establishment specialized in Gunpla display and sales, many fans from Japan and abroad visit here.
Inside the facility, there are four zones: "Builders Zone," "Factory Zone," "Shop Zone," and "Event Zone," covering Gunpla from past to latest models. Particularly, the exhibition space lined with completed models is impressive, where you will find yourself captivated by the finely detailed craftsmanship.
Also, the "Gunpla assembly experience" enjoyable for beginners to advanced modelers is one of its attractions. Tools are lent on-site, so even novices can easily create Gunpla there. Limited edition products are also sold, drawing many visitors looking for exclusive items.
Please note that from Friday to Sunday, pre-entry lotteries may be held.
Standing in front of DiverCity Tokyo alongside THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO is the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue. This enormous 19.7-meter-tall Gundam creates an overwhelming impact for first-time visitors and is a very popular memorial photo spot.
The charm of this Unicorn Gundam is that its appearance changes between day and night. During the day, transformations into Destroy Mode happen at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 with parts lighting up and moving, which excites fans. At night, from 19:00 to 21:30, every 30 minutes, there are special showings including movies. The nighttime illumination creates a fantastical appearance, providing a totally different atmosphere to enjoy.
At its base, there is a small booth where visitors can enjoy information about the showtimes and related Gundam exhibits, making it a spot full of attractions for fans.
"STRICT-G" is an apparel brand that incorporates the Gundam worldview, themed around the fusion of fashion and anime. Stores exist in places like Tokyo Solamachi (Oshiage) and Odaiba, making it a stylish spot that Gundam fans would want to visit at least once.
Inside the store, items such as T-shirts, hoodies, bags, and watches inspired by mobile suits and characters are displayed. All have stylish designs suitable for everyday use. Many designs are subtle enough that they do not immediately reveal themselves as Gundam items, making them popular even among adult fans.
There are many collaboration products, and limited editions with Adidas and PORTER are also catching the attention of fashion lovers.
In the 1st and 2nd floors of Bandai’s headquarters building in Taito Ward, Tokyo, there is a free exhibition space open to the public. Here, latest items by Bandai and displays of historical toys are showcased, sometimes including Gundam-related plastic models and figures.
The lobby also has a photo spot where visitors can take pictures with Char Aznable, a highlight for fans. Given the nature as a corporate lobby, quiet and brief visits are ideal, but it is an interesting place to feel Gundam’s commercial aspects.
Nearby are many sightseeing spots like Sensoji Temple and Sumida River, making it convenient to stop by during Tokyo sightseeing.
Situated in the heart of Akihabara just a short walk from JR Akihabara Station, TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO is the official flagship store of Bandai’s figure brand "TAMASHII NATIONS." It offers a rich collection of Gundam-related figures featuring highly detailed artistry that reaches the level of art.
Inside, you can see the latest Gundam figures on display and buy limited edition products. Exhibits are regularly rotated, so there are always new discoveries on repeat visits. The premium display and lighting elevate the figures like works of art, offering an immersive extraordinary space.
Nakano Broadway is a shopping mall where subculture related to anime, manga, and games gather, featuring specialist shops such as Mandarake in a compact space. It is a holy site offering a rich variety of Gundam-related goods, figures, doujinshi, and old books, enabling a treasure-hunt-like shopping experience.
Not only the latest goods but also rare items from the '80s and '90s can be found, making it a dream place for collectors. The uniquely atmospheric building interior adds to the irresistible charm for subculture enthusiasts.
Seibu Shinjuku Line's Kami-Igusa Station is a special place known as the "birthplace of Gundam." Around the station is the former headquarters of Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks), where many masterpieces including Gundam were born.
In front of the station is a bronze statue of "Mobile Suit Gundam," and the station departure melody uses "Tobe! Gundam." This place deeply connected to Gundam’s history is a poignant visit for fans.
The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood but filled with Gundam-related atmospheres, making it a "origin" spot fans definitely want to visit once.
8. Recommended Restaurants
During your Gundam anime pilgrimage, meals are also an important enjoyment. Here are several reservable dining spots in Tokyo that you may want to visit alongside Gundam sites.
A restaurant in Odaiba to casually enjoy flavors from across Japan
Features creative Japanese cuisine using ingredients from various regions, offering carefully crafted dishes including seafood, meat, and donabe rice pot meals. The donabe-cooked rice beautifully enhances the rice’s flavor and delivers high satisfaction. Located very close to THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO and the Unicorn Gundam statue, it’s easy to stop by during sightseeing.
A serene Japanese restaurant in Asakusa offering sushi and tempura
Enjoy fresh seafood sushi and freshly fried tempura in a refined and calm atmosphere. Seasonal ingredients are used in lunch and course menus, making it great to visit during a stroll in Asakusa. It’s within walking distance from Bandai headquarters, convenient for combining sightseeing.
Price: ¥11,000~(Mid-range)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Hours: 11:00~16:00, 16:00~21:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu
Specialty rare hamburg steak allowing you to finish cooking to your liking, extracting rich meat flavor
Offering 100% ground beef hamburg steak served rare and cooked by yourself on a hot iron plate, this unique style offers a melting texture and juicy, rich meat flavor. Within walking distance from Bandai headquarters, making it easy to visit between sightseeing.
Price: ¥3,200~(Affordable)
Type: Casual
Business Hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~22:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Child-Friendly, Children's menu, English menu
A yakiniku restaurant in Akihabara serving premium Black Wagyu
A yakiniku specialty restaurant serving carefully selected Black Wagyu where you can enjoy high-quality flavors for both lunch and dinner. Located inside a shopping mall connected directly to the station for convenient access. Very close to TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO, making it easy to stop by before or after shopping or sightseeing.
Price: ¥4,950~(Affordable)
Type: Casual
Business Hours: 11:00~23:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Children's menu, English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu, Easy Access from Station
A restaurant to enjoy exquisite pairings of Japanese cuisine and wine
Savor authentic Japanese dishes made with select wagyu and seafood, perfectly paired with wines that complement the flavors. The calm atmosphere enhances the delicate cuisine's taste. Conveniently located near TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO, easy to visit before or after sightseeing.
The world of "Mobile Suit Gundam" exists not only as a captivating work but also as many “real experiences” within Japanese cities. From gigantic statues and official facilities to locations carrying its history, traveling through Gundam sites is more than just tourism—it is a cultural experience.
Whether you are deeply fond of Gundam or new to the series, engaging with this world and Japan's profound anime culture will surely offer new discoveries. Moreover, tasting Japanese food culture along the way adds even more color to this experience.
Create your own Gundam anime pilgrimage route and walk around Tokyo. You will find emotion and encounters beyond your imagination waiting for you.
