Bandai Hobby Center: Grand Opening in Shizuoka!

Japan is home to some of the world’s most beloved hobbies, and plastic models hold a special place among them. Shizuoka welcomed a new attraction this September: the Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute (BHC PDII) Museum. The museum will show the history, technology, and art while letting visitors experience the creative process themselves!

What is the Museum?

The BHC PDII Museum opened on September 2, 2025, inside Bandai Spirits’ new production plant in Shizuoka. Spread across two floors, it will introduce visitors to the entire plastic model process. A monument built from oversized Gundam model parts at the entrance will greet visitors. Exhibits will feature hands-on experiences like designing model colors or creating packaging mock-ups.

Rather than simply showing finished models, the museum allows guests to step into the shoes of designers and manufacturers. This helps bridge the gap between fans and the creators behind their favorite model kits. For children, the exhibits provide an educational introduction to design and manufacturing, while hobbyists get to deepen their appreciation of the craft. The museum allows visitors to feel like part of the creative process.

Why It Matters (Industry & Culture)

Shizuoka has long been Japan’s plastic model (plamo) capital. Companies such as Bandai and Tamiya all have deep roots in the region, producing models ranging from cars and planes to anime-inspired kits. The museum helps preserve and promote this history, showing how the craft evolved from wood models to today’s detailed plastic kits. It is also a way of boosting tourism and celebrating an industry that shaped Shizuoka’s identity.

On a broader scale, the museum highlights the importance of plamo in Japanese pop culture. Gunpla, short for Gundam plastic models, has been a cultural icon for decades, with millions of kits sold worldwide. Including over 4,000 Gunpla models in the museum’s displays underscores how central they are to Japan’s modeling culture. It also connects Shizuoka’s industrial heritage with the global spread of anime culture.

What to Expect at the Shizuoka Bandai Plastic Model Museum

Visitors to the Shizuoka Plastic Model Museum can expect an immersive journey. The museum showcases the history and artistry of Bandai Spirits and Shizuoka’s tradition of plastic model manufacturing. Guests follow a set “visit flow” from exhibition spaces to hands-on areas. Highlights include rare model displays, production materials, and behind-the-scenes exhibits that reveal how hobby kits are designed.

Beyond exhibitions, the museum emphasizes interactive experiences. Visitors can step into the role of a product designer, try their hand at digital modeling, and learn how kits are brought from concept to shelf. A special “factory area” gives insight into molding and assembly processes, showing the industrial side of model culture. Guests also have the chance to join workshops where they can build and paint their own kits to take home.

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Practical Info: Tickets, Access & Plans

Visitors will need to plan since the museum uses a reservation-only system. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM but is closed on Sundays, Mondays, public holidays, and New Year’s holidays. The facility is convenient, just three minutes from Naganuma Station and eight minutes from Higashi-Shizuoka Station. A visit is expected to take around 90 minutes, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.  

Ticket pricing is straightforward, and compared to other attractions, the price is reasonable considering the specialized exhibits and interactive features. The museum benefits from being near other Shizuoka attractions, making it easy to include in an itinerary. For tourists, this means combining industrial heritage with cultural sightseeing. It allows residents to connect deeply with their city’s identity.

Would I Go?

Yes, I would like to visit this museum. I enjoy seeing the process behind how things are made, and model-making combines engineering, design, and creativity uniquely. The “designer experience” especially appeals to me since it lets me engage with the craft. Standing in front of thousands of models while understanding the technology behind them would make for a memorable visit.

That said, I would also think about timing and scheduling. With closures on standard travel days like Sundays and holidays, planning is required to avoid disappointment. The reservation-only system means flexibility is limited, though it also prevents overcrowding. I would likely pair the visit with other Shizuoka highlights to make the most of the trip. Despite these considerations, the museum stands out as an attraction worth traveling for.

Considerations Before Visiting

The museum has many strengths, but visitors should consider potential challenges. First, those not interested in models may find some exhibits overly technical. The focus on design and production details may not engage every guest, particularly younger children with shorter attention spans. Travel costs to Shizuoka could also add up for international tourists or those from Tokyo. For hobbyists, anime fans, or anyone curious about industrial design, these issues are minor compared to the experience offered.

Overall, seeing Japan’s leading model makers in action is rare; the museum provides that access. Families can still enjoy the hands-on parts, even if they skip over technical details. The location’s connection to Shizuoka’s model-making history makes it part of the city’s identity. Would you like to go to this new museum? Why do you want to go? Let us know in the comments below!