[Unusual Station Name] Let's go find Gundam manholes around "Toy Town Station" in Mibu City, Tochigi Prefecture.

While researching travel spots in Tochigi Prefecture, I discovered a station with a rather unusual name. It seems there is a place called "Omocha no Machi," which was born during the Showa era. I decided to visit this city that is significantly connected to the development of the toy manufacturing industry and is also a destination for Gundam fans.

"Toy Town" was named after the station?

Drawn by the fantasy-filled place name "Toy Town," it is located in Mibu Town, Shimotsuga District, Tochigi Prefecture, and refers to the area around Toy Town Station on the Tobu Utsunomiya Line, as well as the northeastern part of the town. As town area names, there are Toy Town 1-chome to Toy Town 5-chome.

The establishment of a toy factory complex during Japan's period of rapid economic growth was the catalyst for its development as a hub for toy manufacturers and related companies. Today, it is well-known for places like the "Mibu Town Toy Museum" and the "Toy Town Bandai Museum."

At Toy Town Station, famous toys and characters from toy manufacturers like Bandai, Takara Tomy, and Epoch are wrapped, creating a joyful atmosphere for fans and children.

Although the official town name became Toy Town in 1977, the station actually opened in 1965. It appears to have existed before the naming of the town.

An elevator that Gundam fans want to ride

An elevator wrapped in Gundam designs has also been discovered, featuring a deep red Zaku inside, which must be irresistible for fans. This elevator takes you towards the connecting corridor.

The elevator from the connecting passage to the platform is also wrapped in Plarail. There is also wrapping from the Sylvanian Families, so it seems that many children want to take the elevator instead of the stairs at this station.

A must-see for Gundam fans! Of the manholes scattered across the country, two are in this town.

Near the east exit plaza of the station, there are manholes designed with RX-78-2 Gundam and "Halo" inspired by the local specialty, the gourd. While exploring casually to see if there are more, I also noticed tourists strolling around just like me.

Upon research, it seems there is another manhole in front of the "Toy Town Bandai Museum." This museum showcases toys from both Japan and abroad, Edison’s inventions, and a life-sized Gundam, making it quite bustling with families with children.

Facility Name: Toy Town Bandai Museum
Location: 3-6-20 Omocha no Machi, Mibu Town, Shimotsuga District, Tochigi Prefecture
TEL: 0282-86-2310
Admission Fee: Adults (high school students and above) 1000 yen, Children (ages 4 to middle school) 600 yen, 800 yen for those aged 65 and above
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
Closed on: Every Wednesday and year-end/new-year holidays

On the sidewalk in front of the museum, there is a manhole designed with the MSN-02 Zeong, a steam car, a phonograph, and the specialty strawberries of Mibu Town. The pink of the strawberries and the blue of the Zeong match nicely.

This Gundam manhole has been installed in over 50 locations in cooperation with municipalities across the country, but currently, there are only these two in Mibu Town. It might be fun to go on a manhole tour for Gundam fans.

Let's dive into the "Toy Town" around the station

The name Toy Town can also be seen on the post office's sign if you look closely. How about taking a stroll through Toy Town while you're out driving or touring, and returning to the innocence of childhood?

Coverage and text by Kazuma Tanaka

Search Gunpla on Amazon