Models galore

There's something about young kids and trains that make little hearts fill with delight.  Just five stops from us on the Uedo line, there is a model train store that is mind blowing.  Kato Precision Railroad Models is a model train mecca. 

Outside the store is a retired train.  So, before we even got inside the excitement was palpable.  It was a great way to start our visit.

Once inside we were greeted by the largest model train store I have ever seen.  There were huge displays - landscapes with trains racing around them.  My son immediately hopped up onto the platform to get a closer look.  He pointed at the buildings, exclaimed at the tiny figures, and marveled at the trains whisking around and around.

I couldn't believe how many rows of merchandise there were.  It is one of the largest model train stores in Japan.  We wondered up and down the aisles, amazed at all the different types of trains. 

We were even more enthralled with the figurines.  There were so many different figures.  We ohhed and ahhed at all the funny or interesting people, animals, and other items.

After purchasing a small souvenir, we were given a train pass.  It is a ticket to borrow a train for 30 minutes and run it on the tracks on the second floor.  Anyone that spends more than ¥500 receives one of these tickets.  There is a large model landscape and six controllers to use during the "play time."  If you don't have time to play that day, the ticket is valid for 3 months.

We decided to save the ticket for a rainy day since we were having such a good time just looking at everything.

Honestly, I'm not the biggest train fan.  But it makes my son so happy.  So we go.  We have adventures.  And we see the trains.  Big and little trains.