Where to get figures in Hong Kong
Sat 2009/09/05 13:14 JST
I'm trying out the non-figure posts
If the content is off-topic or so, please remove..
Anyways, I was wondering where to get figures in Hong Kong city.
In our trip there last year, it was pretty impromptu, like a birthday surprise for me. I wasn't able to
research and ended up buying from animate in Mongkok.
They say animate sells figures at very steep prices.
So where do you get your figures with better prices in Hong Kong?
of course without the bootlegs~~ ;)
Thanks for any info~
*Pic is from Chek Lap Kok. I was dumb enough to lose the cellphone w/ my shots in Hong Kong.
Only got the digicam day before we left so.. yada yada..
*facepalm* If only the old Members News were here...we've had many posts like this so I could link you to a whole host of them. ^^; In any case, figures and otaku merchandise in general are best found in MongKok and WanChai. There's also a string of shops at Tsim Tsa Tsui, but it's best to start off with the first two.
Can't find the detailed posts with maps and stuff right now, unfortunately - I'd bookmarked an old DC news posts, and in the comments were links to some guides - but if you already know where Animate is, just across the road is the CDMA centre. There are some figures on the upper floors, but the two basement floors are where you want to be.
Also in MongKok, look up the Sino Centre, which should be on Nathan Road. If you're taking the MTR, all MongKok otaku shops would have you taking Exit E.
For WanChai, Centre 188 is what you're looking for. Search that up. Centamap ( http://www.centamap.com/gc/home.aspx ) is a great Hong Kong map; it's Chinese oriented, but you can still search in English if you prefer.
These are just off the top of my head though; sorry I can't be of more help at the moment. ^^;
I never knew WanChai had toy shops , all i knew was it had lot's of computer & other techy gadgets.
As much as possible i'd avoid animate for now.. i dunno how true but read somewhere that they sell figures at very high prices.
I had 100 US dollars back then and was only able to buy 4 figures.. a busou shinki, a saber figma, a tsuruya metamo & a JASDF trading figure.
Though i'm not really going there this time, rather i'll be asking my relative to buy a figure for me.
Anyways, info i'll get here, i'll keep, should we go to HK next year.. (darn it's because of that AHN1 scare...)
I just went to Animate earlier. Figmas were being sold at roughly 200HK-220HK (selection is fairly limited) Though this 200HK price range is what I find as the set price no matter where I go. I think I came across only one toy store in Wan Chai that had Figmas (its at the Johnston Rd. exit; Exit D I think). I didn't think 188 would have it though. I was there around 12, and majority of the stores where still closed. Its hard to find Figmas here (I'm getting most of mine from the comic cons).
afaik, the best times for checking out HKG stores are during the late noon.
Based on experience, Animate does have a limited selection on figmas.. or rather, i think all the shops outside Japan will have limited figma selections maybe..
Anyways i'm no longer into figmas.. last time we went there in april, i can't really remember if i saw any figmas at both Animate branches (Kowloon and Causeway bay).. the only stuff i bought from them are Nyantype and JASDF girls trade figures so yah...
good luck traveling HK.
I remember I saved this comment from one of danny's posts.
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if tokyo has their akihabara, hong kong has their Mongkok area, HK's toy district ^^
got this article from a local filipino toy collecting group, Pinoy Toy Kolektor (http://ptk.14.forumer.com/)
Anyway, in Hong Kong island itself, there are 2-3 main areas to shop, all streets can be located from the free tourist maps you get from the airport, BUT if you have to ask a local in English, be prepared for some blank stares. The police are pretty obliging though, if you can spot one in the crowded streets.
VERY IMPORTANT: The shops don't open early. Shops on HK island open around 11~12pm. Shops in Mongkok open around 2~4pm. You can set out early to locate the shops first, but you'll have to wait till afternoon before you can open your wallet. Ask for the price politely, and DON'T BARGAIN unless you're serious about buying the toy. Rule of thumb: You see the price tag and can afford it, ask for a better price and don't haggle too much. You see no price tag? It's gonna cost you at least HK$1500 and up. It doesn't help if you're recognizably non-local... so stick to toys with price tags unless you're seriously gonna splurge.
WANCHAI AREA
1. Tai Yuen St, just opposite the road from the exit of Wanchai MTR station. At least 3~4 shops selling mostly current toys, including most Bandai, Yamato etc releases. Look overhead for the signboards, ignore the unappealing store fronts and go right INSIDE for the goodies.
2. Wanchai Rd, there are 2 to 3 dept stores with toy shops inside as you walk along towards the direction of Causeway Bay. Look out for In-Zone building on the right side of the street, store on 2nd floor, and later, "Dong Fong 188" building on the left. You may not recognize the characters for "Dong Fong" but you can't miss the "188". Beware of staggering amount of porn vendors amidst the toy shops!
3. Right after Dong Fong 188 as you approach the junction, turn left towards Hennesy Road and you'll find the building numbered 302-308. There's a fantastic shop inside with loads of vintage toys, but little current stuff.
CAUSEWAY BAY
1. After Wanchai, head towards Causeway Bay (CWB) on foot, 'coz you'll be halfway between either nearest MTR stations anyway. At CWB, don't miss out SOGO, Mitsukoshi and Seibu dept stores - they might have some old stuff not carried by the usual toy sellers.
2. Kanto Hobby, Causeway Bay branch. This great discount store is located behind SOGO on Lockhart Rd. I don't have the exact address, but all you have to do is lookout for a signboard with a Gundam head on it, The entrance is a dimly lit stairway, but the store has plenty to offer the bargain seeker. Their main store in Mongkok, Kowloon is another great place to shop. Credit cards accepted.
3. Toyzone HK, 16th Floor Causeway Bay Commercial Building, Sugar St (or "Tong Kai" in Cantonese). If you love vintage Japanese toys, you MUST NOT MISS this shop... They are stacked to the ceiling with old toys... I went there 3 times in 6 days and found great buys each time. Friendly people too. Highly recommended!
Now for KOWLOON... specifically, MONGKOK. If you're strapped for time, all you need to do is concentrate on Mongkok, specifically, the area bordered by Sai Yeung Choi Rd South, Dundas St, Soy St and Nathan Rd. This one square block of shops has enough toys inside to sate your every appetite.
1. On the side facing Nathan Rd, lookout for SINO CENTRE(Important note here!! As there are more than 9 MRT Exits from this station ---Take MRT "Exit E2"). On the ground floor is the store front for Kanto Hobby. Lots of bargains for current toys (like US$90 for a 1/48 Yamato). but the bigger surprise is when you take the lift to the 12th floor where they have a bigger room with more goodies on show. Unfortunately, the M&M reissues are not at very good prices... HK$1400 a pair. Almost everything else is a bargain. Don't wipeout your budget at one go!
2. After SINO, at the junction of Dundas St is TRENDY ZONE. The stores upstairs is a mish mash of fashions and collectibles, but the basement is where all the cool toys are. I got a VF-1S Super Valk reissue for only HK$300 there...
3. Turn the bend towards Sai Yeong Choi Rd South and you'll find CTMA CENTRE. Another treasure trove of toy shops, too many to single out. About 4 floors up and 2 floors below. This place is fantastic, but the shops open from 4pm onwards. Some don't open till 8 or 9!
4. Across CTMA, there's a manga/magazine shop. Above it is a toy shop called ANIMATE. Some bargains to be found, but not terribly fantastic.
5. Just round the bend from CTMA on Soy St, before the Subway entrance (not an MTR entrance), is a colorfully neon'd out building called CHIC something-or-other. Go in and look around, some cool things are to be found, but not much of a bargain place.
6. If you still have strength in your legs, haul yourself down along Dundas St past the stinkingly bad smells of the fermented toufu eateries on the left. After a while you'll notice an amazing amount of airsoft toy gun replicas on display. There are also lots of model kit shops in an alleyway along Dundas St. I bought a Kyosho r/c Gunwalker for HK$600... cool fun for that price!
7. After Dundas, you'll hit Kwong Wah St. Yet another street with r/c and model kit shops on both sides of the road, all the way till the end. Some vintage kits (not much), and a sprinkling of toys amidst the plethora of HG/MG/PG/Bandai/Tamiya etc.
That's it... there's actually a couple more places in Mongkok, along Argyle St, but you might have trouble finding them. Also remember, you need a STRONG BLADDER to shop around in Hong Kong. There aren't many public toilets, not even in hotels or shopping centers (except the really big, brightly lit ones, with no toys inside). Your best bet is a KFC, McDonalds or any other fastfood place if you need a toilet break.
While in Mong Kok, there's a couple more shops to look out for. Walk along ARGYLE ST towards SAI YEE ST. Keep to the left side of the main road.
1. First you'll encounter SING TAT Building, just after the junction for Tung Cho St. SING TAT's ground floor is full of mobile phone stalls and accessories dealers. Proceed to the 3rd floor for a couple of toy shops. WARNING: The 2nd and 3rd floors are also filled with porno dealers. Not good if you're with kids or squemish companions.
2. Continue down Argyle St and just before the junction of Sai Yee St, look up and see a HUGE signboard that says "111". You might miss it during the day because it isn't lit up and the signs are all so crazy. But "111" is a great place not to be missed!
Nothing on the 1st floor, but the 2nd floor has quite a few great shops with plenty of old and new toys. Don't forget to check out the BASEMENT of "111" either. It's a warren of toyshops down there!
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In Summary, if you're in a hurry or with other family members while traveling, just make a beeline for Sino Center and CTMA at Mongkok.... CTMA has "Superman Toys" toystore at the top floor. Contrary to the name, it does not sell any DC related items but rather it boasts an INCREDIBLE store display of Astroboy, Kamen Rider, ULtraman, SOul of Chogokin from the owner's own collection. It's a proverbial Toy Museum!! From Lifesize statues to busts, Japan action figures, boxed and loose.... the works!!! I guarantee you'll get stuck there staring at it for at least 30 minutes!Smile
I've heard stories of shops(entire buildings rather ) in Japan's Akihabara district(the techno-geeks dream heaven dito!) that have much much much more to offer in terms of display.... scary.
http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/932/Hong%20Kong.html#comment50435
Problem is, I'm not really going there this time time XD LOLOLOL
Instead i have a relative who stays in PRC that can go to HK. Anyway she's familiar with the HK city itself though she doesn't know where these stores are. That's why i asked you people ;)
Anyways, thanks for this wealth of info. I'll be saving this as reference should we go there next year :)
oh yah, are there bootleg infestations in any of those shops?
My relative might be unable to spot the signs & symptoms of bootleg
there are some but not as rampant. the trick would be to give the SRP and tell your relative the prices shouldn't deviate by more than $30-50
Despite all the stories about bootlegs from Hong Kong, I'd say that most of the reputation comes from online eBay retailers. I kept a sharp eye out for them when I was shopping in HK, and there were actually very little of them. I only spotted a couple while I was there.
Yup, there's many anime shop at the Kowloon area.