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Want that anime figure, Gunpla kit, or piece of merch straight from the source? Buying from Japan is easy once you know the right stores. Here’s how to order authentic figures and hobby goods and get them shipped home — without overpaying.
The two ways to buy
- Dedicated hobby retailers that ship internationally — the simplest route for most items.
- A proxy service for things that only sell domestically (limited lottery prizes, Mercari, store exclusives) — see how to buy from Japan with a proxy.
Best stores that ship worldwide
HobbyLink Japan (HLJ)
A veteran hobby store with a massive catalog of figures, Gunpla, and model kits, plus a “Private Warehouse” that lets you consolidate orders to save shipping. Great prices on pre-orders. → HLJ
AmiAmi
Famous for deep discounts on figures and pre-orders, and a huge selection. A go-to for collectors chasing value. → AmiAmi
CDJapan
Best when you also want music, Blu-rays, art books, and merch alongside figures. Reliable international shipping and points. → CDJapan
Pre-orders: how they work
Most sought-after figures sell as pre-orders months before release. You reserve, then pay near ship date. Reserve early — popular figures close fast and resell for far more later.
Save on shipping (the real cost)
- Consolidate. Use a store’s warehouse feature to combine items into one box.
- Pick the right courier. Surface/economy for heavy kits; air/EMS for urgent, light items.
- Mind customs. Check your country’s duty threshold before a big order.
New to building?
If figures led you to model kits, start with a beginner-friendly Gunpla grade (HG or EG) and a basic tool set — guide coming soon. For snacks and other goodies from Japan, see our picks for the best Japanese snack boxes, or learn the proxy method for anything that won’t ship abroad.