Gundam in Odaiba: where to get your Gunpla on in Japan (updated for 2026)

⚠️  LAST CHANCE ALERT: The Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba is being retired at the end of August 2026 after nearly nine years. If you want to see it in person, time is running out. Read on for what’s happening, what to expect, and what comes next.

Japansophy can’t claim to be any sort of anime fan — we’ll be honest — but even we couldn’t help but be impressed by the giant Gundam in Odaiba. It’s a (huuuuge) piece of Japanese pop-culture iconography and, judging by the crowds that gather to watch Gundam “come to life” several times a day, is a place of pilgrimage for the many mecha anime die-hards out there. For anyone passionate about Gunpla — the plastic model kits of Gundam robots — there are two must-visit spots in Tokyo that bring this passion to life: the Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba and the Gundam Base shop and event centre in DiverCity. These locations offer more than just sightseeing; they provide immersive experiences for collectors, builders, and fans of all ages.

But heads up: if the Unicorn Gundam is on your Tokyo bucket list, you’ll need to move fast. The statue’s exhibition is officially ending at the end of August 2026. Below, we break down what to expect from your visit, how to get there, and what the future holds for Gundam in Tokyo.

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The Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba: a farewell visit

Located in the popular entertainment and shopping district of Odaiba, the Unicorn Gundam statue is a spectacular sight. Standing 19.7 metres tall and weighing approximately 49 tons, this life-sized statue captures the sleek design of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series. It replaced the original RX-78-2 Gundam statue (which stood here from 2009 to 2017) and quickly became one of Tokyo’s most recognisable pop-culture landmarks.

The statue is not just a static display. It transforms several times a day, shifting between Unicorn Mode and Destroy Mode, where the armour panels open, the iconic glowing horn splits into a V-shaped antenna, and 50 illuminated points light up across the structure. At night, the performance is accompanied by projected footage and music on the DiverCity building behind it — a full light-and-sound spectacle that regularly draws crowds. Not being especially clued in about all things Gundam, we had happily walked past the statue many times (I mean: you can't ignore it exactly but it was more like, "Oh look. A big robot. Cool"); it wasn't until we had the kids with us in Tokyo (and they were old enough not to be terrified) that we caught the transformation show. We happened to be in Odaiba and hung around for it, thinking it would be ourselves and a few other passersby. But as the clock ticked closer to show time, the space in front of Gundam started to fill up until there were well over a hundred fans standing in obvious excitement and anticipation. When the show got started, the ooohs and ahhhhs from the enthralled crowd were the most magical part of the experience for me.

And now we learn that Unicorn Gundam is to be removed, probably at the end of its service life - there have indeed been a few hiccups of late. We won't be back in Tokyo until the end of the year, so it looks like we've already said goodbye. If you want to catch UG, you'd better be quick.

Transformation showtimes (subject to change, especially for special events):

•         Daytime: 11am / 1pm / 3pm / 5pm

•         Evening: 7pm / 7:30pm / 8pm / 8:30pm / 9pm / 9:30pm

The final months: what to expect

Bandai Namco announced the retirement at Gundam Conference Spring 2026 in May 2026. To send it off in style, the statue will be fitted with special “finale version” decal decorations for its last few months on display, giving fans one last fresh look at the RX-0. A series of commemorative farewell events is also planned in the lead-up to the final display date, with details to be announced on the official Gundam project website as they’re confirmed. So as well as seeing the statue itself, there may well be additional events and activities worth timing your visit around.

When it comes down at the end of August, Tokyo will be without a life-sized Gundam for the first time since 2009. The Yokohama Gundam — a moving, limb-articulated version of the RX-78 — was also retired in 2024, making the Unicorn the last of its kind standing in Japan’s capital. No replacement for the Odaiba site has been officially announced, though Bandai Namco revealed a “Gundam Landmark Project” at the same conference: a permanent new Gundam facility being planned somewhere in Japan specifically to attract international visitors. Details remain sparse, but with the franchise building towards its 50th anniversary in 2029, a successor seems likely sooner or later.

While you're in Odaiba visiting Gundam for the last time, it might be worth your while to stop in at TeamLab Planets, which is scheduled to close its doors in 2027.

Getting there

Take the Yurikamome line to Daiba Station. Exit the station and turn right. Walk down the broad path (“West Park Bridge”) towards DiverCity shopping and entertainment centre on the left. Walk to the end of the DiverCity building and go around the corner to the left. Ta daaaa! There he is. You can also reach Odaiba via the Rinkai Line (Tokyo Teleport Station), a short walk in the same direction.

Gundam Base in DiverCity: a Gunpla paradise

Just steps away from the Unicorn Gundam statue is the Gundam Base, a dedicated shop and event centre inside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Even after the statue comes down, the Gundam Base will remain — so this is a permanent destination for fans regardless of when you visit. It is the ultimate stop for anyone looking to buy Gunpla kits, from beginner-friendly models to rare and limited editions.

What the Gundam Base offers:

•         Extensive Gunpla selection: Hundreds of kits are available, including exclusive releases only found here. Whether you want the latest HG (High Grade), MG (Master Grade), or PG (Perfect Grade) models, this shop has it all.

•         Build and display areas: The centre includes spaces where visitors can assemble kits on-site or admire completed models. Perfect for newcomers wanting to get a feel for the hobby before committing to a kit.

•         Workshops and events: Regular workshops teach building techniques and painting tips. Special events often feature guest appearances by designers and voice actors, making it a lively hub for the Gundam community.

•         Merchandise and collectibles: Beyond Gunpla, the shop stocks figures, apparel, and other Gundam-themed goods — perfect for gifts or souvenirs, and for picking up Japan-exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else.

Gundam hotspots outside Tokyo

Maybe your trip to Japan doesn’t include a stop in the capital this time. Fear not, Gundam friends: there’s a Gundam Base in Fukuoka too, with satellite locations in Kyoto, Kanagawa, Hiroshima, Sendai, and Nagoya, so you can pick up all the Japan-only merch and models you’ve been dreaming of wherever your itinerary takes you.

Fukuoka is also home to a full-scale Nu Gundam statue, so the city is doubly worth a Gundam pilgrimage if you’re heading to Kyushu.

What’s next for Gundam in Japan?

The end of the Unicorn Gundam’s run is bittersweet, but it comes at an exciting moment for the franchise. Bandai Namco is in full build-up mode towards Gundam’s 50th anniversary in 2029 — the “Road to 50” project includes a full remaster of the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series, a new Mobile Suit Gundam Wing project, and the mysterious Gundam Landmark Project: a new permanent facility designed as a “holy land” for fans from all over the world. The location hasn’t been revealed, but the ambition is clearly to create something bigger and more immersive than a single statue.

The Odaiba site has already cycled once before — the RX-78-2 gave way to the Unicorn in 2017 — so a successor statue is entirely plausible, even if nothing is confirmed. For now, though, there’s one clear message: if you haven’t seen the Unicorn Gundam yet, go before the end of August.

Quick Facts: Unicorn Gundam, Odaiba

•         Height: 19.7 metres

•         Weight: approx. 49 tons

•         On display since: September 24, 2017

•         Final display date: End of August 2026

•         Nearest station: Daiba (Yurikamome Line) or Tokyo Teleport (Rinkai Line)

•         Admission: Free (outdoor, viewable 24 hours; transformation shows at set times)

•         Gundam Base: Inside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (will remain open after the statue is removed)