Standing at 18 metres tall at Yamashita Pier, the giant Gundam has got to be one of the most impressive attractions I’ve seen. Opened in 2020, the Gundam Factory Yokohama is an attraction themed after the popular Gundam franchise.
Initially set to close in March 2023, it has recently been extended to March 2024, which is a relief for fans who have yet to visit. This might be your last chance, so do make sure to include your Japan itinerary!
Getting to Gundam Factory Yokohama
The Gundam Factory Yokohama is a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station, Motomachi Chukagai, in Yokohama, which is about an hour away from Tokyo.
Walking through Yamashita Park along the Yokohama waterfront, you’ll be able to spot the large white container at the edge of Yamashita Pier from a distance and that’s where you’ll find the exhibition.
Entrance And Ticket Counter
If you did not book your tickets beforehand, you can purchase tickets at the entrance but it is not guaranteed you will be able to get them. You’ll likely only be able to purchase entrance tickets (¥1650, ≈SGD 16.50) as the tower dock tickets gets sold out online really quickly.
Tour Of The Place
Gundam-Dock
The main attraction, RX-78F00, sits on the dock — a large open space where visitors can marvel at the giant. There are also a few tables — great for a break between the performances.
You’ll find the dock tower on the Gundam’s left and is where you’ll be able to view the giant up close on Deck 5 and 6. Do note that entrance to the dock tower will require a separate ticket.
Academy (Gundam-Lab)
The academy is where you’ll be able to learn about the exhibition and the team behind it. There were also lots of interactive bits where you can fix up a miniature Gundam and also learn how the joints of the giant Gundam moves.
Shopping (The Gundam Base)
As with every attraction, there’s a souvenir shop here. Can’t leave without a souvenir amirite?
Many items sold here are limited edition, such as the model kits of the Gundam dock. As of the time we visited, many items are sold out, there seems to be no plans for restock.
There is also a shop right outside, so if you did not manage to get tickets, you can still do some shopping. However, some items that are exclusively for purchase only in the shop inside the attraction.
Food
Food and beverages are readily available at the Gundam Cafe and also at food trucks on the dock. However, the food options are pretty limited and the menus of the food trucks are in Japanese only.
Performance
The giant Gundam “awakes” roughly every 20 minutes and its performance schedule depends on the day you visit (weekdays, weekends or holidays). It would take you about 2 hours if you want to watch all 4 performances.
Check the website for detailed performance schedules for both weekdays and weekends.
The “Awakening” performance was pretty impressive, though slow, you’ll get to see several movements such as kneeling and walking. Audio and mist added to the grandness and overall vibe of the performance.
Ticketing (Steps To Buying Online)
Entrance tickets cost ¥1650 (≈SGD 16.50) and an additional ¥3300 (≈SGD 33) for the dock tower. As mentioned previously, note that you will have to buy both tickets if you want to visit the dock tower.
1. Select the ticket you want to purchase
2. Select date
3. Select quantity and add it to cart. You will see your cart at the bottom of the window:
You can click on the cart icon to check your selection.
5. If you require dock tower tickets, you can add them to your cart here. The dock tickets get sold out much quicker as only a small number of people are allowed on the tower.
After purchasing the tickets successfully, you will receive the email with QR codes and the tickets will be reflected in your account under “Tickets owned”. Just show them on your mobile phone at the entrance; the QR code in the email is sufficient to enter the attraction.
For more detailed instructions please refer to the video from Gundam Factory Yokohama’s official ticketing guide (For PC / Mobile).
Visit the official website for the latest ticketing news. If you are really interested in going up the dock tower, please do not wait to buy the ticket(s) right before entering as it will most probably sold out.
You may have noticed that there’s nothing written about going up the dock tower as we decided to not go for it as it did not seem worth the price. We also felt that viewing the performance from the dock probably looks much cooler as you will be able to see the entire Gundam. Reentry is not allowed and the dock tower is a timed entry ticket so be very sure when leaving that you’ve gotten enough pictures and videos of the exhibition!
Update: Gundam Factory Yokohama is closed as of 1 April 2024. However, the life-sized Gundam will be reconfigured and making an appearance in Osaka, from 13 April – 13 October 2025 for Expo 2025.
