Golden Gai Book Nook Kit

Needs some refinement. Parts don’t exactly fit or are loose and need excessive glue. Dust shield on front completely doesn’t work. Really nice look but it was a frustrating build. One light was never mentioned in the instructions even. And there’s no easy way to ask for corrections online. Three stars is generous.

Truly an incredible experience. I just recently had to opportunity to visit Japan for two weeks and fell in love with it JUST like everyone said I would! There’s almost nothing I want more than to take another trip(maybe longer next time), but until then, I have these book nooks to act like little portals to the world I wish I was in again. I’ve finished the this one and the Kyoto one so far, now I just have to build Omoide to finish my collection! The craftsmen-ship is unlike anything else I’ve built—each piece felt like it was made with incredible care and the nook is incredibly sturdy, all things considered(superglue was a superhero). Whenever I’m missing Japan, these serve almost as physical memories of each alley way, every street and shrine I was fortunate enough to stumble upon. I’ll DEFINITELY be buying the Kowloon one or the Mars Revelation next!

Compared to the Kowloon and Omoide Yokocho kits, this one seemed a bit less well thought out. Several parts of the kit did not fit well together, and a backing piece had to be removed entirely for it to fully close. I also had to tape down the top for it to stay on. I followed all the directions carefully. That said, the details are stunning as usual, and the use of mirrors created some excellent effects. This is one of my favourite places in Tokyo, so I greatly enjoyed recreating it.