It is no secret that building is a big part of my household. If you saw my house, you would think my family needs another set like we need a hole in the head.
Over the years, I have purchased many sets for my home. I have also purchased sets for other collectors.
There are several reasons you may be reading this guide. You may want to start or expand your collection, or maybe you want to surprise another collector with a new set.
If you are like me, you are looking for the best Japan-inspired sets on the market. This is why I wanted to take the time to put together a guide on the best Japan Nanoblock sets.
Here it is, my write-up of Osaka Castle (大坂城) NBH_173. I hope you enjoy! #nanoblock #ナノブロック #OsakaCastle #大坂城 #Japan #日本 https://t.co/LJbgqr7OR4 pic.twitter.com/HQmTlLZ0QX
— NANOBLOG ナノブログ (@nanoblockblog) February 27, 2019
My research for this guide includes various websites, blogs, and videos. I am also using my own experience and thoughts to create an accurate review.
As you read through my guide, you can find…
- The best Nanoblock Japan sets on the market today.
- My top pick, other great sets and must-have accessories.
- Details of each set on the list, such as the age group, difficulty level and the number of pieces.
- Other collectors’ opinions and videos of these products and landmarks.
Did you know that Nanoblock bricks are smaller than Lego bricks? The smallest bricks measure at 4 mm by 4 mm by 5 mm for a perfect fit.
You can find more details by checking out my guide, which also includes the products I consider to be the top Japan-inspired sets.
My Top Pick
I want to start my guide by sharing my top pick for the best Nanoblock Japan set.
Himeji Castle Special Deluxe Edition →
What’s inside?
- Comes with 6000 pieces
- The smallest bricks are 4 x 5 mm
- Includes step-by-step instructions
- Assembled model 220 x 240 x 240 mm
- Includes a display baseplate
Killer feature
- Biggest design in Nanoblock history
Buying Options
The accurate details create a fun way to display a model of a famous landmark in my home, and the step-by-step instructions make it easier to build the castle. The fact that it is the biggest design in Nanoblock history makes it a must-have for my collection.
I am not the only one who is satisfied with the accurate details of this set. Brick Picker is also satisfied with the Himeji Castle and Great Buddha of Kamakura sets.
To quote Brick Picker,
Both sets are depictions of real-life Japanese landmarks, and are surprisingly accurate to their source material while maintaining their novelty item vibe.
If you want to add another landmark to your collection, consider Castle Neuschwanstein. You can find my Castle Neuschwanstein set review by clicking here.
Also Great
I also wanted to share two sets I feel are great additions to any collection:
Inari Shrine →
What’s inside?
- Comes with 530 pieces
- The smallest bricks are 4 x 5 mm
- Includes step-by-step instructions
- Dimensions are 5.5 x 2 x 8 inches
- Includes a display baseplate
Killer feature
- 3D design with accurate details
Buying Options
If you have read my other blogs, you know details are important to me when choosing a building set. The Inari Shrine set does not fail to deliver accurate details. My favorite details are the tiny trees and statues, but it is the little details that create a precise design.
Osaka Castle →
What’s inside?
- Comes with 520 pieces
- The smallest bricks are 4 x 5 mm
- Includes step-by-step instructions
- Stands approximately 4.5 inches tall
- Includes a display baseplate
Killer feature
- Bold colors and tiny details
Buying Options
I cannot get over the accurate details of the Osaka Castle set, from the blue roof to the tiny green trees. The design even resembles the castle sitting on a mountain ledge above water, which you can see with the various shades of brown and translucent blue bricks.
I am also happy with the difficulty level because it is not too easy or too hard to build.
To quote Andy of Nanoblock Blog,
Despite having so many pieces, especially a lot of single bricks, this is actually a fairly easy kit to make, being only a 3/5. The newer style instructions also make it, so it’s not so easy to forget steps.
Are you looking to expand your collection outside Japanese landmarks? You can check out my list of the best Pokémon sets by clicking here.
Buyer’s Guide
There are certain aspects to consider when choosing the best Japanese sets for your collection. You can determine how to choose the best set by checking out my buyer’s guide.
You may also find my buyer’s guide to be a helpful tool when choosing a gift for another collector. Whether you are shopping for yourself or a loved one, you want to ensure you are purchasing the best set for your money.
Use my buyer’s guide on choosing the best Japan sets to determine your next purchase.
Step 1: Difficulty Level
It is important to check the difficulty level of each set to ensure it is right for you or your recipient. The difficulty level is based on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest level and five being the most advanced level.
The last thing you want to do is purchase a model that is too boring or too difficult for yourself or another collector. A level two model is easy with just a few challenges, while a level three model is not too easy or too difficult.
You can find the difficulty level of the set right on the packaging.
Step 2: How Many Pieces
The next thing you want to consider is how many pieces are included in each set. You may not want a set with too many pieces because of the size of the bricks, or you may not have a preference for the number of pieces included.
You can find sets with as few as 90 pieces or as many as 500 pieces. There are even sets with over 1,000 pieces. The number of pieces can be found on the packaging.
Kaminarimon from our Sights to See series stands approximately 2.63″ tall and has 390 pieces. Display the Kaminarimon gate on your desk or shelf. #nanoblock #Kaminarimon #japan #hobby #crafts #travel pic.twitter.com/MEav7bA24u
— NanoblockUS (@NanoblockUS) February 11, 2022
Remember, the total count also includes the display baseplate and extras pieces. The extra pieces can be used to create or tweak a design, but the extra pieces also come in handy if you lose a piece.
Step 3: Age Group.
Finally, you want to consider the targeted age group of your preferred set.
The age group is not a big deal if you are adding to your own collection. However, you may need to check the age group if you are purchasing a set for your child or another collector.
The targeted age group can be found on the packaging, and it is based on the difficulty level of the set. A level one set is suitable for ages 8 and older, while a level three set is ideal for ages 15 and older.
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1. Himeji Castle Special Deluxe Edition →Best for adding a bigger model to your collection. In fact, it is the biggest design in Nanoblock history. |
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2. Inari Shrine →Best for accurate details, which range from the red elements to the green trees to the tiny statues. |
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3. Osaka Castle →Best for bold colors, from the blue roof to the yellow elements to the translucent blue bricks. |
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4. Kiyomizu Temple →Best for creating a change of scenery. The pieces can be used to change the scenery from spring to autumn. |
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5. Nagoya Castle →Best of Japanese sets in bright colors, which include green, blue and white. |
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6. Kaminarimon Deluxe Edition →Best for level five Japanese sets. This set features several colors and elements to create an advanced design. |
I wanted to put together a list of various sets and information based on my buyer’s guide. My goal is to help you learn about the sets and determine if they are right for your collection.
1. Himeji Castle Special Deluxe Edition
Use the step-by-step instructions to build a model of the Himeji Castle with this Special Deluxe Edition set. It features a range of details to create a life-like model of this landmark, from the curved rooftops to the surrounding greenery. The small pieces provide an accurate fit and the highest tolerance to ensure you are building a sturdy model. This set comes with extra pieces to ensure you are always prepared, and it comes with a baseplate for displaying the finished product.
Number of Pieces: 6,000
Ages: 12 and up
Difficulty: Level 5
Why I Choose It: While I do enjoy the accurate details of the building and surrounding area, I also love the fact that it is the biggest Nanoblock design in history. It was hard to resist purchasing this set because it feels like I am adding something special to my collection.
Toprating2 shows off the Himeji Castle Special Deluxe Edition in this short video. The set is already complete and displayed in a glass case, so this video gives you an idea of how the finished product is going to look in your home.
Buying options
2. Inari Shrine
Bring the Inari Shrine to life with the Sights to See Puzzle set. This limited edition set allows you to add small but important details to create this Japanese landmark, including the red and gray elements, trees and greenery and the small statues at the entrance. The shrine comes with extra pieces and step-by-step instructions to help you build this compact design. When you are finished building this model, you can display it on the baseplate.
Number of Pieces: 530
Ages: 13 to 15 and up
Difficulty: Level 3
Why I Choose It: I am a big fan of details in a Nanoblock set, and the Inari Shrine did not disappoint me with the accurate details. I love the bold colors and surrounding greenery, but the small statues at the entrance are my favorite part of the design.
Learn how to put together the Inari Shrine without sitting through a lengthy video. ARUsan shows you how to build this set in this time-lapse video. The video only runs for a little over 10 minutes, so you do not have to worry about losing a lot of building time.
Buying Options
3. Osaka Castle
Use the small pieces and step-by-step instructions to put together the colorful Osaka Castle in Japan. Everything from the blue and yellow elements to the mountain ledge and surrounding water is depicted through solid and translucent bricks in this model. This set also comes with extra pieces to ensure a missing piece does not put a damper on your building experience. Once assembled, the model stands approximately 4.5 inches tall. You can display the finished product on the included baseplate.
Number of Pieces: 520
Ages: 15 and up
Difficulty: Level 3
Why I Choose It: It is hard to resist the bright colors and precise elements of this set. The bright, bold shades create a beautiful castle, and I love the use of translucent bricks for the body of water.
Minibrick Stopmotion shows you how to build the Osaka Castle in a stop-motion-style video. This short video stands out from the crowd because it allows you to focus on the bricks without any distractions. The video also includes a glimpse of the instructions, the finished product and a view from the Osaka Castle itself.
Buying Options
4. Kiyomizu Temple
The Kiyomizu Temple set allows you to build this landmark in two settings. Use the red and orange bricks to build flowers in an autumn setting, or you can use the pink bricks to build flowers in a spring setting. The details also include the temple itself, surrounding land and even a small person standing on the balcony. Once assembled, the Kiyomizu Temple is approximately 2.91 inches tall to create a compact design. The set also includes extra pieces, step-by-step instructions and a display baseplate.
Number of Pieces: 620
Ages: 15 and up
Difficulty: Level 3
Why I Choose It: I love the fact that you can change the scenery from spring to autumn. It is a clever way to change the design to fit the current season. The little person standing on the balcony is another favorite detail because it is different from other sets.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to shop for Nanoblock sets in Tokyo? In this video, Christopher Tan shows you several spots to find sets in Tokyo, Japan. You can get a glimpse of various series, including characters, animals and landmarks.
Buying Options
5. Nagoya Castle
Use the small pieces and precise instructions to build a compact design of the Nagoya Castle. This brightly-colored model features details that create an accurate design, including the yellow elements, trees and greenery and body of water. When assembled, the model stands approximately 3.73 inches tall. Use the extra pieces to replace missing pieces or to tweak the design. You can also display the finished product on the included baseplate to show off to other collectors.
Number of Pieces: 550
Ages: 15 and up
Difficulty: Level 3
Why I choose it: I love the bright colors of this Nagoya Castle model, which I feel does a great job of showcasing the real castle. The use of translucent bricks for water has always stood out to me, and the small trees in front of the castle never fail to capture my attention. Your collection is not complete without this colorful landmark.
If you enjoy comparing various Nanoblock sets, this is the video for you. Lucky Posket shares a speed-build comparison of the Nagoya Castle, Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle in this 12-minute video.
Buying Options
6. Kaminarimon Deluxe Edition
The Kaminarimon Deluxe Edition set allows you to bring this famous landmark to life in your own home. It features a range of colors and elements to fully capture the details of the Kaminarimon, from the interior statues to the exterior surroundings. With over 2,000 pieces and step-by-step instructions, this set provides you with hours of building. When fully assembled, the model measures 240 mm by 134 mm by 160 mm. The set also includes the display baseplate and extra pieces.
Number of Pieces: 2,740
Ages: 12 and up
Difficulty: Level 5
Why I Choose It: The Kaminarimon Deluxe Edition is one of my favorite sets because of the accurate details. It has everything you need to bring this landmark to life right before your eyes. I also feel it is a must-have if you prefer sets that offer a challenge.
It is always fun to view the actual landmark you are building in your set. In this video, A Walk Around The World provides a view of the real Kaminarimon landmark. You can get an idea of how similar the model is to the actual structure.
Buying Options
Other Must-Haves
It never hurts to add various accessories that help with building the models to your collection. You can improve your experience with these must-have accessories.
Nanoblock Tweezers
The small size of Nanoblock bricks can pose a problem when picking up the pieces. The Nanoblock Tweezers make it easier to pick up the bricks as needed. This lightweight tool measures 4.7 inches tall.
Nanoblock LED Display Base
Light up your model with this LED Display Base. Designed for Nanoblock models, this LED base alternates red, green, blue and white lights to create a colorful display. The base is powered by batteries and a USB port, and it measures 4 inches by 4 inches to fit various models.
Multi-Colour Nanoblock Collection Case
There is nothing like the Nanoblock Collection Case to safely display your models. All you need to do is place your model on the display baseplate and close the acrylic case. You can even connect several cases together to create a bigger display.
What do you do with your Nanoblock and Lego models after they are built? In this article, I share several ideas on what to do with your Nanoblocks and Legos after they are built.
Choose The Best Nanoblock Japan Set
It never hurts to use a buyer’s guide when choosing the best Nanoblock Japan set. You can start by checking out my list of top sets and must-have accessories. I hope my guide makes it easier for you to choose the next set for your collection.