Ying Hobbies & Toys

Do what you love and love what you do seems to be the motto for this place and it really shows. The owner is ultra nice and friendly and isn't the type of person that bugs you or annoys you if you walk around the store looking at all the sights to see in his small and quaint little shop. It's small but this place is packed to the brim with models,toys,and kits. You can see all the models and kits that the owner himself has finished and some in progress all strewn about the shop,it's always an adventure going in there and trying to see all the models and whatnot on display. Miku,kaiju's,sentai,dragon ball, and of course gundam are just some of the models you'll see here. The selections for the gunpla are pretty good. He carries Mr.Hobby paint pots of various colors that are located near his register counter. Like others have mentioned,there's really no banner or anything outside the shop that marks the store, I usually remember the store location by it being in an alley ,near the chinatown park,and the color green painted around the building lol. Just like the store front,it's not flashy nor pretentious, it's a store for hobby enthusiasts by a hobby enthusiast.

I’ve only visited Ying’s once, many months ago. I only purchased a small introductory Gundam model. I am not by any means a model enthusiast or even much of an anime fan (anymore). But Ying’s is the wonderful type of place that this city used to have more of, and I wish San Francisco got back to. A small specialty shop with a passionate owner and abundant stock, serving a passionate niche. Going in there is like a wonderland of awesome models of Gundam, Dragonball, One Piece, Naruto, and many many more. For me, some great childhood memories. It’s tucked away in an alley in Chinatown and such a treat. I’ve been meaning to revisit since my first foray. My little gundam now sits on my bookshelf and I look at it often with fondness, something I made with my own hands, a calm respite from the fast pace of life. I hope you visit and do the same!

Awesome store for any Gundam lover. There is a great selection of model kits available and a huge display of completed kits that are fun to look at. The owner was very attentive without being over bearing and seemed very laid back. Prices seemed fair and reasonable. I only gave four stars because it was very cluttered and hard to see everything available. Great place, would reccomend to anyone looking to find some good Gundam kits. There were some model kits for other things available but definitely a majority Gundam!

Lovely store that will instantly let you feel the passion of the owner the minute you step in. Literally hundreds of displays all over the store and some work-in-progress on the workbench. If you are a gunpla enthusiast, you'll immediately relate because if you had a large room all dedicated to your collection, this might be how it'll look like. Definitely a store worth visiting :)

Ying Hobbies & Toys used to be on Sacramento St. seven years ago. They have a good selection of Gundam models at a reasonable price. It is nice to see those kits in person. Their advantage is they sometimes have rare premium Bandai kits available. It is nice to walk inside a hobby/toy store nowadays because most are extinct. The store itself is a mess. There are kits in-progress everywhere. They also have a limited selection of Hong Kong DVDs of concerts, movies and TV shows.

Been going here since, 2017? 2016? Around the time I was still a noob builder. I got my first plastic cutters here, and markers/pens too. A good selection of kits, and some P-Bandai. Overall the place is great, chill owner too.

Cozy nook in Chinatown with a nice selection of kits. The owners have their personal collections displayed throughout the store, with ongoing projects scattered throughout. Prices aren't fantastic, but it's worth checking out if you enjoy gunpla.

A Hidden Gem for Gunpla and Anime Fans: Ying Hobbies and Toys Tucked away like a hidden treasure, Ying Hobbies and Toys is more than just a local hobby shop—it’s a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture and model-building artistry. From the moment you step up to the storefront, you're greeted by some of Japan’s most beloved Gundam displays, including owner Tony’s own kitbashed creations. The attention to detail is staggering, and every model tells a story. As you walk through the entrance, the display broadens to include iconic figures from anime legends like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Attack on Titan, alongside Western fan favorites like Transformers and Super Sentai. What sets Ying H&T apart isn’t just the impressive inventory—it’s Tony himself. With over 20 years of experience in the hobby, he’s not only the shop owner but a true Gunpla enthusiast. The store doubles as a personal museum of his creations, with custom builds, rare kits, and carefully curated displays in every corner. You’re not just shopping for model kits; you’re experiencing Tony’s passion firsthand. Each shelf, diorama, and painted piece showcases his dedication, making the shop feel more like a gallery than a retail space. Despite its cozy size, Ying H&T offers a surprisingly deep collection. Rare finds like Premium Bandai (P-Bandai) kits sit comfortably next to fan-favorite merchandise from major anime titles. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a seasoned collector looking for that elusive kit, there’s something for everyone here. The atmosphere is inviting, and every visit feels like a personal journey through the world of anime and model craftsmanship. One of the most charming aspects of the store is its sense of community. Customers frequently strike up conversations about builds, favorite series, and techniques—novices are welcomed, and experts are always eager to share advice. Ying Hobbies and Toys isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a hub for creativity, camaraderie, and shared passion. If you're looking to dive into the world of Gunpla or anime collectibles, this is hands-down one of the best places to start.