If you look up "Book Nook" on Pinterest, you will see the Robotime (Rolife) Sakura Densya.
With its flowing cherry blossoms, green tram car, and warm sunset lighting, it is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing miniature kit ever made.
But is it just a pretty face, or is it actually fun to build?
I took a deep dive into this kit (Model TGB01) to see if the engineering matches the beauty.
Spoiler alert: The "water" effect is genius, but the cherry blossoms might test your patience.
The Build Experience.
Phase 1: The Tram
The green tram is the centerpiece. It builds up layer by layer. The wood is pre-colored in a vintage green that looks like painted metal.
- Pro Tip: Be very gentle with the tram windows. The wood frames are thin.
Phase 2: The River.
This is the coolest part of the kit. You create a rippled water effect using a special textured plastic sheet placed over a printed riverbed.
When the light hits it, it looks like moving water.
Phase 3: The Cherry Blossoms.
This is the "Boss Fight" of this kit. You are given pink paper and wire. You have to twist and glue individual flowers.
- Warning: This takes time. Put on a movie. Do not try to rush the flowers, or they will look messy.
The Lighting.
Unlike older kits where you have to strip wires, the Sakura Densya usually comes with the newer Touch Switch module. You touch the bottom right corner of the frame to turn it on.
- Battery: It is usually hidden behind a secret panel in the front, making it easy to change batteries without taking the book nook off the shelf.
Pros & Cons.
Pros:
- No Painting: Everything comes pre-colored. The colors are vibrant.
- Standard Size: Fits perfectly on a bookshelf (Standard 9.5 inches tall).
- Resale Value: Completed versions of this specific kit sell for $150+ on Etsy.
Cons:
- The Flowers: Did I mention the flowers? They are tedious.
- Dust: The open front lets dust in easily (unlike kits with glass doors). We recommend buying a Dust Cover [Link to Amazon] or using a makeup brush to clean it.
The Verdict.
The Sakura Densya is the "Romance Novel" of book nooks. It is soft, pretty, and calming.
Buy this if:
- You want the "Prettiest" kit on the market.
- You are okay with repetitive paper crafting (the flowers).
- You want a kit that requires zero painting.