I recently finished building the Choshi no Shitamachi miniature house from CUTEBEE, one of the kits in their Japanese-themed series.

This kit recreates a small Japanese izakaya (pub or restaurant) complete with lanterns, food displays, sake bottles, a tiny Shiba Inu, and lots of traditional details.

Unlike many larger miniature houses, this one is relatively compact and designed to be completed in just a few hours, exactly what I needed this time. According to CUTEBEE, the kit contains 218 pieces and is rated as a beginner-to-intermediate project.

Check out Cutebee website where you can purchase this DIY kit.
I have a discount code for you to use off 10% off: EVERYTHINGVERYSMALL

After spending time building it myself, I wanted to share what I liked and what I didn't like. (spoiler alert: there wasn't anything I really disliked this time)

Disclaimer: opinions of this miniature kit are my own; I didn't receive payment for this blog post review.

Technical Information

• Brand: CUTEBEE
• Model: Choshi no Shitamachi
• Theme: Traditional Japanese Izakaya
• Pieces: 218
• Assembly time: Approximately 3–5 hours according to the manufacturer
• Difficulty level: ★★
• Size: Approximately 19 x 14 x 16 cm
• Lighting included: Yes
• Dust cover included: Yes
• Batteries required: 2 AAA batteries (not included)

Check out Cutebee website where you can purchase this DIY kit.
I have a discount code for you to use off 10% off: EVERYTHINGVERYSMALL

Check out my unboxing video below to find out the content of the box:

When I opened the box, my first impression was how approachable this kit looked.

The pieces were neatly organized, the instructions looked clear at first glance, and there weren't hundreds of tiny parts that immediately make you wonder what you've gotten yourself into.

The kit includes all the wooden pieces, printed accessories, LED lighting, a clear dust cover, and a small selection of spare parts.

Building Experience

This was one of the easiest miniature kits I've built in a while. The instructions were clear from start to finish, and I completed the entire project in less than 3 hours.

The kit uses a tab-and-slot assembly system, so very little glue is needed. Most pieces simply push together and lock into place.

Check out Cutebee website where you can purchase this DIY kit.
I have a discount code for you to use off 10% off: EVERYTHINGVERYSMALL

The fit was excellent throughout the build, although some parts required a bit of finger strength to push fully into position. Builders with arthritis or delicate skin may find this slightly challenging.

The materials were also very good quality. The wooden pieces were sturdy, the laser cutting was clean, and everything fitted together accurately.

CUTEBEE includes a few spare pieces and a dust cover, which is always a nice bonus.

What I Liked Most

Check out Cutebee website where you can purchase this DIY kit.
I have a discount code for you to use off 10% off: EVERYTHINGVERYSMALL

The lighting is surprisingly effective. Although the kit only includes two LED lights, the light is spread evenly throughout the entire scene, making all the details easy to see.

I also loved how well the kit captures the atmosphere of a small Japanese street-side restaurant. The lanterns, food displays, and overall layout give it plenty of character despite its compact size.

Final result:

Final Verdict

Choshi no Shitamachi is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a quick, beginner-friendly project that still looks impressive when finished. It captures the Japanese izakaya atmosphere beautifully, is easy to assemble, and offers excellent value for money.

My overall rating: 9.5/10.

Any questions? Feel free to leave them down below :-)

I wish you happy crafting!