Discover 12 stunning libraries in Japan, from modern marvels to hidden gems, each offering a unique glimpse into the nation’s love of books.
Japan’s cultural love of books runs deep and is only growing stronger. These 12 amazing libraries are where you can truly experience it.
Library in the Earth – Kisarazu, Chiba
One of Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP’s most celebrated architectural wonders, the Library in the Earth in Kisarazu is exactly what its name suggests. Buried within a mound with floor-to-ceiling windows, it hides a world of Japanese written material revealed as you follow a winding pathway inside.
There are specific steps you’ll need to take before visiting. All visitors must sign up for membership, then register to enter the library and wait for approval.
Address: 2503 Yana, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0812, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday: Closed
– Thursday to Sunday: 12PM – 5PM
Tama Art University Library – Hachioji, Tokyo
Divided into two academic branches, the Tama Art University Library in Hachioji is devoted to art education. The Hachioji branch holds tens of thousands of Japanese and foreign books plus periodicals, while the Kaminoge centers on photography and film.
Just as remarkable as its collection is the building itself. Think sweeping arches framed by expansive glass walls, letting natural light pour into Hachioji’s greatest literary hub.
Address: 2 Chome-1723 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0375, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
– Sunday: Closed
Ishikawa Prefectural Library – Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Modeled exactly like an amphitheater, with bookshelves spreading across multiple levels, the Ishikawa Prefectural Library is built to inspire awe and wonder, all while providing a space for people to read. Storing over 300,000 texts, including international works, providing around 500 seats, and featuring an on-site cafe, it’s easy to see why this library is so highly regarded in literary circles.
While usually peaceful, the library can get busy around exam season due to being connected to a university. Keep this in mind when scheduling your visit.
Address: 2 Chome-43-1 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday: Closed
– Tuesday to Friday: 9AM – 7PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 9AM – 6PM
Kitakyushu City Central Library – Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Founded in 1974, the Kitakyushu City Central Library holds roughly 500,000 volumes, ranging from novels and practical editions to specialist publications. Famed for its quirky industrial look, the library itself has served as the backdrop for many films.
Alongside its assortment of titles, the complex also has study areas, an audiovisual hub, and a designated library for mothers and children to use together.
Address: 4-1 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 803-0813, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday: Closed
– Tuesday to Friday: 9:30AM – 7PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 9:30AM – 6PM
Yusuhara Community Library – Yusuhara, Kochi
Nicknamed “the Library Above the Clouds,” the Yusuhara Community Library draws considerable interest for its wooden interior that mixes intricate detail with modern flair.
Inside, visitors can enjoy a carefully curated selection of Japanese books. While English titles are limited, many guests bring their own reading material. Shoes must be removed at the entrance to protect the wooden floors.
Address: 1212-2 Yusuhara, Takaoka District, Kochi 785-0610, Japan
Opening hours:
– Wednesday to Monday: 9AM – 8PM
– Tuesday: Closed
AIU Nakajima Library – Akita International University, Akita
The AIU Nakajima Library at Akita International University is nothing short of spectacular: a vast, cylindrical space where bookshelves curve around the walls and study tables cluster in the middle. You’ll find an impressive range of international books here, like new releases and academic options, with many in English.
Although some sources claim the library is open 24 hours, this applies only to students. Visitors are limited to regular public opening hours.
Address: Okutsubakidai-193-2 Yuwatsubakigawa, Akita, 010-1211, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
Toyama City Public Library (Main)
The Toyama City Public Library is loved for a lot of things, one of them being its imaginative layout, combining warm interiors with sleek glass features beneath a semi-open ceiling. Another standout highlight is the floor plan, with each section separated into themes, from magazines to newspapers.
Apart from written pieces, a glass art museum is attached to the library, which invites visitors for a look, just be sure not to touch. Despite the fact that both are under the same roof, there’s an entrance fee for those who want to see the glass display.
Address: Japan, 〒930-0062 Toyama, Nishicho, 5−1 ＴＯＹＡＭＡキラリ 2F
Opening hours:
– Sunday to Thursday: 9:30AM – 7PM
– Friday and Saturday: 9:30AM – 8PM
Takahashi City Library – Takahashi, Okayama
Combining a library with a bookstore, Takahashi City Library leaves a lasting impression with its towering, triple-layered bookcases that reach right up to the ceiling. There’s an outstanding amount of literary works stocked here too, with many lifestyle texts, including some on cooking and travel, plus a few focused on other categories such as business.
If you’re looking to buy some new books to take home rather than have a quick read through, Takahashi City Library also has an attached bookstore.
Address: Japan, 〒716-0039 Okayama, Takahashi, Asahimachi, 1306 複合施設
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 9PM
Kadokawa Culture Museum – Tokorozawa, Saitama
There are libraries and then there’s the Kadokawa Culture Museum, which is a whole complex dedicated to the written word with a library, museum, and an art gallery. One of the standout features is the bookshelves that extend up to eight meters and hold up to 20,000 different covers, a sight that begs to be photographed.
Entry fees do apply to all visitors, but once you pay for the tickets, this will give you complete access to all of the facilities, including the Manga and Light Novel Library, Edit Town, Bookshelf Theater, and more.
Address: Japan, 〒359-0023 Saitama, Tokorozawa, Higashitokorozawawada, 3 Chome−31−3 ところざわサクラタウン
Opening hours:
– Wednesday to Monday: 10AM – 6PM
– Tuesday: Closed
The Waseda International House of Literature (Haruki Murakami Library) – Waseda University, Tokyo
After recently opening in 2021, the Waseda International House of Literature, also known as the Haruki Murakami Library, has become a prime meeting point for bibliophiles. The main appeal here is the sheer volume of authored pieces from the great Haruki himself, as well as the fact that they’ve managed to recreate his office for people to admire.
Waseda International House of Literature boasts eye-catching decor, but the book-lined staircase, with shelving on both sides, grabs all the attention.
Address: Japan, 〒169-0051 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishiwaseda, 1 Chome−6 4号館
Opening hours:
– Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
– Thursday to Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Kanazawa Umimirai Library – Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Kanazawa Umimirai Library combines character and sophistication, with 6,000 round windows and a striking atrium. The exterior stands out with its rectangular polka dot-covered building loaded with publications on subjects like culture and history, as well as some niche topics like manufacturing.
Initially, visitors were allowed to take photographs of the inside of Kanazawa Umimirai Library as long as they obtained a permit in advance. However, recently, some have mentioned that they were not authorized to use a camera inside at all. If you do want to snap some shots, be sure to consult a member of staff before doing anything.
Address: I-1-1 Jichumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0341, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Wednesday: Closed
– Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
Musashino Art University Museum & Library – Kodaira, Tokyo
Finishing on a strong note, Kodaira’s Musashino Art University Museum & Library is laid out over four zones, including a Japanese cultural exhibit, photo gallery, standard book library, and a museum. All sections are well worth a look at, but the library outshines everything else with its 320,000 covers and 5,000 academic writings.
Be aware that they have a strict entry rule at the moment, where only architecture students are allowed to access the library section.
Address: 1 Chome-736 Ogawachō, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-0032, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11AM – 7PM
– Wednesday: Closed
– Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
