Planning a literary trip to Japan? Dive into our guide to the country’s must visit bookshops across Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond.
If you’ve ever visited Japan, you’ll know that this forward-thinking country is the heart of the world’s innovation. But that doesn’t mean the country has forgotten its traditional roots. These two contrasting sides of the Pacific nation are most visible in its bookstores, which can be found across the country’s cities. Not just Tokyo, though, but exciting metropolises like Osaka as well.
Planning a literary holiday around Japan is hard, given that the country has so many cool places with bookstores. But we’re here to make the process much easier with our list of the best bookstores in Japan, including big names and lesser-known secrets that bibliophiles like yourself will fall in love with.
TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Noritake Shinmachi
Situated in Nagoya, Tsutaya Bookstore stands out for its brightly lit shelving that climbs upward into reflective panels, creating a striking visual effect. Located inside AEON Mall Nagoya, it spans two floors and offers a wide array of literature, including comics, magazines, and books on a range of topics. There’s also an attached café where you can settle in with your new purchases.
Although Tsutaya Bookstore is very much a Japanese bookshop, visitors can still expect a small selection of texts written in English. Just be aware, though, that the options are limited.
Address: Japan, 〒451-0051 Aichi, Nagoya, Nishi Ward, Noritakeshinmachi, 3 Chome−１番１７号 イオンモール
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
Hirakata T-Site Bookstore (Osaka)
One of the top literary locations in Osaka is the Hirakata T-Site Bookstore. You may have seen it on social media, as its ‘wall of books’ is incredibly popular for photos. This unique feature is exactly as it sounds, a towering wall of books that stretches from floor to ceiling.
Some would describe Hirakata T-Site as more than your average bookstore, as it has much more on-site, including a Starbucks, various eateries, and even clothing shops. Readers will also enjoy the dedicated manga section, along with an entire level reserved solely for young readers.
Address: 12-２ Okahigashicho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0032, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 7AM – 10AM
Tsutaya Books Daikanyama
Another of Tsutaya’s remarkable stores, in the trendy Daikanyama district, has every bibliophile talking. Between the Anjin Lounge, where expertly crafted cocktails and specialty drinks are served, and the impressive selection of English-language titles, we have no doubt this place will leave a lasting impression on you.
In terms of literature, the lineup is particularly strong, with plenty of novels and books related to Japan, as well as art-focused titles. If you’re looking for something to watch, you can even pick up a DVD or two.
Address: Japan, 〒150-0033 Tokyo, Shibuya, Sarugakucho, 17−5 代官山Ｔ－ＳＩＴＥ １号館～３号館 １階～２階
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 10PM
GINZA TSUTAYA BOOKS (Chūō, Tokyo)
Head up to the sixth floor of the Ginza Six shopping complex, and you’ll be greeted by a shrine of literature at Ginza Tsutaya Books. What makes this place truly unique is its impressive collection of around 60,000 art-related books. Whether you’re searching for something rare or newly released, you’re likely to find it here.
After selecting a few new titles, visitors can take advantage of the dedicated reading areas reserved for customers. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself attending one of their regular workshops.
Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−10−1 ＳＩＸ６階
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10:30AM – 9PM
Infinity Books Japan
Struggling to get your English-language book fix in Tokyo? Say goodbye to that now that you’ve discovered Infinity Books, which claims to be ‘the last independent English bookshop’ in the city. Unapologetically a used bookstore, they sell pre-loved titles at incredibly low prices compared to some of the other big names on this list.
Just a short stroll from Asakusa Station, Infinity Books Japan only opened in 2014 and now also doubles as an event venue. It’s not uncommon for an open-mic night or a similar event to be scheduled for certain evenings.
Address: Japan, 〒130-0001 Tokyo, Sumida City, Azumabashi, 1 Chome−2−4 駒形橋ハイツ １F
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Thursday: 9AM – 9PM
– Friday and Saturday: 1PM – 11PM
– Sunday: 1PM – 6PM
– Monday: Closed
Kitazawa Bookstore
Don’t you just love it when you stumble across a specialty shop as good as Kitazawa Bookstore? An antiquarian establishment through and through, it leans heavily into the humanities. They have a great number of rare and vintage texts focused on Japan and wider Asia, as well as select English and American works.
From the outside, this location in Jimbocho looks especially inviting, with its refined glass windows and warm wooden interiors. Be sure not to forget any rare items you might have at home, as they’re always interested in updating their shelves, provided they suit their collection.
Address: Japan, 〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Jinbocho, 2 Chome−5 2F
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 12PM – 5PM
– Sunday: Closed
Komiyama Book Store
Komiyama Book Store is a heavyweight in Tokyo’s literary scene and has been serving readers since 1939. Books, magazines, name it, and they’ll deliver it. While they are true enthusiasts of Japanese culture, that’s only scratching the surface of what they have.
You’ll also find works related to Mishima literature, as well as some, let’s say, rather unique items such as fetish art. As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by these distinctive pieces, and they’re certainly bound to take you by surprise.
Address: Japan, 〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Jinbocho, 1 Chome−７ 書泉グランデ脇小宮山ビル
Opening hours:
– Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12PM – 6:30PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 5:30PM
– Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store
At the heart of the bustling district of Shinjuku, near the east exit of the main station, lies what many would describe as a maze of books. Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store spans 11 floors, each filled with an endless amount of literature that’s easy to get lost in.
Every level has something different, with specialized zones dedicated to various categories. In one section, you have English magazines; in the next, it’s all about periodicals.
Address: 3 Chome-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
MARUZEN Marunouchi
If you’re going to visit one of Maruzen Bookstore’s locations, you’d best save it for their flagship store in Marunouchi. Tucked away in the Oazo Shopping Complex, they’ve got you covered when it comes to the latest English-language releases. Surprisingly, they can even be tricky to find in a city as large and cosmopolitan as Tokyo.
Throughout the store, there’s a vast number of volumes on topics such as politics and history. In addition, they have a café, along with several other interesting spaces, including a gallery and an exhibition area that’s well worth checking out while wandering around.
Address: Japan, 〒100-8203 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−6−4 丸の内オアゾ 1階～4階
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 9PM
– Sunday: Closed
Anegawa Bookstore Nyankodo
When in Tokyo, you’re bound to come across some rather interesting concepts that you won’t see elsewhere in the world. One of them is at Anegawa Bookstore Nyankodo, a fully cat-themed bookstore that carries more than 2,000 items dedicated to everyone’s favorite furry friends.
The brains behind the operation is the daughter of the shop’s owner, who has made it her mission to ensure everything here revolves around cats, from photo books to novels. Be sure to browse their accessories section as well, where you can pick up items like tote bags that make excellent souvenirs from your trip to Tokyo.
Address: Japan, 〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Jinbocho, 2 Chome−２ 姉川書店
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
– Sunday: Closed
Kamome Books
Kamome Book is a multipurpose space that serves as a bookstore, café, and gallery all under one roof, attracting a diverse crowd. It has a cozy feel, with a handful of seats inside and a few out front as well. They’re perfect for enjoying one of their delicious coffees, made from beans sourced in Kyoto, especially when the sun is shining.
Compared to other bookstores, the inventory is on the smaller side, but they showcase a well-rounded lineup divided into distinct themes. Their assortment of manga, in particular, is worth a look, as are the small exhibitions in the gallery area, which are a feast for the eyes.
Address: Japan, 〒162-0805 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yaraicho, 123 第一矢来ビル １階
Opening hours:
– Thursday to Tuesday: 11AM – 8PM
– Wednesday: Closed
Isseido Booksellers
As you walk through the Jimbocho area, you’ll eventually come across Isseido Booksellers. But this isn’t just any old bookshop. It’s one with a fascinating history and a resilient story, having survived numerous disasters, including earthquakes. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, it’s still standing strong today and is a pillar of Tokyo’s bookish culture.
Before you even step inside Isseido Booksellers, you’ll be greeted by stacks of books out front. Once you enter, you’ll realize the inside is no different, with tons of rare books related to Japan, which is what these guys specialize in.
Address: 1 Chome-7 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 6:30PM
– Sunday: Closed
COW BOOKS (Nakameguro)
Combine a walk along the Meguro River with a visit to Cow Books. A popular stop for those interested in design, art, and photography, there are plenty of great reads up for grabs here. Especially rare and vintage books that you can take to their coffee bar for a relaxed day of page-turning.
A good portion of the inventory is in Japanese, but don’t let that deter you, as they also stock some English titles. There’s a wide range of prices as well, with options to suit all budgets. When you open the first page, you’ll find the price of each book written on a label inside.
Address: Japan, 〒153-0042 Tokyo, Meguro City, Aobadai, 1 Chome−14−11 コーポ青葉台 103
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Sunday: 12PM – 7PM
– Monday: Closed
Yaguchi Bookstore
Established in 1918, Yaguchi Bookstore has to be one of the coolest around from a visual standpoint. As you step out of Jimbocho Station and make your way over, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque storefront, where the backs of the bookshelves form the window display, presenting their marvelous catalog.
Yaguchi Bookstore deals exclusively in second-hand items, with a focus on film and theater. Literature is only part of what they have on their shelves. They also provide a wonderful mix of DVDs, posters, and VHS tapes related to the arts, which will appeal to certain shoppers.
Address: 2 Chome-5-1 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10:30AM – 6:30PM
– Sunday: 11:30AM – 5:30PM
Passage by All Reviews
By now, you’ll know that at 1000 Libraries, we’re obsessed with bookstores that embrace innovative ideas, which is exactly why we’ve included Passage by All Reviews on this list. Rather than operating as a traditional store run by a single company, they rent out individual shelves to other bookstores, meaning each shelf is curated by a different owner. This allows visitors to browse a unique and varied blend of titles.
As the creator of the concept is a French literature scholar, it makes sense that all of the bookcases have been given the name of different streets in Paris.
Address: Japan, 〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Jinbocho, 1 Chome−15−3 サンサイド神保町 1F
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 12PM – 7PM
Yumeno Manga Bookstore
Fellow manga lovers, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you! Yumeno Manga Bookstore is a haven for comics and graphic novels in Jimbocho. How could you not love a place like this? Their stock of rare manga is world-class, prices are on the more reasonable side, and the owner is an absolute delight to deal with.
You might struggle to find Yumeno Manga Bookstore at first when arriving at the address, as it’s not obvious from street level. Make your way to the second floor, however, and your latest manga fix awaits.
Address: Japan, 〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Jinbocho, 2 Chome−3, 神田古書センター2階 靖国通り側
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 6:30PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5:30PM
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You'll love our free weekly magazine.
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.
