Book shopping in Japan
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A
Good Day Books
The best selection of used English-language books in Tokyo, with a wide range of paperbacks, hardcovers and magazines.
reviewed
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B
Mandarake Complex
When otaku dream of heaven, it probably looks a lot like this giant store. Mandarake has long been Tokyo’s go-to store for manga and anime, and its new Akihabara location is the largest yet. Eight storeys are piled high with comic books and DVDs, action figures and cel art just for starters. The 5th floor is devoted to women’s comics in all its pink splendour, while the 4th floor is for men. Mandarake’s original branch is in Nakano, and other branches include Shibuya and an entire Ikebukuro branch with manga for women.
reviewed
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Global Lounge
Formerly known as Book Nook, Global Lounge has second-hand Western books, mostly trade paperbacks, a notice board, and internet access (with special rates if you become a member). It also sells beers, wine and cocktails, and its English-speaking staff are happy to provide tourist information. It's in a language school called Outsider behind Iyo Bank and Yamaha music store. Look for the 2nd-floor sign.
reviewed
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C
Mandarake - Shibuya
The Shibuya branch of Mandarake stocks a range of new manga and also boasts performances by real, live cosplay (costume-play) kids in full-on anime character drag. Avid fans should also make the trek to Mandarake's huge flagship store in Nakano, with three floors packed with all manner of new and used manga, anime, games and character-related collectibles.
reviewed
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D
Rakushi-kan
Rakushi-kan offers paper-making workshops on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with sessions at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. The one-hour course costs from ¥1000 for making sheets of washi, business cards or postcards. Reservations in Japanese should be made a week in advance and courses are held for groups of five or more.
reviewed
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E
Akihabara Radio Kaikan
Despite its name, Radio Kaikan has nothing to do with radios and everything to do with anime. There are more than a dozen shops over eight storeys, selling manga, anime, collectibles like models and figurines, fanzines, costumes and gear. Shops include Kotobukiya, K-Books and Kayodo Hobby Lobby.
reviewed
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F
Tower Records
Yep, it's a chain, but this Tower is Tokyo's largest music store (and that's saying something). Despite its size, this place gets packed. Tower also carries a large selection of English-language books and an extensive array of magazines and newspapers from around the world. Magazines here are considerably cheaper than elsewhere around town.
reviewed
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Kinokuniya Bookshop - Shinjuku
The popular Kinokuniya Bookshop is a great time killer. Here, you can pop in to browse its superb collection of foreign-language books and magazines on the 7th floor. And of course, this being Japan, no one will say anything to you if you decide to spend an hour or so reading something without buying it.
reviewed
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G
Hacknet
This is a bookshop for serious designers, or those who can get high on the fumes of elegant design. Hacknet specialises in cutting-edge design books from across disciplines and around the world. The small, well-lit space is excellent for browsing and the staff is incredibly, studiously unobtrusive.
reviewed
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H
Aoyama Book Center
The beautifully remodelled Roppongi-dōri branch of Aoyama Book Center is a prime spot for night owls, with a great international selection of reads and a carefully chosen collection of foreign art books. There's another branch nearby in the Roppongi Hills West Walk.
reviewed
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Maruzen Bookshop- Nihombashi
Established in 1869, this is Japan's oldest Western bookshop (recently rebuilt) and has one of the best selections of English-language books in Tokyo. Its founder is said to have invented Japanese curried rice - there's a restaurant serving the dish here.
reviewed
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I
Ohya Shobō
You could lose yourself for hours in this splendid, musty old bookshop specialising in ukiyo-e ('floating world' prints) and ancient maps. The friendly staff can help you find whatever particular piece of antiquated trivia your heart desires.
reviewed
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J
Tora No Ana
Keep your eyes up and look for the cute illustrated tiger-girl on the top of this building, which has seven floors of manga and anime. Tora no Ana has other branches in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.
reviewed
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K
Issei-Dō
An antiquarian bookseller with a wonderful selection of old texts. The 2nd floor has many well-weathered volumes in English.
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L
Kinokuniya
One of the best selections of English-language titles on the 6th floor, with another nearby branch east of Shinjuku Station.
reviewed
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Mandarake - Ikebukuro
A must-stop for manga maniacs, Mandarake also has more than a dozen shops spread throughout the Nakano Broadway mall.
reviewed
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M
Green E Books
This small bookstore has a decent selection of used books. It also organises a variety of interesting events in town.
reviewed
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N
Wantage Books
Near Shin-Kōbe, Wantage Books is a used book specialist. Also houses office of Kansai Time Out magazine.
reviewed
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Kinokuniya Bookshop
English-language books can be found on the 4th floor of the Kinokuniya Bookshop, near Matsuyama City station.
reviewed
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Heiandō bookshop
Facing the station, Nagano's largest bookshop carries English-language books and magazines (4th floor).
reviewed
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Maruzen
English-language magazines and books on the AER building's 1st floor, steps away from the station.
reviewed
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O
Kinokuniya
Offers large selection of English and foreign titles, plus CDs, software, DVDs and maps.
reviewed
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Books Fuji
In the Fuji Grand Hotel; has a microscopic selection of English material.
reviewed
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Sanseidō Books
On the 11th floor of JR Takashimaya department store at Nagoya Station.
reviewed
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Kikuya Bookshop
Small selection of English-language titles; beneath Kōrinbo 109.
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