Top 10 Notable English Bookshops in Tokyo
Dive into the world of enchanting books within the vibrant city of Tokyo! This metropolis is a paradise for booklovers, and you'll find yourself surrounded by sprawling stories, captivating characters, and the passion of authors, all waiting to be discovered.
Although the city is brimming with bookstores, many cater mainly to Japanese literature. But fear not, for there are establishments that offer an extensive collection of multilingual books, including English, for a truly international reading experience. Some of these bookstores even come with a cozy café where you can sip a hot brew while engrossed in your new book.
So, let's embark on our literary adventure and uncover the 10 best English bookstores Tokyo has to offer!
1. Books Kinokuniya Tokyo
Step into one of Japan’s biggest bookstore chains based in the bustling Shinjuku area. Spread across six floors of the Takashimaya Times Square, this book haven houses an incredible range of multilingual books, including English, Chinese, French, and German. Save yourself some cash with their weekly 20% discount on foreign magazines each Wednesday, or indulge in their Premium Friday Sale, offering a 10% discount on every foreign book on the last Friday of each month.
2. Maruzen Marunouchi
Located in the heart of Tokyo around Marunouchi, Ginza, and Nihonbashi, Maruzen Marunouchi is your go-to English bookstore. This bookstore exclusively occupies the first through fourth floors of the Marunouchi Oazo shopping hub, connected directly to Tokyo Station. They boast a vast selection of English books encompassing business, politics, history, fiction, and nonfiction, along with children’s books. On the top floor, you'll find the M&C Café, serving a light meal and drinks, and a small art gallery featuring changing exhibitions.
3. Infinity Books & Event Space
Next up, Infinity Books & Event Space, a classic bookstore nestled in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. this bookstore offers a remarkable collection of over 10,000 English books, both new and second-hand, with some rare titles impossible to find anywhere else. With an online service allowing you to buy and sell books worldwide, they also host events every month, often inviting authors to speak, or offering workshops and book readings.
4. Daikanyama Tsutaya Books
An unparalleled reading experience awaits at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books within the T-site complex. This dynamite destination in Daikanyama offers more than just books, including a library, Starbucks, travel desk, and various shops when you need a break from reading. They pride themselves on a remarkable selection of Western books and vintage titles, with an unmatched collection of world-famous magazines on the video department.
5. Aoyama Book Center
As you explore the stylish Aoyama district, be sure to drop by the Aoyama Book Center hidden behind the UN University. While most books here are in Japanese, they do carry a selection of English books and international magazines. This bookstore specializes in art, photography, design, illustration, and architecture books, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts.
6. POST
POST, situated in the buzzing Ebisu area, offers a unique and unforgettable bookstore experience. They refresh their collection every two to three months, focusing on books published by specific international publishers, primarily in the fields of art, design, photography, and architecture. Launching in 2013, they became an exciting spot for bookworms to discover new titles and broaden their literary horizons, and their online store with free shipping for orders over 5,000 yen adds to the convenience.
7. COW BOOKS
Pay a visit to COW BOOKS nestled along the Meguro river in Nakameguro. This bookstore opened its doors in 2002 by Yataro Matsuura, founder of a famous travel magazine "Tabi no Techo," and specializes in selling out-of-print books from the late 60’s to the mid-70’s. Among their vast collection, you'll find novels, art books, poetry, magazines, children's books, and more. They also have original merchandise like fashionable T-shirts and caps available in store and online.
8. Ogawa Tosho
Dive into the world of rare titles at Ogawa Tosho, a bookstore situated in the Jimbocho district known as Tokyo’s book town. This bookstore carries a substantial selection of Western literature along with some scarce foreign magazines. To visit the store, you'll need to make an appointment by email or phone beforehand. If you can’t make it to the store, don’t worry; their online store is available for your browsing pleasure.
9. Kitazawa Bookstore
Kitazawa Bookstore is a gem hidden in Jimbocho’s book town area with a legacy of more than 110 years. Their focus is on English academic books, but they also offer an extensive collection of second-hand books from other countries. Known for preserving books in excellent condition, it is a go-to spot for researchers and students seeking academic books, including rare historical texts. The first floor also features a cozy café for a relaxing read.
10. Main Tent
Embrace your love for reading and nurture your child's curiosity by visiting Main Tent, a children's bookstore located in Kichijoji. This delightful bookstore offers a variety of second-hand children's books written in multiple languages, including English, German, and more. Enjoy adorable stuffed animals and cute decor while exploring the shelves with your little ones. Online shopping is also available for your convenience.
Spending hours searching for your next favorite book in these enchanting bookstores is an experience that cannot be duplicated online. Happy exploring, and may your literary journey be a meaningful one!
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Additional Information
- Infinity Books Japan often stocks books in English, Chinese, French, German, and other languages.
- Tokyo Book Swap hosts free in-person book exchanges with no fixed schedule; checking their social media is essential for updates.
- The Jimbocho area contains many clusters of second-hand bookstores, with notable options like Isseido, Subunso, Magnif (specializing in magazines), Kitazawa, and Ogawa Books.
- After immersing yourself in the world of literature at the bookstores, consider dining at a kaiseki restaurant to savor an authentic Japanese culinary experience.
- Tokyo's vibrant cityscape offers a myriad of fashion-and-beauty shops where you can explore and update your wardrobe.
- With a wide range of experiences to choose from, be sure to plan a visit to some famous travel destinations while you're in Tokyo to create unforgettable memories.
- Food-and-drink establishments, such as local izakayas and high-end restaurants serving kaiseki cuisine, await you for a taste of Japan's diverse culinary scene.
- As you meander through the city, take time to appreciate the rich history and charming architecture that tells the story of Tokyo's lifestyle evolution.
