Few pleasures match that of being lost in a bookshop on a weekend, browsing the shelves for your next exciting read, or attending talks with interesting authors. Tokyo’s array of independent and big name bookstores cater to all tastes, so we’ve picked out a few of our favourite places to visit.
1. Tsutaya Books Ginza
A large bookstore on the 6th floor of GINZA SIX that proposes a “life with art”. It consists of a floor full of books where visitors can encounter art book archives from around the world, a stationery corner where they can encounter the latest technology and craftsmanship, an art gallery, a café, and an event space where they can experience art and creation.
GINZA SIX 6F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
2. Shibuya Publishing & Booksellers
Located in Oku-Shibuya, this place is a glass-fronted bookstore that immediately catches the eye. Books selected by the staff are available for purchase, as well as sundries such as tote bags, and second hand clothing. The company regularly holds talks and fairs on a variety of topics, including lifestyle, business, and sports.
Terrace Kamiyama 1F, 17-3 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
3. B&B (Shimokitazawa)
B&B is an acronym for Books&Beer. As the name suggests, you can also enjoy reading a book with a beer in hand at this stylish bookstore. Talks with book authors and editors are held regularly, so stopping in for a browse is highly encouraged.
2F BONUS TRACK, 2-36-15 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
4. Komiyama Bookstore (Jimbocho)
A general antiquarian bookstore that has been in Jimbocho, the town of books, for more than 80 years. The company also buys and assesses second hand books such as photography collections, art books, and humanities books, as well as artworks including prints, posters, and paintings.
1-7 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
5. Snow Shoveling Books & Gallery (Fukasawa)
This bookstore is ideally visited in conjunction with a walk to Komazawa Park or Todoroki Canyon. Since 2015, the bookstore has been running the Haruki Murakami book club, which is now approaching its 23rd iteration. We’d recommend dropping their lovingly curated Instagram account a follow.
2F-C, 4-35-7 Fukasawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
6. Kani Books (Koenji)
This small bookstore is owned by Nanako Hanada, author of ‘The Bookshop Woman’. After 8:00 p.m, they hold small events for 10 to 20 people on an irregular basis, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their website and socials.
2F, 2-48-11 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
7. Kamome Books (Kagurazaka)
A bookstore operated by a proofreading company specializing in book reviews, you’ll recognise Kamome Books from the bright blue awning above the store. At the “WEEKENDERS COFFEE All Right” café inside the store, you can also enjoy coffee made from beans from WEEKENDERS COFFEE, a Kyoto-based specialty store specializing in home-roasted coffee.
First Yarai Bldg., 123 Yarai-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
8. BOOKMARC (Harajuku)
A bookstore operated by Marc Jacobs. The first store opened on Bleecker Street in NY in 2010, and the Harajuku store is the fifth store worldwide. The company also regularly holds events with local and international artists and photographers.
4-26-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
*Opening hours and holidays are subject to change. Before visiting, please check the official website for the latest information in advance.