English Bookstores in Japan
by spinshellFinding English books keeps getting easier. Of course there’s Amazon which, with their “buy over ¥1,500, get it shipped free” policy, is perfect for ordering a specific title or late-night Internet shopping. But what if you want to browse the shelves a bit? Adjacent to Shinjuku Takashimaya, Kinokuniya carries a large selection of language, fiction and non-fiction books. Aoyama Book Center on Aoyama Dori offers eclectic art and design books. The same store operates ABC Outlet Roppongi with an impressive (for Japan) collection of discount English fiction, cook books, coffee-table books and children’s books. Another place to check out is Tokyo Random Walk in Akasaka, where bins of discounted coffee table books and calendars often line the sidewalk.
Other larger bookstores with an English books section are Logos Shibuya, Junkudo in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro and Maruzen.
Second-hand bookstores have increased in number in recent years, among them Good Day Books in Ebisu and Blue Parrot in Takadanobaba. A great place to pick up foreign magazines isTower Records Shibuya–their seventh floor bookstore offers them at the lowest prices we’ve seen in town.
Amazon Japan
URL: www.amazon.co.jp
Aoyama Book Center (Aoyama)
URL: www.aoyamabc.co.jp
Tel: 03-5485-5511
Station: Omotesando (metro exit B2)
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00
Closed: Sun, holidays
ABC Outlet Roppongi (2nd floor of Aoyama Book Center Roppongi)
URL: www.aoyamabc.co.jp
Tel: 03-3479-0479
Station: Roppongi (metro)
Hours: Mon-Sat, holidays 10:00-5:00/Sun 10:00-22:00
The Blue Parrot Bookshop
URL: www.blueparrottokyo.com
Tel: 03-3202-3671
Station: Takadanobaba (JR, metro exit 6)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00-21:30
Good Day Books
URL: www.gooddaybooks.com
Tel: 03-5421-0957
Station: Ebisu (JR, metro exit 1)
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00/Sun, holidays 11:00-18:00
Junkudo (Ikebukuro)
URL: www.junkudo.co.jp
Tel: 03-5956-6111
Station: Ikebukuro (JR)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00
Junkudo (Shinjuku)
URL: www.junkudo.co.jp
Tel: 03-5363-1300
Station: Shinjuku (JR east exit)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00-21:00
Kinokuniya (Main Store)
URL: www.kinokuniya.co.jp
Tel: 03-3354-0131
Station: Shinjuku (JR, metro), Shinjuku-Sanchome (metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00
Kinokuniya (Takashimaya Times Square Building)
URL: www.kinokuniya.co.jp
Tel: 03-5361-3301
Station: Shinjuku (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 10:00-20:00/Thurs 10:00-20:30
Logos Shibuya
URL: www.libro.jp/web/logos
Tel: 03-3496-7362
Station: Shibuya (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00
Maruzen (Marunouchi)
URL: http://mis.maruzen.co.jp/home/tenpo/maruhon.html
Tel: 03-5288-8881
Station: Tokyo (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00-21:00
Maruzen (Nihonbashi)
URL: www.maruzen.co.jp/home/tenpo/nihonbashi.html
Tel: 03-6214-2001
Station: Nihonbashi (metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30-20:30
Shibuya Tower Records
URL: www.towerrecords.jp
Tel: 03-3496-3661
Station: Shibuya (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-23:00
Closed: 4 days of the year, call to confirm
Tokyo Random Walk
URL: www.bookshop.co.jp
Tel: 03-5545-4593
Station: Akasaka-Mitsuke (metro Sanno exit)
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-22:00/Sat, Sun, holidays 11:00-20:00
(Bookstore information was accurate at the time of this article’s first publishing date. Confirm with each shop for the most up-to-date informatiotn.)
Related articles:
- Live Theater in English
- How to find places in Japan by address
- Open Mic Nights
- Summer Beer: 6 Great Venues
- Live Music Venues
Tags: blue parrot, bookstore, discount, english books, good day, japan, junkudo, kinokuniya, libro, takashimaya, Tokyo, tower






















March 23rd, 2009 at 15:31
Does anyone know where I can find musical instrument instruction books in English here in Tokyo?
March 23rd, 2009 at 16:04
@smorrison
Try the Rock Inn book store near the South-East Exit of Shinjuku station, you may find something there.
Google Maps Link
January 23rd, 2010 at 18:19
I am looking for used English bookstore in Ikebukuro. I have heard that there is a store near North exit of Ikebukuro station. Does anyone know of the name and locatioin? Thank you.