Are you wondering where can you find English Bookstores In Tokyo? Well, I’ll tell you all about it!
Immerse yourself in literary wonder at Tokyo’s best English bookstores. From hidden gems to expansive collections, these havens for book lovers offer a diverse range of reads, providing a comforting slice of familiarity amidst the bustling city for both expats and English-speaking locals alike.
Page Contents
Which is the best English bookstore in Tokyo?
Kinokuniya is the best bookstore in Tokyo for foreign language books. It’s the best-known store for foreign language books in Tokyo. You will have a wide variety of books from English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and other foreign languages in this 8 story building. They also have a separate building for manga and DVD sections. The Shinjuku branch is located on the south side of the Tokyo Station. This Store is also popular for holding book events and author meetups. Even foreign Authors come to promote their books and bestsellers.
English Bookstores In Tokyo Near Me
Yaesu Book center
Yaesu Bookstore is a huge 8 storey book centre that is filled with foreign language books. Foreign Language books can be found mostly on the 7th and 8th floor.
Both fiction and nonfiction books can be found here. From Books about Japan to different cultures and economies across the globe, philosophy, spirituality, religion, and even academics.
This book store is located very close to Tokyo station and is very easy to locate. I love this bookstore and I bought quite a lot of books from here. I found so many old books that were written in 18-20th centuries.
There is one section dedicated to the English translation of Japanese writers, which can give you a superb opportunity to wallow in Japanese Literature and Culture.
Nearest Station – Tokyo Station
Where – 2-5-1, Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
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Italia Shobo
Italia Shobo opened in 1958 and is definitely one of the best Tokyo’s bookstores with foreign language books. You can find variety of Italian, Portuguese as well as Spanish books.
I was surprised at high sustainable this store is as I found so many secondhand books, most of them signed by the first user. You’ll find everything from literature, recipe books, academic papers, and whatnot in Italia Shobo. I love this bookstore because it’s rare to find European books in Japan.
You’ll not feel like you’re in Japan but in Italy. It’s in the heart of Chiyoda City.
Nearest Station: Tokyo Station
Where: Japan, 〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Jinbocho, 2 Chome−２３
Daikanyama T-Site Tsutaya
T-site has multiple stores all across Japan and is considered to be the Bookworm’s paradise. This Daikanyama is one that is also considered to be one of the most beautiful bookstores around the globe.
It has a theme of “Library in the Woods. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are a book or stationery lover, The options are endless and if you search intensively you will find some rare books and bookish treasures too.
If you get too tired of reading, you can grab yourself a wonderful cup of coffee from Cafe Anjin, which is located on the second floor of the building. This is one of the top Tokyo bookstores with foreign language books.
I visited the T-Site bookstore twice this year when I wanted to read a book but didn’t want to buy it. I grabbed a nice cup of coffee and enjoyed reading my book in peace at the bookstore itself.
Nearest Station: Daikan-yama Station
Where: Daikanyama T-Site, 17-5, Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Kinokuniya
Kinokuniya is the best-known store for foreign language books in Tokyo. You will have a wide variety of books from English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and other foreign languages in this 8 story building.
They also have a separate building for manga and DVD sections. Shinjuku branch is located on the south side of the Tokyo Station.
This Store is also popular for holding book events and author meetups. Even foreign Authors come to promote their books and bestsellers.
This is one of the best Tokyo bookstores with foreign language books which is globally famous.
Nearest Station- Shinjuku Station
Where- 7 17, 3-chōme, Shinjuku Shinjuku City, Tokyo, 160-0022, Japan
Kitazawa Bookstore
Kitazawa Bookstore book store originated in 1902 and is best known for English language books. Mostly contains academic books in the English language but Spanish and German books can also be found.
They are known to preserve books in great conditions and it’s a small heaven for people doing research or looking for books in English.
You can find books from the Ancient and Middle ages too in this paradise, Wide variety of second-hand books are available here in good condition.
Books are generally sourced from nearby universities and for researchers and students, it acts like a convenient place to shop the best books without making a huge hole in their pocket.
Nearest Station- Jinbocho Station
Where- Kitazawa Building 2F, 2-5, Kanda, Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
The Isseido Booksellers
Isseido Booksellers is one antique bookstore that has survived major upheavals in Japan and Second World War Bombings. This store is currently run by the grandson and gives major old school feels.
Predominantly, you will find a lot of English books and old manuscripts in the store. It is located on Jimbocho main shopping street, which makes it harder to miss out.
The Second Floor of the store feels like a mini-museum consisting of old manuscripts, Japanese woodblock print books, antique books on the art and culture of Japan, and even books about books.
It’s a must-visit bookstore if you are a history buff.
Nearest Station- Jimbocho Station
Where- 17, Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Shibuya Publishing & Booksellers
Shibuya Publishing and booksellers is book store is fairly new in the popular bookstore category of Tokyo, nevertheless, it is making a strong impression in the market.
The store was founded in 2008, and it consists of new and used books which are kept in a well-preserved way.
Most selection of the books though is in Japanese language yet you can find a section where new and bestsellers from English and American literature can be found.
The staff is enthusiastic and helps in making wise choices when it comes to bestsellers. The company runs its own publishing house too, so they offer design and writing workshops from time to time.
They also hold Thematic events on the monthly basis. Undoubtedly, one of the best Tokyo bookstores with foreign language books.
Nearest Station- Shibuya Station
Where- Shibuya Publishing & Booksellers, 17-3 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Cow Books
Cow Books is located by the Meguro River in Nakameguro.
They have some rare books on photography, politics, progressive movements and you will also find first copy editions of the Beat Generation and counterculture movements.
Even though most of the inventory of the store is in the Japanese language, you will find many small sections of English Language books too. It’s a charming quaint place for bookworms.
Nearest Station- Tokyu- Nakameguro Station
Where- 1-14-11, Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Koganecho Art Book Bazaar
Koganecho again is considered to be one of the best second hand stores in Tokyo. You get a wide variety of books on arts and designs. They also specialize in selling products related to arts, crafts, fashion, design etc.
It’s an art and design themed book store. The store also offers special books for children and there is a small section dedicated to English language books too.
This is also one of the best Tokyo bookstores with foreign language books.
Nearest Station- Koganecho Station
Where- 2-145 Hinode-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa The other day, Hinode Studio III Building
Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store
Maruzen Marunouchi is considered one of the biggest stores in Japan and it offers a wide variety of Japanese and Foreign Language Books. This bookstore though does not sell used books but it’s one of the best places to grab brand new books.
They also have a section of Manga which is translated into English. Prices are also way more reasonable than online retailers.
On the ground floor of the store, you can find unique stationery and gifts and souvenirs too. On the top floor, they have English and Foreign language books and bestsellers.
They also have a small little cafe and exhibition space. This is definitely one of the top Tokyo bookstores with foreign language books.
Nearest Station- Tokyo Station
Where – 1-6-4 Marunouchi Oazo,Yokyo
Infinity Books
Infinity Books is a small store located just a couple of minutes walk from Asakusa Station. Even though the store is fairly small, it still contains a lot of stock of mostly used books from different genres and languages.
Nick Ward, the owner of the bookstore, has built a small bar inside of the store. Now you can enjoy a pint of beer while diving deep into a reading session. This place also doubles up as an event holding place.
Many books, arts and music-related events take place on the regular basis here.
Nearest Station- Asakusa Station
Where- 1-2-4 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Ginza Tsutaya Books
Ginza Tsutaya is known to be “ World’s Best Art Book Store”. It is based on the concept of “ live closer to Art”. This store houses art books from 100s of the artist.
You will find paperbacks, rare photo-books, Big books and are charming and unique to japan stationery. The store is located in Ginza city which is popular for having varied visitors.
Through this book store, visitors can get a glimpse into Japanese Art and culture. There is an area dedicated to Japanese history and culture, where you can delve into what makes this country so culturally rich and special.
They also have a cafe inside the store and right outside you can find Starbucks too. It is just a couple of minutes walking distance from Ginza station.
They also have a decently big section of English Language books which again are centred around art culture, cooking and even travelling.
Nearest Station- Ginza Station
Where- Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−10−1 SIX6階
Junkudo Ikebukuro
Junkudo Ikebukuro is definitely worth a visit if you’re a book lover. This international bookstore in Tokyo has nine floors of magazines, books, kids books and more.
You’ll find English books, novels, magazines, newspapers and latest non fiction by the best English authors in the first floor.
If you’re looking for kids books, Junkudo Ikebukuro bookstore has a huge collection of kids books, bigger than most other kids books’ stores.
Location: 2-15-5 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Tokyo’s Bookstores with Foreign Language Books: FAQs
Do Japanese bookstores sell English books?
Most Japanese bookstores sell only Japanese-written books only. However, you can find multilingual bookstores around Tokyo like Kinokuniya, Daikanyama T-Site, Italia Shodo etc.
How do I get an English book in Japan?
There are various English bookstores in Tokyo where you can find English language books. Some bookstores that you should visit are Kinokuniya, Kitazawa Bookstore, The Isseido Booksellers etc.
Books Lover Spots in Town!
If you are a bibliophile you can’t miss these on your next trip to Tokyo.
These bookstores have a lot more to explore in terms of what they offer: books, novels, magazines, research papers, theses, articles etc. Hope this article, Tokyo bookstores with foreign language books helped you!
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