Bookstores in Tokyo
Western Tokyo Suburbs, Saitama, Kawasaki and Yokohama
Last Change:
2 Nov 2011
Note: the Tokyo area comes in four files:
(1) Jimbocho and Hongo
(2) Central Tokyo (inside Yamanote Line, excluding (1))
(3) Western Tokyo Suburbs, Saitama, Kawasaki and Yokohama (this file)
(4) Eastern Tokyo Suburbs and Tsukuba
A common subject index is on the end of the Central Tokyo file.
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Note: Yohan, major distributor of foreign books and magazines went
bankrupt July 31st '08. For stores last visited before this date,
information on amount of foreign books and availability of foreign
magazines may be inaccurate. Visit date appears at the end of each
entry in [MM/YY] format; no date means latest visit was before April
2006.
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The suburban listings follow railroad lines, the most convenient mode of
transportation. It also reflects the base plan of Edo, laid out in the form
of a snail's shell, to allow growth - forever.
Railway service is reliable and efficient but bewildering even for local
residents. Check train colors and express marks before leaving. Noting
Japanese express level names is most certain for railroad authorities, maps
and tourist guidebooks disagree upon translations.
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Geographic Index:
Districts within JR Yamanote Line, counterclockwise:
Jimbocho, Iidabashi and Otemachi
Ochanomizu
Hongo and Hakusan
Yotsuya and Kojimachi
Aoyama (Omote-Sando)
Hiro-o and Minami-Azabu
Roppongi
Districts along JR Yamanote Line, Tamachi to Osaki, counterclockwise:
Mita (JR Tamachi)
Hamamatsucho and Shimbashi
Hibiya
Ginza
Marunouchi, Yaesu and Nihombashi (JR Tokyo Terminal)
Akihabara
Ikebukuro
Takadanobaba to Waseda
Shinjuku
Yoyogi
Shibuya
Ebisu, Gotanda, Osaki
JR Sobu Line:
Tsudanuma
Chiba and Makuhari
JR Joban Line:
Matsudo
Tsukuba
JR Tohoku Line north of Tabata and Saikyo Line north of Ikebukuro:
Urawa
Saitama Shintoshin
Omiya
Tobu Tojo Line:
Kawagoe
Seibu Lines:
Tokorozawa
Higashi-Murayama
JR Chuo Line, west of Shinjuku and branches:
Nakano
Koenji, Asagaya and Ogikubo
Kichijoji
Kokubunji
Kunitachi
Tachikawa
Akishima
Hachioji
Keio Line and Inokashira Line:
Komaba
Shimo-Kitazawa
Meidai-mae
Hachimanyama
Chofu
Fuchu
Seiseki Sakuragaoka
Tama Center
Odakyu Line:
Machida and Sagamihara
Atsugi
Tokyu Lines:
Jiyugaoka and Oyamadai
Futako-Tamagawa and Mizonokuchi
Aobadai
JR Tokaido Line and branches, south of Shinagawa:
Oimachi
Downtown Kawasaki
Yokohama Station
Minato Mirai 21 (Sakuragicho)
Isezaki-cho (Kannai)
Motomachi
Kamakura
Yokosuka
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Subject Index, Tokyo area
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Stores with Mail/Fax/Online services
Bookstores in other cities of Japan
Bookstores in other cities of the world
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General notes on address, phone conventions, hours, etc. in Japan
Looking for bargains? Buying books in Japan
Insights of the trade: Publishing books in Japan
Other sources and reference material on bookstores in Japan
Glossary of Japanese publishing terms
Acknowledgements
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Urawa:
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NTT long-distance area code: Saitama-shi 048.
Suharaya (2-3-20 Nakacho, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama-ken 330_0062;
Couple blocks west of Ito-Yokado. On Old Naka-sen-do, south of
Urawa Royal Pines Hotel. 7 minutes from JR Urawa. 822-5321) "4
floors. Clean and well organized. Modest foreign section 2F."
Open 10-20:30. [12/10]
There is a Kinokuniya in Parco, on the east side of JR Urawa Station. Few
foreign books.
Saitama Shintoshin:
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JR Saikyo Line Kita-Yono and JR Tohoku Line Saitama Shintoshin are within
walking distance of each other. Saikyo Line rapids skip Kita-Yono.
Utsunomiya, Takasaki Line rapids skip Saitama Shintoshin.
Book Depot Syoraku (2-3-5 Kami-Ochiai, Chuo-ku, Saitama-shi 338_0001;
Adjacent to Kita-Yono Station. 0120-494619, 859-4946, Fax
852-6721) "3 floors. Largest bookstore in Saitama-ken. Foreign
section (2F) has a small amount of paperbacks and material for
students. Foreign section was much larger when it opened." Open
10-Midnight. [12/10]
Kinokuniya Saitama Shinotoshin (4-267-2 Kishiki-cho, Omiya-ku 330_9559; 1F
Cocoon Shintoshin, east end. East side of JR Saitama-Shintoshin.
600-0830, Fax 600-0833; HQ Shinjuku) "Opened Sept. '05. About 3
shelves foreign books: on Japan, paperback novels and language
texts." Open 10-21.
Omiya:
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NTT long-distance area code: Saitama-shi 048.
All stores in Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama-ken.
Junkudo Omiya Loft (1-60 Miyacho 330_0802; East side of JR Omiya. 3
minutes from station exit. 640-3111, Fax 640-3121; HQ Kobe)
"Largest bookstore in Omiya. Main collection on 8F, comics on 7F.
Rich academic selection. Foreign collection has many magazines,
paperbacks and art books as well as some cookbooks. Chairs and
tables available for reading." Open 10:30-21. [12/10]
Book Off Omiya-eki Higashi-guchi (2-1-1 Daimon-cho 330_0846; On block
behind Loft. 658-8115) "Used books. Two shelves foreign books
2F." Open 10-22. [12/10]
Other stores around Omiya Station are Sanseido (in Sogo), Ikeda Shoten
(beneath Sofmap) and Oshida Kenbundo (north of Loft, other side of street).
Few or no foreign books.
Kawagoe:
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NTT long-distance area code: Kawagoe 049.
Book 1st Lumine Kawagoe (39-19 Wakita-Honcho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama-ken
350_1123; 4F Lumine Kawagoe, west side of Tobu/JR Kawagoe.
240-6212) "Now largest in Kawagoe." Open 10-22. Closed irr.
[03/08]
Libro Kawagoe (1-22-411 Shintomicho; 4F PePe, Seibu Hon-Kawagoe Terminal.
228-7246; HQ Ikebukuro) "General bookstore. 4 shelves foreign
books and language texts." Open 10-21.
There is a Kinokuniya in Maruhiro Department Store. Perhaps some foreign
books.
Asahiya Kawagoe Mine closed.
Tokorozawa:
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NTT long-distance area code: Tokorozawa 04.
Book Off Tokorozawa Prope-dori (12-1 Higashi-cho Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama-ken
359_1116; In the pedestrian mall on the northwest side of
Tokorozawa Station. Building faces Daiei. 2929-9591) "Used books.
Some foreign books." Open 10-23. [08/11]
Parco Book Center Shin-Tokorozawa (1-2-1 Midoricho 359_1111; 1 minute from
Seibu-Shinjuku Line Shin-Tokorozawa Station West Exit. 2998-8175;
HQ Shibuya) "General bookstore. Casual selection. 1 shelf foreign
books." Open 10-20.
Athene in Daiei, facing Book Off has a small amount of foreign books. The
Horindo in Tokorozawa Marui closed. The Horindo in Tokorozawa Station Mall
is small and does not sell foreign books. [08/11]
Higashi-Murayama:
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Kumegawa Station to Higashi-Murayama Junction is about 20 minutes by foot.
NTT long-distance area code: Higashi-Murayama 042.
Shimoigusa Shobo (4-3-3 Honcho, Higashi-Murayama-shi 189_0014; Northwest of
Seibu Shinjuku Line Kumegawa (not Shimoigusa), about 4 minutes by
foot. On north side of Shin-Ome-kaido, where a large bridge crosses
Seibu tracks and a small river. Convenience store Family Mart in
same building. 397-2069, Fax 397-2047;
http://www.kosho-shimoigusa.jp/) "Antiquarian books. English,
American, French and German literature. Most books imported. Home
page has catalog, arranged in alphabetical order by author.
American literature stored in separate room and not on display.
Make an appointment before visiting and tell titles/authors of
interest." Open 10-18. Closed Sun.
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Nakano:
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NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03.
Nakano Mandarake (5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164_0001; Several shops
in Broadway Building, on north end of Sun Mall, roofed shopping
arcade visible from JR/Subway Nakano Station North Exit. About 5
minutes from station. 3228-0007, Fax 3228-5787;
http://www.mandarake.co.jp/) "The Department Store of Manga. Used
books. Boasts stock of 1 million books. Most popular titles
available in main shop (3F). Specialty stores in same mall sell
lady's comics, rare editions and posters. Purchase counter (3F)
always busy. On exhibition at gallery (4F) is a collection of
drawings by famous cartoonists. The main shop is dimly lit and
staff dressed in fantasy costumes greet customers. Mandarake is
short for 'manga darake': "manga all over the place". Branches in
Shibuya, Akihabara, Nagoya, Osaka Umeda & Namba, Fukuoka and Santa
Monica. Foreign-language versions of Japanese manga not sold or
bought in the Nakano stores." Open noon-20.
Haruya Tokyo Main Store (367 5-52-15 Nakano; In Broadway Building, next to
main store of Mandarake. 3387-8451; HQ Matsuyama) "General
selection. Few if any foreign books. Staff very friendly."
Daiyogen (5-52-15 Nakano; 4F Broadway Bldg. Phone/Fax 3387-5707) "Used
books. Eastern religion, occult, prophecy, extraterrestrial life,
etc. A half shelf or so English books. Also sells stone whistles,
mandala prints, tarot decks." Open noon-20. 13- Thu. Closed Wed.
Aoi Shoten Nakano Main Store (4-3-1 Nakano; Block north of Sun Plaza, west
of Broadway Building. 3319-5161) "Opened March '03. Store is
about as half as large as Kinokuniya Shinjuku South but not drawing
crowds. Very large Japanese collection. Foreign section (2F) has
magazines, paperbacks, Penguin classics, art books and language
texts. Chain has 12 stores in Tokyo." Open 10-22.
Minazuki Shobo closed around '05.
Several small used bookstores in Broadway Building with unique collections.
Blox on 3F (3388-5079) which sells imported wear, toy cars, postcards has a
collection of American hero comic magazines.
"Broadway Building used to be the typical shopping center left back in a
past generation. Mandarake moved in and expanded to meet its growing
business buying vacant rooms. Specialty stores, their antique toys and
vintage telephone card collections followed. A green tea vendor, a
fishmonger, old-fashioned grocers and cheap noodle shops continue with their
business under the same roof, attracting an odd blend of people from near
and from far."
Koenji, Asagaya and Ogikubo:
--------------
Chuo Line rapid (kaisoku - orange trains) do not serve Koenji, Asagaya and
Nishi-Ogikubo on weekends, holidays. Some trains of Subway Tozai Line
provide through service to JR Mitaka. This region is regarded Waseda turf.
Tomaru Shoten (3-1-16 Koenji-Kita, Suginami-ku 166_0002; West side of JR
Koenji Station North Exit. 3337-3690, Fax 3337-6610;
http://www.abaj.gr.jp/tomarushoten/) "Used bookseller of social
studies. Leftist inclination. Well known for its economics
collection. Few if any books of recent financial theory. Many
foreign books." [Annex a little to the west sells literature, etc.
but few or no foreign books.]
Nawa Prasad (5-13-3 Nishiogi-Minami, Suginami-ku 167_0053; JR Nishi-Ogikubo
South Exit. Turn east at Mizuho Bank. 3F of bldg. which faces
convenience store Daily Yamazaki. 3332-1187, Fax 3331-3067;
hobbit@ea.mbn.or.jp) "Small shop. Eastern philosophy, spiritual
care, ecology. 15% or so foreign. Also in the building is a
restaurant and a school that offers Yoga, Qi Gong lessons and such."
Open noon-20:30. [08/07]
Taishindo (3-16-1 Nishiogi-Minami; Shortly east of Nawa Prasad. 3333-5778,
Fax 3333-6378) "Christian books. 1 shelf foreign books. Tai-shin
= 'wait dawn'. (Psalms 130:6)" Open 10-19. Closed Sun, Hol and
1st, 3rd, 5th Mon. [07/09]
Nomad (3-12-10 Nishiogi-kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167_0042; On the street on
the north side Nishi-Ogikubo Station, about 5 minutes by foot to the
west. This street, though narrow, has bus service and turns
northward midway. Same place used to be a stylish bookstore-cafe
called Heartland. Phone/Fax 5310-2627; info@nomad-books.co.jp)
"Specialty bookstore of travel guides and travel-related literature,
broadly defined. Arranged by region with new and used books,
domestic and foreign-language books placed together: rare in Japan.
Sells imported maps, but few foreign publications other than that.
A few used English LONELY PLANET guides appear. (Orion Tachikawa
and Blue Parrot Takadanobaba have more.) Run by Yumeya, a travel
agent good at sending the adventurous off to exotic places. Moved
from Kichijoji July '07." Open Noon-22. Closed Wed. [07/09]
Book Off Ogikubo (north side of station) has some foreign books.
Sanchuudo (Korean books) moved to Jimbocho.
Nishi-Ogikubo has many used bookstores. Japanese pamphlet available at most
stores. The local favorite is Sukoburu-sha. There are two other stores in
the vicinity of Nomad, with a small number of foreign books. Kachoufuugetsu
(to the west of Nomad) has some children's books. Otowa-kan (turn south at
the corner before Nomad) has some illustrated books. Mugen (between station
and Nomad, yellow awning in front) used to have some paperbacks. [07/09]
Kichijoji and Mitakadai:
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Chuo Line special rapid (tokkai) trains do not serve Kichijoji. Stores
aligned north to south.
All stores in Musashino-shi, Tokyo.
NTT long-distance area code: Musashino-shi 0422, Mitaka 0422.
Fujii Shoten (1-11-20 Kichijoji-Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180_0004; On
Itsukaichi-kaido between Hachiman Shrine and Denny's. 22-5043, Fax
22-5041) "Used books. Wide selection. Many illustrated volumes,
some imported. Small pile of foreign paperbacks at the staircase
base." Open 10-21. Closed Tue. [10/10]
Junkudo Kichijoji (1-11-5 Kichijoji-Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180_0004;
6F,7F Coppice Kichijoji. Former Isetan Department Store. 28-5333,
Fax 28-5322; HQ Kobe) "Opened October 2010. 3600 square meters.
Largest in Kichijoji. Large foreign section, better than Aoi Shoten
Nakano, Kinokuniya Kichijoji, Kinokuniya Kokubunji and Orion Shobo
Tachikawa." Open 10-21. [10/10]
Kinokuniya Kichijoji Tokyu (2-3-1 Kichijoji-Honcho; 8F Tokyu Dept. Store.
21-1810, Fax 21-7145; HQ Shinjuku) "General bookstore. Few
English books." Open 10-20. [08/07]
Parco Book Center Kichijoji (B2F Kichijoji Parco 1-5-1 Kichijoji-Honcho;
North side of JR Station. 21-8122; HQ Ikebukuro) "Appeals to
young people. Many art volumes, imported magazines and children's
books. Quite large foreign section, but Junkudo is better, unless
you are looking for art books." Open 10-21.
Keibundo Kichijoji (2-1-25 Kichijoji-Minamimachi; B1F Yuzawaya. South
side of JR. 79-5070) "Opened Summer 2004. Largest store of the
Keibundo chain, subsidiary of Keio Railway. 1600 square meters.
Clean and well organized. Foreign books in section C." Open
10-22:30. [10/06]
Book Off Kichijoji Minami-guchi (2-3-14 Kichijoji-Minamimachi; Between JR
tracks and Inokashira Line station. Faces Yuzawaya. Visible from
east end of Chuo Line platforms. 76-7611) "Used books. Large
foreign section for a Book Off branch toward the back end of 1F.
(Book Off branches reorganize often so this may change.)" Open
10-23. [04/08]
Yomitaya (2-6-10 Kichijoji-Minamimachi; On north side of Inokashira-dori, a
little to the east of Inokashira Line overpass and Tokyu Inn. From
Book Off turn left (east) at the second street. Phone/Fax 43-6550)
"General used bookstore. Quite large. Wide variety, from
children's books to psychology. Some foreign books: cookbooks,
children's books, psychology, philosophy, self-healing. Very few
foreign novels. Foreign books scattered and hard to seek." [04/08]
B-Rabbits (1-31-19 Inokashira, Mitaka-shi 181_0001; South side of
Inokashira Line Mitakadai Station. Turn left at the station exit,
and left again at the corner between Freshness Burger and marine
sports shop. About 5 minutes from station. Phone/Fax 76-2501)
"Books for children. Used books. Small store, but rich collection.
Some imported books, including DR. SEUSS and GOLDEN BOOKS." Open
11-19. Closed Sun.
Nomad (travel books) moved from Kichijoji to Nishi-Ogikubo July '07.
Bondi Books moved to Jimbocho Feb '08.
Choujou Shoten (Changcheng Shudian) closed Apr '08.
Liburu Libero (under JR tracks) moved to Jimbocho Dec '08. No foreign books
at the new location.
Kokubunji:
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NTT long-distance area code: Kokubunji 042.
Kinokuniya Kokubunji (3-20-3 Minami-cho, Kokubunji-shi 185_0021; 8F Station
Bldg, Above Marui. 325-3991, Fax 325-3950; HQ Shinjuku)
"Renovated Sept. '03. Though twice as large (with 300,000 books) as
it used to be, the foreign section has not expanded in proportion.
Junkudo and Parco Book Center, Kichijoji and Orion Shobo Norte,
Tachikawa have more foreign books. Of local interest only." Open
10-22.
Book Off Hitotsubashi Gakuen (one stop from Kokubunji on the Seibu Tamako
Line) closed Aug. '09.
Kunitachi:
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Chuo Line rapid (kaisoku) serve all stations west of Mitaka. From westbound
special rapid (tokkai) trains transfer at Kokubunji.
All stores in Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo.
NTT long-distance area code: Kunitachi 042.
Stores aligned north to south.
Tozai Shoten (1-8 Naka 186_0004; To right of JR Kunitachi Station South
Exit; adjacent street leads to Nishi Shoten. 575-5061) "Renovated
Dec. '01. Now a bright and casual general bookstore. 1 shelf
foreign books 3F." Open 10-23. [09/11]
Nishi Shoten (1-8-29 Naka; On the narrow street along the Chuo Line tracks.
Facing the parking lot, a little beyond Court Gallery, 3 minutes
from station. 576-2876, Fax 571-1826) "Unique collection of
antique social and historical researches. Mostly in English, some
French and German. No Japanese. Used French and English paperbacks
displayed in carts in front of store. Penguin classics and Folio
books from 100 yen. Gems are hiding here waiting to be found and
explored." Open 10-18. Closed Sun. [09/11]
Masuda Shoten (1-9-1 Naka; Daigaku-dori, between station and Ginnan Shobo.
Phone/Fax 572-0224) "Leading bookstore of Kunitachi. Broad
selection of academic books, strong in the social sciences and
educational material. Two shelves of English paperbacks and one
small shelf of imported art books downstairs. Branch on north side
of JR Kunitachi does not sell foreign books." Open 9-20, 10- Sun,
Hol. [09/11]
Ginnan Shobo (Ginnan Books) (1-16-37 Naka; On right side of Daigaku-dori
between Doutor and Kinokuniya Supermarket (no books), 2 minute walk
south from station. Phone/Fax 572-1091) "Small store with great
collection of illustrated books. Many recent coffee-table books but
also classics of artistic quality, either in graphics, printing or
binding. Also sells used foreign books of the social sciences,
mostly modern economics but also cornerstone European classics
dating from the 17th century. Some serious literature in English,
French, German and books for children. The astute old lady running
the place has mastery knowledge about the books she's after. How
she manages all this with little English fluency is a mystery. My
friends associated with the publishing business agree that this is a
striking place. Takes long vacations." Open 10-18. 12- Sat.
Closed Sun, Hol, a week around the New Year, a week in early May and
about 2 weeks in August. [09/11]
Kunitachi Gakki (1F Popolo, 1-16-17 Higashi 186_0002; East side of
Daigaku-dori, on block south of Mos Burger, 3 minute walk from
station. 573-1111, Fax 575-6550) "Music. Sells instruments,
instruction books and sheet music. Closed store on north side of
Kunitachi Station and relocated Sept. 2010." Open 10-19. [09/11]
Hitotsubashi University Coop Bookstore (Seikyou Shoten) (2-1 Naka; West
Campus. South of clock tower. 575-4184) "Strong in law, economics
and business administration. Very few foreign books. Classics in
the original (Adam Smith, Marx, Keynes, Samuelson, Galbraith) not in
stock. Not many Japanese translations of them either. Coop members
get a 10% discount." Open 10-19. Closed Sat, Sun, Hol. [04/08]
Mon (2-21-41 Nishi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo 186_0005; On an alley off
Fujimi-dori on the south side. Walk down toward Mt. Fuji to
Kunitachi Music Univ. High School (Onkou) and turn in at the corner
with public bath Matsunoyu. 505-5381) "Used books. Opened Nov.
'09. Some foreign picture books." [08/11]
Momotaro closed Nov '07.
Penguin House closed Feb '08.
"Kinokuniya Supermarket (no relation with bookstore) offers parking coupons
for total purchases above 3000 yen, good for 60 minutes at the Kunitachi
Parking Lot. Enter the street on the south side of Masuda Shoten. Avoid
Sundays, when there is a long wait for parking space and Ginnan Shobo is
closed."
"Asahi-dori has two used book merchants. Some, but not many, foreign titles
appear. The best choice is Humanite. The Book Off on Fujimi-dori stopped
selling foreign books Fall '09. The used bookstore near the station is well
organized and offers good bargains but has no foreign books."
"James Fallow picked up a book in one of the Kunitachi bookstores which led
to his writing of a career-changing appraisal of protective economic
policy."
"Kunitachi is a posh academic suburb west of Tokyo with several
universities, the foremost being the National Hitotsubashi, which leads the
country in studies of economics and business administration. The town is
also known for its art galleries and fancy restaurants. Best visited during
early April when the cherry trees along Daigaku-dori (University Boulevard,
the main street) are in full bloom."
"From JR Nambu Line Yaho Station: keep walking north and the cherry trees of
Daigaku-dori will come in sight."
Tachikawa:
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All stores in Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo.
NTT long-distance area code: Tachikawa 042.
Stores aligned north to south.
Orion Shobo Norte (2-92-43 Akebono-cho 190_0012; Beside Takashimaya. From
JR Tachikawa North Exit follow pedestrian overpass beneath monorail
station. 522-1231, Fax 522-1233) "Opened Jan '01. Currently
largest store in Chuo Line area west of Kichijoji. 500,000 books.
Many Japanese history, science and computer books. Intellectuals of
the area say they are visiting Shinjuku Kinokuniya less frequently.
Foreign books and magazines in section G-33 toward northeast end.
Good stock of foreign paperbacks. Some books on Japanese culture
and history, a set of classics, some business and world history
titles, and a handful of popular science titles. Translated
Japanese manga in language section toward the southwest end. In the
same building are HMV (some imported magazines) and a multi-floor
parking lot shared by the stores in the district." Open 10-21.
[08/11]
Orion Shobo Lumine (2-1-1 Akebono-cho; 8F Lumine, north mall of JR
Tachikawa. 527-2311) "Wide choice of Japanese books. Some English
books, but Norte store has more. Moved upstairs Spring '07.
Computer book store closed." Open 10-22. [Orion Shobo is a local
chain with 6 stores in the Tachikawa area. Only the Lumine and
Norte shops sell foreign books. The Tachikawa-Kitaguchi branch
inside Daiichi Dept. Store (2-2-25 Akebono-cho; 2 minute walk, west
of Lumine) has a notable collection of Japanese military and
railroad books; unfortunately this store is closing soon.] [08/11]
Oasis Tachikawa (1-16-5 Akebono-cho; West of Daiichi Dept. Store, north
side of street, 4 minutes from station. 524-5072, Fax 524-6104;
HQ Shinjuku) "Small shop of Christian books. Formerly Tachikawa
Fukuin Center (Good News Center)." Open 10-20. Closed Sun.
American Pharmacy (3-2-1 Shibazaki 190_0023; 2F Granduo, south mall of JR
Tachikawa. 540-2158) "One rack of English paperbacks and some
imported magazines."
Book Center Ito Tachikawa Hagoromo (2-49-9 Hagoromo-cho 190_0021; East of
JR Nambu Line Nishi-Kunitachi Station, along Tachikawa-Minami-dori.
Big sign visible on roof. A few blocks to the west, on the other
side of tracks, is Tachikawa City Hall. 523-7360) "Used bookstore.
Large selection of manga and paperbacks; most popular titles
available in new bookstores can be found. Wide selection of
magazines and two shelves of foreign books on 2F. 'Seven Years in
Tibet' 1000 yen, 'Clear and Present Danger': 400 yen. Most Japanese
manga between 150-250 yen. 'Sazae-san': 200-250 yen. (prices Dec
'06) Regional chain with 28 outlets in western Tokyo and Kawasaki.
Main store in eastern Hachioji." Open 10-24. [08/11] [Branch in
Nishisuna-cho (northwest of Haijima Line Seibu-Tachikawa on
Itsukaichi-kaido) has very few foreign books.]
Several small used bookstores near Seibu/monorail Tamagawa-Josui. Shimizu
Shoten (6-2-1 Saiwai-cho 190_0002; 534-2443, Fax 536-4095) has a handful
of old foreign books on poetry and music.
"The Tachikawa City Central Library (2-36-2 Akebono-cho; On block north of
Takashimaya, 6 minutes from JR Tachikawa; 528-6800) has 9,000 foreign books
including 3,000 foreign children's books. Roughly half are English. Also
Chinese, Korean, some French, German and Portuguese. Good books on Japan
section. Total collection: 350,000. Closed Mon, 3rd Thu."
"Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library (6-3-1 Nishiki-cho; Turn south at
Tachikawagodochosha Intersection from Tachikawa-Minami-dori. 5 minutes from
JR Nishi-Kunitachi; 042-524-7186; http://www.library.metro.tokyo.jp/) is
strong in domestic magazines. Total collection: over 600,000. No
borrowing." "Due to a budget crunch they stopped subscribing to regional
Japanese papers and foreign papers including THE NEW YORK TIMES spring '04."
Akishima:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Akishima 042.
Nakagami Shorin (1-7-2-115 Tamagawa-cho, Akishima-shi 196_0034; West side
of JR Higashi-Nakagami Station. 542-9721) "Used bookstore. Very
few foreign books. A small number of imported SF novels (about 20
titles). Also academic Japanese books and vintage audio records."
Open 14-20. Closed Sun. [08/07]
There is a small Yaesu Book Center in Ito Yokado Akishima, near JR Haijima
and Yokota Air Base. No foreign books on the shelves but orders accepted.
Books arrive within a couple days if a copy is in stock in the
Yaesu Main Store.
Hachioji:
--------------
JR Hachioji and Keio Hachioji Terminals are several blocks apart.
All stores on north side of JR Hachioji Terminal. Stores aligned west to
east, then south to north.
NTT long-distance area code: Hachioji 042.
Kumazawa Shoten Main Store (2-11 Asahi-cho, Hachioji-shi 192_0083; On west
side of JR Hachioji North Exit. 625-1201) "5 stories. 2 shelves
foreign books. Kumazawa also runs the store in nearby Tokyu Square
(which has no foreign books; used to be Book 1st.) [Chain HQ: 1-11
Youkamachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192_0071; Phone 621-5811]" [01/09]
Matsuoka Shobo (10-12 Azuma-cho 192_0082; On alley north of Tokyu Square.
646-7825, Fax 646-7827) "Regional chain selling used books. Some
foreign books but don't expect much. Book Eight, the branch with
most foreign books, closed May '02. New branch opened June '02.
[4-93-5 Myoujincho, along Kita-Odori near Owada-bashi.]" Open
11-20.
Sato Shobo (12-16 Azuma-cho; On street on east side of Tokyu Square.
645-8411) "Used bookstore with little space to move around.
Interesting vintage manga collection. Few or no foreign books."
Fuji Shobo (3-17 Yokamachi 192_0071; South side of Koshu-kaido, one block
west of Yokamachi-icchome bus stop. 623-3972) "Used bookstore.
Small shop but good collection of social science texts. Many books
of Nichiren Buddhism. (Soka University is in Hachioji.) Few if any
foreign books. 'Norakuro' classics displayed near the entrance."
Open 10-22 through year.
Keibundo Keio Hachioji (9F 3-27-1 Myoujincho 192_0905; Above Keio Terminal.
656-7330) "Fourth major bookstore in Hachioji. 200,000 books. Few
or no foreign books." Open 10-22, -21 Sun, Hol. [01/09]
Kikuya Hachioji closed March '08. It lasted only 10 months.
A large Yurindo opened in the station building March '08. It has a foreign
section.
Book Off will open a large store in Mio Minamino shopping center October 20
'11. [2F Mio, 1-8-1 Minamino, Hachioji-shi 192_0916; 4 minutes from
Yokohama Line Hachioji-Minamino Station. Open 10-21.]
============================================================================
Komaba:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03.
Kono Shoten (2-1-8 Komaba, Meguro-ku 153_0041; South side of tracks,
visible from Inokashira Line Komaba-Todai-mae platform. Phone/Fax
3467-3071) "Used bookstore nearby Tokyo University Campus.
Academic collection. Most books in English, also some French and
German. Strong in classic philosophy, history, art and drama."
Shimo-Kitazawa and Yoyogi-Uehara:
--------------
Don't even think of getting here by foot from Kami-Kitazawa, 4km away.
Village Vanguard (2-10-15A Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku 155_0031; 1F Honda Gekijo,
2 minutes from Odakyu/Keio Shimo-Kitazawa South Exit. Walk
northeast along Odakyu tracks and turn right at railroad crossing.
3460-6145) "Books, manga, calendars stacked among toys, sweets,
underwear, lighters, incense, ... Strong in manga and art. Few
foreign books, except for the imported volumes in the automobile
book section. Many odd titles yet searches come hard."
Dorama Part 6 (2-19-15 Kitazawa; Shimo-Kitazawa South Exit. Proceed south
(somewhat parallel to Odakyu tracks) from McDonald's. 5433-7277)
"Used books. Well organized. Few or no foreign books. Other
stores of chain sell used books, manga, video games." Open 10-1AM.
SO Books (1-47-5 Uehara, Shibuya-ku151_0064; From Odakyu Yoyogi-Hachiman
proceed to exit of Subway Chiyoda Line Yoyogi-koen (Exit 1). Enter
short alley opposite of subway exit, turn right and use tunnel to
cross Yamate-dori. In the small shopping district on the west side
of Yamate-dori viaduct, beside grocer. Nearby is Tomigaya Library.
6416-8299; http://book-oga.com/) "Art. Photography. Small shop."
Open Noon-20. Closed Sun and irr. Appointment recommended.
[01/11]
"Localers insist that Shimo-Kitazawa is where things are really happening.
If you are looking for vintage record albums or amateur musicians, here is
the place to go. The town is known for its theaters and cheap, eccentric
restaurants. You have to find yourself through a wicked maze to get
anywhere."
Tokyo Camii Turkish Culture Center is one of the prominent Islamic Mosques
in Tokyo. (Inokashira-dori on the north side of Yoyogi-Uehara Station.
http://www.tokyocamii.org/) Some English and Japanese books on Islam and
Turkey sold. They also have a large library of books in Turkish.
Meidai-mae:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03.
Furuhon Daigaku (2-39-15 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku 156_0043; From Keio
Meidai-mae Junction turn into alley with pachinko parlor on left
side, proceed to pharmacy. 3 minutes from station gates.
3352-0106) "Used bookstore. Wide selection from manga, academic
titles to art books. Bunko novels on discount. 1 shelf foreign
books." Open noon-1AM.
Hachimanyama:
--------------
For Keio Railways services see their online map.
Seiwa Shoten (1-1-11 Kami-Takaido, Suginami-ku 168_0074; Beneath tracks,
beside boutique, on left side of gates of Keio Hachimanyama Station.
3304-2199, Fax 5347-7186; sales@seiwa-pb.co.jp) "Specialty store
run by publisher of psychology books. Japanese books largely their
own. Many imported books, mostly Brunner/Mazel, Karnac & Magination
Press. Moved within mall August '05." Open 11:30-18:30. Closed
Sat, Sun, Hol.
Chofu:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Chofu 042.
Parco Book Center (1-38-1 Kojima-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182_0026; Faces Keio
Chofu Junction North Exit. 489-5351; HQ Ikebukuro) "Bookstore of
stylish mall. Large art and design section. Some foreign
paperbacks." Open 10-20:30, -21 Fri. [11/08]
Shinko Shoten (1-36-8 Fuda 182_0024; North side of station. Across the
street is Seiyu. 487-2222, Fax 489-1330) "Computer/communication
technology section better than nearby Parco's. No foreign books."
Open 10-22, -20:30 Sun, Hol. [11/08]
Fuchu:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Fuchu 042.
Keibundo Fuchu (1-3-1 Fuchu-machi, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183_0055; In Higashi
(east) Mall beneath tracks, 2F of Fuchu Station. 366-3151) "Large
general selection. About 1 shelf foreign paperbacks. Government
reports sold here. Of local interest only. Chain owned by Keio
Railways." Open 9:30-22:30, 10-22 Sun, Hol. [08/11]
Yumeno-Ehondo (2-20-13-105 Fuchu-machi; Southeast corner of Sakura-dori and
Fuchu-koen-dori (both laced with cherry trees). Near Central
Library. About 8 minutes from Keio Fuchu by foot. 358-0333)
"Small, clean shop of used books. About half devoted to books for
children. Front window displays some foreign picture books."
Closed Wed. [03/08]
Kinokuniya Fuchu closed August '06.
Nishigahara Shoten closed May '10.
"Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Tokyo Gaikokugo Daigaku) Library is
open to the general public. (This is rare in Japan - university libraries,
including those of public institutions, are usually closed.) Old editions
of TIME (from 1950) and DER SPIEGEL (from 1969) available along with many
books on Japan. Have ready personal ID when visiting. (3-11-1 Asahi-cho,
Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183_8534; East side of Seibu Tama Station. Transfer from
JR at Musashi-Sakai, from Keio at Musashinodai. 330-5195 (library), Fax
330-5199 (library); See map: http://www.tufs.ac.jp/) Campus coop bookshop
is small and has little foreign material beyond dictionaries and language
texts."
Seiseki Sakuragaoka:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Tama-shi 042.
Kumazawa Shoten Seiseki Sakuragaoka (1-11-1 Sekido, Tama-shi, Tokyo
206_0011; 7F Building A, Keio Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station Shopping
Center. 337-2531) "General bookstore. Several tall shelves
foreign books, more than Fuchu Keibundo. Used to have some imported
magazines; now only TIME and NEWSWEEK." Open 10-21. Closed irr.
Wed. [08/11]
Book Center Ito Sakuragaoka (2-39-12 Sekido; On wide road, 2 minutes east
of Seiseki Sakuragaoka South Exit. 376-7788) "Used books on 3
floors. Large manga collection 1F-2F. Great variety of Japanese
books. 2 shelves foreign books 3F. Main store in eastern
Hachioji." Open 10-24. [08/11]
Book Off Seiseki Sakuragaoka (4-72 Sekido; 4F OPA, south side of Seiseki
Sakuragaoka Station. 357-1855) "Used books. Opens Oct. 7 2011.
Replaces Ichinomiya store, which closed Sept. 25." Open 10-21.
Book Plaza Sigma Worldwide (1-2-2 Sakuragaoka, Tama-shi 206_0013; Near Tama
Sakuragaoka Post Office, halfway between Keio Seiseki Sakuragaoka
and Keio/Odakyu Nagayama. Bus Stop Sakuragaoka 4-chome. 357-3773,
Fax 357-3774) "Books on automobiles, motorcycles and other
vehicles. Does most business through internet auctions." Open
10-19. [12/06]
Niyuukan Shobo closed around '07.
The general bookstore in OPA (Kuroda Shoten, then Tokiwa Shobo) closed '08.
Tama Center, Nagayama and southern Hachioji:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Tama-shi 042, Hachioji 042.
Keibundo Tama (1-10-2 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206_0033; Beneath tracks,
Keio Tama Center Station. 372-2288) "Second largest bookstore in
Tama Center. This store used to sell some paperbacks, but now only
bilingual books and language texts printed in Japan are available."
Open 10-22:30, -22:00 Sun, Hol. [09/11]
Kumazawa Shoten Carillon (5F Tama Carillon-kan 1-39-1 Ochiai; South side of
Tama Center Station. 2 minutes from exit. 373-9410, Fax 373-9409)
"General bookstore. Some foreign books; mostly books for young
readers." Open 10-20. Usually closed 2nd, 3rd Tue. [09/11]
Maruzen Tama Center (1-46-1 Ochiai 206_0033; 5F Cocolia Tama Center, above
Mitsukoshi Department Store. South side of station, a bit uphill.
5 minutes from exit. 355-3220, Fax 355-3066; HQ Marunouchi) "1.2
million books. Probably the largest store in the western Tokyo area
as of Sept '11. The layout is more like a Junkudo than Maruzen, but
unlike the typical Junkudo, only a small number of seats and no
desks are provided. Foreign section has fiction, non-fiction,
language texts, books on Japan and translations of Japanese novels
and manga. Map section has imported maps and the LONELY PLANET
series. Though foreign stock is small for a Maruzen of this size,
it is much better than those of other stores in Tama Center, Seiseki
Sakuragaoka, Chofu and Machida. Not attractive to those close to
Shinjuku, or on the Chuo Line, unless one is also visiting the
following Book Off." Open 10:30-21. [09/11]
Book Off Tama Nagayama (6-29 Nagayama, Tama-shi 206_0025; Free shuttle bus
departs from Keio-Odakyu Nagayama Station. 2 runs per hour on
weekdays, 3 on weekends. Go down stairs on the left side of coffee
shop and wait at the island beyond the taxi pool. About 10 minutes
to Book Off. The additional weekend shuttle runs stop by at Tama
Center Station. 357-2701) "Very large used bookstore. Quite large
foreign section: 4 high shelves. Also sells videos, audio CDs,
video games and toys." Open 10-22. [08/11]
Book Center Ito Higashi-Nakano Main Store (533 Higashi-Nakano, Hachioji-shi
192_0351; Near Chuo University campus. About 15 minutes from
Monorail Otsuka-Teikyodaigaku. Shortly west of Amano bus stop on
Yaen-kaido. 676-7376) "Used books. Many college textbooks as well
as manga. Very few foreign books: less than 1 shelf 2F. Seiseki
and Tachikawa Hagoromo branches have more foreign books." Open
10-24. [09/11]
============================================================================
Machida and Sagamihara:
--------------
Odakyu-Sagamihara and JR Sagamihara are 5 miles apart.
NTT long-distance area codes: Machida 042, Sagamihara 042.
Hisamido Main Store (6-11-10 Hara-Machida, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194_0013;
East side of Odakyu Machida Station. Near north end of platform and
police box. 725-1330) "General bookstore. Regional chain.
Established 1945. Remains popular despite the tense competition. A
half shelf or so foreign books 3F." (Not "Kumido".) Open 10-20.
Closed 2nd Wed monthly. [Hisamido Odakyu Store (6-12-20
Hara-Machida; 8F Odakyu Dept. Store above Odakyu Station.
727-1111) Open 10-20. Closed irr. Tue.] [01/10]
Book Off Super Bazaar Machida Chuo-dori (4-4-8 Hara-Machida; On Chuo-dori,
east side of JR Machida Station, shortly north of Nakamise and south
of Hisamido Main. 739-4580) "Huge used bookstore. 2200 square
meters. Foreign books 2F: paperback novels, art, some cookbooks and
computer books. Probably most foreign books in area. Opened Dec.
'09." Open 10-22. [01/10]
Aoi Shoten Machida (6-2-6 Hara-Machida; 8F modi, adjacent to Odakyu station
on the south side. 812-2773) "350,000 books. Rich stock of
Japanese books. Few foreign books." Open 10-22:30. [01/10]
Yurindo Lumine Machida (6-1-11 Hara-Machida; 7F Lumine, east side of JR
tracks, 723-3018, Fax 723-7046; HQ Yokohama) "Strong in
technical, educational material. Now no foreign books." Open
10-22. [01/10]
Takahara Shoten Main Store (1-31-17 Morino, Machida-shi 194_0022; Take
first street beyond northeast end of Odakyu platform northwest about
4 blocks, turn left beyond Machida City offices, a right at the end
and a left at the first corner (yellow sign). 2 blocks west of
Sundai. 725-7554, Fax 721-2650; info@takahara.co.jp) "Large used
bookstore. 4 floors. Relocated May '01. Foreign books in several
locations: children's books 1F, serious literature 2F, rail
magazines 3F. Not many foreign books. Shinjuku branch (Kosho
Center) now closed. Once an untidy bargain store, but now the
collection emphasizes quality, and the layout is clean, probably in
response to Book Off's growth." Open 10-20. Closed 3rd Wed
monthly. [01/10]
Libro Machida (1-14-17 Morino; 7F Seiyu. North side of Odakyu Machida West
Exit. 726-0570; HQ Ikebukuro) "General bookstore, strong in art
and culture. A few foreign books: paperbacks and art volumes."
Open 10-22. [01/10]
Kumazawa Shoten Sagamihara (3-8-1 Sagami-Ono, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa-ken
228_0803; 6F Mylord, above Odakyu platform. 767-1326) "General
bookstore. 1 shelf foreign books." Open 10-21.
Kinokuniya Sagamihara Isetan (4-4-3 Sagami-Ono; 6F Isetan A-kan. 4 minutes
from station. 745-2811, Fax 745-0611; HQ Shinjuku) "Rather small
store for Kinokuniya. Small science section, more emphasis on
hobby, culture and art. (They should know that the Kinokuniya book
cover gives status to the Odakyu passenger.) About 1 shelf foreign
books, not much more than the nearby rivals." Open 10-19:30.
The English Resource (established 1991) merged with
Nellie's English Bookstore in '03. Nellie's closed the Sagamihara branch
August '07. The English Resource still exists as a web site that provides
classroom hints and hiring notices: http://englishresource.com/"
Grimm (children's books; Odakyu Higashi-Rinkan) closed Oct. '06. They still
sell books online (http://www.d6.dion.ne.jp/~grimm). Office in Yokohama.
[08/11]
Machida City Central Library has a modest foreign section. (3-2-9
Hara-Machida; Several blocks southeast of Tokyu Machida, near first viaduct
over JR tracks. 042-728-8220) Open 10-17, -20 Tue, Fri. Closed Mon, 2nd
Thu monthly (next day when Hol), Dec 28 - Jan 4.
Atsugi:
--------------
The city center is around Odakyu Hon-Atsugi.
JR/Odakyu Atsugi Junction is across the river, in Ebina-shi.
NTT long-distance area code: Atsugi 046.
Yurindo Atsugi (2-6 Nakacho, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa_ken 243_0018; Near Odakyu
Hon-Atsugi North Exit. 223-4111, Fax 223-4110; HQ Yokohama)
"Largest store in region. Foreign books and magazines 2F." Open
10-21, -20:30 Sun, Hol.
============================================================================
Jiyugaoka and Oyamadai:
--------------
First departure from Tokyu Shibuya always reaches Jiyugaoka Junction first.
NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03.
Fiona (5-41-5 Okusawa, Setagaya-ku 158_0083; From Jiyugaoka Main Exit enter
Hiro street, turn at first wide street. Cross tracks, turn left at
Seven-Eleven. About 5 minutes from station. 3721-8186, Fax
3722-9396; http://fiona-juvenile.ocnk.net/) "Large collection of
foreign books and language study aids for children. Good collection
of English paperbacks for young readers. Also art volumes." Open
11-20.
Lindbergh (2-29-20 Oyamadai 158_0086; Southeast of Tokyu Oyamadai on
Kan-pachi dori. Many car dealers nearby. Shortly east of Audi
showroom. 3705-2021, Fax 3705-0194; http://www.lindbergh.co.jp/)
"Largest collection in country of auto, motorcycle, truck books.
Many imported volumes, finely divided by manufacturer. Some
maintenance manuals and Japanese engineering texts." Open 8:30-24.
Manantial moved to Shibuya and became InterSpain '03. Moved (and changed
name) again in '07. Now it is the bookstore in the Tokyo Cervantes
Institute.
Futako-Tamagawa and Mizonokuchi:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03, Kawasaki 044.
Kinokuniya Tamagawa Takashimaya (3-17-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
158_0094; 5F Tamagawa Takashimaya Shopping Center South Bldg.
3709-2091, Fax 3709-2080; HQ Shinjuku) "Larger than Bunkyodo
beyond the river, richer variety of Japanese books. Renovated and
expanded Sept. '03. 300,000 books. Foreign section puts much
emphasis on picture books and language study texts; not many
paperbacks." Open 10-21.
Bunkyodo Main Store (3-1-28 Hisamoto, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa-ken
213_0011; South of JR/Tokyu (Musashi) Mizonokuchi Junction. On
east side of Nambu Line tracks. 3 minutes from station gate by
foot. 812-0063) "Main store of national chain. Some foreign books
2F. Large manga collection 3F. Another branch in Nocty nearby may
also have foreign books. Of local interest only." Open 10-23.
[07/11]
Aobadai:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Yokohama 045.
Bunkyodo Aobadai (1-6-13 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama-shi 227_0062; Southwest
side of Tokyu Aobadai Station. 983-5150, Fax 982-9655) "Large
branch of chain. Foreign books on 2F. Several shelves paperbacks,
ELT each. One shelf Japanese language texts for foreigners." Open
10-23 through year. [11/06]
Book 1st Aobadai (2-1-1 Aobadai; 3F&4F Tokyu Square 1-annex, southwest side
of Aobadai Station. 989-1781) "Larger than Bunkyodo across the
street, and better for technical books. Large foreign section (4F)
has paperback fiction and non-fiction, books on Japan, translated
Japanese literature, ELT and art books. Some imported books in the
Japanese architecture section. Among stores on the Tokyu
Den'en-toshi Line west of Shibuya this one has most foreign books."
Open 10-22. Closed irr. [11/06]
The Yurindo in Tama Plaza Terrace, above Tokyu Tama Plaza Stn. has some
foreign books.
============================================================================
Oimachi:
--------------
NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03.
Yurindo Atre Oimachi (1-2-1 Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140_0014; 5F JR Station
Mall Atre, 5709-7361, Fax 3776-1290; HQ Yokohama) "Serious
general selection of Japanese books. 1 small shelf foreign books."
Open 10-21.
Mekong Center (3F Sase Bldg. 3-6-3 Minami-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku 140_0004;
East of Keikyu Aomono-Yokocho Station, on Geneve-Heiwa-dori, about 5
minutes by foot. Near post office. 20 minutes from JR/Tokyu
Oimachi. 3471-0162; http://mekong-center.net/) "Vietnamese books.
Largest such collection in Tokyo. Very few books in Japanese or
English. Also sells videos, CDs, food. (Moved from west side of
Oimachi Stn. '07.)" Open 9-17. Closed Wed.
Usually no foreign books in Kumazawa Shoten (Ito Yokado 1-3-6 Oi; 5743-0341)
or Book Off (2F Hankyu Daily Shoppers 1-50-7 Oi; 5718-2055; Open 10-20.)
============================================================================
Downtown Kawasaki:
--------------
All stores in Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa-ken.
NTT long-distance area code: Kawasaki 044.
Yurindo Kawasaki BE (26-1-607 Ekimae-honcho, Kawasaki-ku 210_0007; 6F
Kawasaki BE, JR Station Mall. 200-6831, Fax 211-5571;
HQ Yokohama) "Large general bookstore. Good Japanese
computer/electronics book section. (Toshiba has factories in the
region.) One shelf foreign books." Open 10-21. [Popular Japanese
titles in Azalea Underground Mall Branch (2-62 Ekimae-honcho;
245-1231) Open 10-22.] [09/11]
Aoi Shoten (8 Ekimae-honcho; 4F Dice. Near Keikyu Kawasaki. North end of
Azalea Mall. 233-6518, Fax 233-5619; HQ Nakano) "Opened
September '03. 600,000 books on one huge floor (3,300 square
meters). Probably larger than Maruzen. Casual selection. High,
long shelves and wide alleys. Foreign section toward north end:
art, language texts, on Japan, paperbacks. More foreign books than
Yurindo." Open 10-21. [09/11]
Book Off Kawasaki More's (7 Ekimae-honcho 210_8504; 3F More's. Across the
street from JR Kawasaki East Exit. 221-6905) "Used books. About 3
shelves foreign books, near entrance by the elevator." Open 10-22.
[09/11]
Maruzen Lazona Kawasaki (1F Lazona Kawasaki Plaza 72-1 Horikawacho,
Saiwai-ku 212_8576; West side of JR Kawasaki Station. Go down
escalator on right side of JR Kawasaki West Exit. 520-1869, Fax
520-1870; HQ Marunouchi) "Opened Sept. '06. Great Japanese
technical selection. Best in Kawasaki for books and magazines in
English. But no foreign technical books." Open 10-21. [09/11]
Kinokuniya Kawasaki closed Jan '08.
Progetto (art and design books) closed Dec '10.
Chinese grocery Shinka (Xinxua) stopped selling books (Fall '06).
Kawasaki City (Shiritsu) Library has a modest foreign section. Books in
English, Korean and Chinese. (12-1 Ekimae-honcho, Kawasaki; 2 minutes from
station, east side of JR Kawasaki, shortly to the north. 044-200-7011;
http://www.library.city.kawasaki.jp/)
Kanagawa Prefectural (Kenritsu) Kawasaki Library is strong in industry and
technology. Unique collection of corporate histories on 3F. Not many
foreign books. (East side of JR Kawasaki, beyond NTT. About 15 minutes by
foot. http://www.klnet.pref.kanagawa.jp/)
============================================================================
Downtown Yokohama:
NTT long-distance area code: Yokohama 045.
Yokohama Station:
--------------
Yurindo Lumine Yokohama (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220_0011; 5F
Yokohama Station Mall, east side of tracks. 453-0811, Fax
441-5403) "Strong in the humanities. Of the Yurindo branches in
the Yokohama area, this store has most foreign books - which is not
much." Open 10-22. [12/09] [Yurindo The Diamond Store/Toyo Store
(1-4 B1 Minami-Saiwai 220_0004; 3 Yurindo branches in 'The Diamond'
shopping center beneath bus terminal on west side of Yokohama
Station. Take escalator down and turn right between stairs B and D.
General/business book section (The Diamond Store) on the left and
bunko section on the right. Turn left at end (toward bank ATMs) and
behind the stationery shop is the manga/technical book section (Toyo
Store). Open 10-22.]
Maruzen Book Mates (2-16-1-209 Takashima 220_0011, Yokohama Porta,
underground mall between east-side station gates and Sogo. Turn
right into first corridor at info booth. 453-6811) "Small store.
Currently no foreign books." Open 10-22. [12/09]
Kinokuniya Yokohama (2-18-1 Takashima 220_8510; 7F Yokohama Sogo, east side
of JR Yokohama. 450-5901, Fax 450-5902; HQ Shinjuku) "Third
largest Kinokuniya in Tokyo area. Opened April '02. 600,000 books
in stock. Foreign literature, language texts, books on Japan, art
volumes in section 6. Far less foreign books than Kinokuniya
Shinjuku South." Open 10-20.
Tower Records (1-3-1 Minami-Saiwai 220_8533; 6F More's, northeast side of
Yokohama Station. 321-6211) "Small book corner has world magazines
and 1 shelf foreign books on music." Open 10-22.
Book Off Yokohama Vivre (2-15-13 Minami-Saiwai, Nishi-ku 220_8577; 8F
Vivre. From JR Yokohama West Exit take street between Takashimaya
and Bay Sheraton Hotel. Just beyond bridge. 412-6010) "Used
books. Large store. 8 shelves foreign books." Open 11-21.
[09/11]
Aoi Shoten Yokohama (2-16-1 Minami-Saiwai; 4F-6F Daiei, adjacent to Vivre.
349-8377; HQ Nakano) "Opened Oct. '06. Originally three floors,
but one has closed. Floor plan resembles Junkudo's, but they
haven't achieved their finesse of selection and layout. The foreign
section is small." Open 10-23. [09/11]
Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 (Sakuragicho):
--------------
JR sky-blue trains (usually called "Keihin-Tohoku Line", but "Negishi Line"
is geographically precise) and Yokohama Subway trains serve Sakuragicho.
The Minato Mirai Line is an underground extension of the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
It is run by a rail company separate from both Tokyu and Yokohama Subway.
Through tickets are available at most Tokyu stations.
Kinokuniya Yokohama Minato Mirai (1-1-7 Sakuragicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama,
Kanagawa-ken 231_8331; 5F Colette Mare, white building 1 minute
from JR Sakuragicho South Exit. 640-3081) "Opened March '10. A
store of modest size by today's standards. Perhaps more foreign
books than the Kinokuniya in downtown Yokohama." Open 11-20.
[07/10]
Kumazawa Shoten Landmark Plaza (2-2-1 Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
220_8172; 5F Landmark Tower Mall, near Minato Mirai 21 Station. 5
minutes from JR Sakuragicho. 683-1021, Fax 683-1040) "Large
store. Used to be a major Yurindo branch, with most foreign books
in the chain. Yurindo moved out July '09. Kumazawa reopened in the
same place two months later. Several shelves foreign books, mostly
paperbacks. Probably this store has most foreign books in the
Yokohama area, but the former Yurindo had much more." Open 11-20.
[12/09]
Book Off Yokohama Minato Mirai closed Sept. '10. It lasted only 9 months.
"Honcho-dori, described in 'More Ever Wonder Why' by Douglas B.Smith and
'Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins' as the possible origin of the
expression "hunky-dori" is the road at the right of Sakuragicho Station West
Exit that crosses the bridge and heads toward Kanagawa-ken Government Hall.
Ask someone at the station or the post office for directions."
Yokohama Isezaki-cho (Kannai):
--------------
Seibundo (5-57 Minami-Nakadori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231_0006; Right outside
Minato Mirai Line Bashamichi Exit 5. On block north is Kanagawa-ken
History Museum. Phone/Fax 243-2646) "Used academic books. Solid
selection of social sciences and the humanities. Good for Christian
books and philosophy. Some science books. Small fraction foreign,
scattered through shelves. Proprietor well informed and helpful.
Moved from Isezaki-cho." Open 11-19 through year. [04/06]
Yurindo Main Store (1-4-1 Isezaki-cho, Naka-ku 231_0045; Isezaki Mall, on
west side of JR Negishi Line Kannai Station. 261-1231, Fax
261-1248) "Head of regional chain; fourth largest in total sales
among Japanese booksellers. Most stores in Kanagawa-ken, a few in
Tokyo. This store has a large medical collection. Some foreign
books in basement. Yurindo branches used to have better foreign
sections than most other chains, but this changed at around the time
the Landmark Plaza store closed (August '09). 'Yurin' means
'neighbor exists'. (Analects 4:25)" Open 10-20. [12/09]
Tanabe Shoten (2-8-1 Isezaki-cho; West of Yurindo, right side of street, 2F
of building on corner. Phone/Fax 243-2646) "Used books. The
owner, once an apprentice at Seibundo, inherited the location.
Serious academic books. Very few foreign books." Open 11-19.
Closed Thu (when not Hol.) [04/06]
Senseido moved out of Odeon Bldg. Summer 2003 to street level, near Tanabe.
An apprentice took over and changed store name to Isezaki Shorin. Few or no
foreign books.
There are several more used book sellers west of Odeon Bldg. The first one
on the south side, Nagisa, has a small rack of paperbacks by the entrance.
Don't expect much at nearby Isezaki Shobo, which appears near top when you
ask Google for "Yokohama bookstores"; call beforehand to check whether they
have what you want. There are a few more stores; the ratio of vulgar
magazines and videos rises as one proceeds west.
Yokohama Motomachi:
--------------
Takahashi Shoten (2-85 Motomachi, Naka-ku 231_0861; Center of Motomachi
shopping area, between JR Ishikawa-cho and Minato Mirai Line
Motomachi-Chukagai. 641-1321) "This store is small, but about one
half of the collection is foreign: magazines, language texts, on
Japan, fine art, food and English translations of Japanese
literature and manga. Also postcards and greeting cards." Open
10:30-19, 11- Sun, Hol. Closed Mon. [04/06]
============================================================================
Kamakura:
NTT long-distance area code: Kamakura 0467.
Shimamori Shoten (1-9-3 Komachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken 284_0006; 2
minutes from JR Yokosuka Line Kamakura Stn. On Wakamiya Blvd.
There is another, smaller bookstore named Shorindo nearby, visible
from the station exit. 22-0266, Fax 23-0727) "Medium-size general
bookstore. Fine collection of local publications. Small foreign
section near back end of 1F had several history titles (but not TALE
OF HEIKE and TAIHEIKI) when visited Jan '07." Open 10-21. [01/07]
Community free paper THE SHONAN POST holds an annual fund-raising bazaar in
early winter, during the Kamakura International Festival. Hundreds of
donated foreign-language books for sale. THE SHONAN POST is distributed at
Shimamori, Fujisawa Station, Kamakura Station, Shonan area kohminkan
(community centers), etc.
============================================================================
Yokosuka:
NTT long-distance area code: Yokosuka 046.
Kumazawa Shoten Yokosuka (2-1-12 Honcho, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa-ken
238_0041; Shopper's Plaza Daiei, near Keikyu Shioiri. 821-2403)
"Probably more foreign books than rival Hirasaka Shoten."
Hirasaka Shoten (2-302-30 Wakamastu-cho, Yokosuka-shi 238_8533; 7F More's
City, northern (hilly) side of Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo. 820-4570)
"Regional chain. The store in More's is the largest bookstore on
the peninsula and has most foreign books in the chain. A few small
shelves paperbacks and books on Japan." Open 10-21. [11/06]
============================================================================
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Evelyn C. Leeper (eleeper@optonline.net)
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