Evelyn C. Leeper (eleeper@optonline.net) Go to my home pageBookstores in Jimbocho
and Hongo
Last Change: 13 Oct 2008 Note: the Tokyo area comes in four files: (1) Jimbocho and Hongo (this file) (2) Central Tokyo (inside Yamanote Line, excluding (1)) (3) Western Tokyo Suburbs, Saitama, Kawasaki and Yokohama (4) Eastern Tokyo Suburbs and Tsukuba A common subject index is on the end of the Central Tokyo file. ============================================================================ Districts in this file: Jimbocho, Iidabashi and Otemachi Ochanomizu Hongo and Hakusan -------------- Other Tokyo districts Subject Index, Tokyo area -------------- Stores with Mail/Fax/Online services Bookstores in other cities of Japan Bookstores in other cities of the world ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================ Jimbocho, Iidabashi and Otemachi: -------------- Jimbocho (pronounced "Jimbouchoh") to books is Akihabara to electronic gizmos. Truly a bookworm's paradise. Located in the heart of Tokyo's traditional educational district, it is the largest book market in the world. Many publishers have editorial offices in this area. Suburban exodus of major universities, greater availability of new books and land inflation have claimed many used book sellers. Although new market fields are being pioneered, many a determined merchant that has survived the waves confesses that his is going to be the last generation to hold onto the business. Transportation to Jimbocho: -------------- Most bookstores of the area are on the south side of Yasukuni-dori around Subway Jimbocho, a three-line junction in the middle of the subway map. Jimbocho Exits A1 & A2 are near Sendaimae Intersection, A3-A7 circle Jimbocho Intersection. 6 or so stations in the vicinity are within walking distance. Subway Kudanshita: Walk east (beyond the highway) 6 minutes from Exit 6 to Bookseller Row. Subway Ogawamachi, Shin-Ochanomizu, Awajicho: These three stations are linked underground. Walk west (toward Victoria) along Yasukuni-dori from Exit B5 or B7 at Ogawamachi Intersection. 6 minutes to Bookseller Row once above ground. JR Suidobashi (yellow trains only): Directly north of Jimbocho. The street in front of the West Exit leads to Sendaimae Intersection. Hakusan-dori, by the East Exit, leads to Jimbocho Intersection (and has more bookstores). 10 minutes by foot either way. Few take the subway beneath Hakusan-dori. JR Ochanomizu (rapid stop/junction): The wide avenue in front of the West Exit, Meidai-dori leads south to Surugadai-shita Intersection. 10 minutes by foot. JR Kanda: Far from Jimbocho. At least 20 minutes by foot. Transfer from JR to Subway Shinjuku Line is convenient at Ichigaya. Coming from south, transfer from JR to Subway Mita Line is convenient at Mita Junction, across the street from JR Tamachi Station. Several bus routes serve Yasukuni-dori east of Surugadai-shita but almost everybody uses the Subway Shinjuku Line beneath. Drivers avoid this congested artery whenever possible. -------------- All stores in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03. -------------- Stores in vicinity of JR Iidabashi and Suidobashi Stations: -------------- Omeisha, Librairie d'Expression Francaise (2-3-4 Fujimi 102_0071; From JR Iidabashi West Exit, go south (left), turn left at the 2nd intersection (toward shrine), another left at the next intersection. 3262-7276, Fax 3230-2517; oumeisya@mail.ibj.co.jp) "French literature and language texts & guides, newspapers and magazines. With books on Japan & Japanese literature in French, cookbooks, cinema and travel guides, has more variety than France Tosho, Shinjuku." Open 9:30-17:50, -16:30 Sat. Closed Sun, Hol. (Pronounced "Oumeisha".) [Branches in Institut F-J (Nichi-Futsu Gakuin) (Librairie Rive Gauche 3267-1280) and Athene Francais (tiny. 3291-5044)] Koma Shorin (3-4-8 Misaki-cho 101_0061; 40 meters south (toward Sendaimae Intersection) of JR Suidobashi West Exit. Corner of block, Seven-Eleven on the other side of street. 3262-6801, Fax 3262-6878; komabook@komabook.co.jp) "Korean-language books. Strong in history, language, almanacs and statistics. Some pop culture and books for children. Some Japanese literature in Korean. Much larger store than Rainbow (below). Website has list of public libraries in Japan which lend Korean books." Open: 9-18, -15 Sat. Closed Sun, Hol. Nagatoya Shobo (1F Asamai Bldg. 2-7-6 Misaki-cho; 3 blocks west of Misakicho 1 intersection (where Asahiya used to be), facing curry restaurant. 3261-1514, Fax 3261-6636) "Used bookstore specializing in yearbooks, statistics, trade journals & directories. Probably no foreign books." Open 10-18, -17 Sat. Closed Sun, Hol. Asahiya Suidobashi closed June '08. Kinka-dori, 2 streets or so east of Hakusan-dori, N-S: -------------- Nauka (1-34 Kanda-Jimbocho; Behind clock store between post office and Sanchuudo. Moved '02. 3219-0155, Fax 3219-0158) "Medium shop, specialist of Russian books. From dictionaries, literature, Marxist theory, state statistics to math and physics. Went bankrupt Jul '06, reopened Feb '07." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol. Sanchuudo (1-22-9 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3F Takahashi Bldg. On west side of corner with street leading uphill toward elementary school. 3294-1331) "Korean-language books and books about Korea in Japanese. Staff Korean. Moved here from Asagaya, Suginami-ku." Open 11-19. Closed Sun, Hol. Between Ogawamachi Intersection and Surugadai-shita Intersection, E-W: Postal code for Kanda-Ogawamachi: 101_0052 -------------- Book Brother Genkido (3-1 Kanda-Ogawamachi; Halfway between Ogawamachi and Surugadai-shita. 3291-5082, Fax 3291-4155; info@genkido.jp) "Used bookstore selling imported art volumes." Open 10:30-19. Closed Sun. Subun-so Bookstore (3-3 Kanda-Ogawamachi; Near Surugadai-shita Intersection. 3292-7877, Fax 3292-7878; http://www.abaj.gr.jp/subunsoshoten/) "Foreign books on 2 floors. Classics in social studies and English literature. Strong in economics but no recent titles. Philosophy selection includes Greek & Latin classics. Large stock of complete works by author." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol, around the New Year. Book Brother Takeuchi Shoten closed Apr '05. South of Surugadai-shita Intersection, Chiyoda-dori N-S: Postal code for Kanda-Jimbocho: 101_0051 -------------- Nanyodo (1-21 Kanda-Jimbocho; West side of Chiyoda-dori. 3291-1338, Fax 3291-1340; info@nanyodo.co.jp) "Architecture. Many imported titles." Open 10-19. Closed Sun, Hol. Kokusai Shobo (3-5 Kanda-Ogawamachi; East side of Chiyoda-dori. 3292-4951, Fax 3291-1171; sales@kokusaishobo.co.jp) "Small shop selling law books from US, UK, France, Germany and China." Open 9:30-17. Closed Sun, Hol. Hakusan-dori N-S and street north of Yasukuni-dori E-W: -------------- Koujudo (Guangrutang) (1-56 Kanda-Jimbocho; East side of Hakusan-dori between JR station and Jimbocho Intersection. 2F of building which faces 'Sakaiya Sports'. Entrance on alley on north side. 3291-4344, Fax 3291-4345) "Chinese-language books. Best collection of books from Taiwan in Tokyo. Formerly Kaifuu Shoten (Haifeng Shudian)." "For most Japanese it's easier to learn modern Chinese in the traditional script (still used in Taiwan) than the oversimplified Mainland script." Open 10-19. Closed Sun. Okuno Karuta (2-26 Kanda-Jimbocho; Shortly north of Yu-ai on west side of Hakusan-dori. 3230-1041, Fax 3230-1512) "Toy store selling shogi, chess boards and playing cards. Tiny book section upstairs has a few foreign titles on bridge, chess, solitaire, tarot cards, etc." Open 11-18:30, 12-17:30 Sun, Hol. Closed 2nd, 3rd Sun monthly. Yu-Ai Shobo (1-44 Kanda-Jimbocho; East side of Hakusan-dori. 2 minutes south of Koujudo. 5 minutes from Jimbocho Exit A5. 3291-6327, Fax 3296-0405) "Christian books. About 1/4 English." Open 10-18, -17 Hol. Closed Sun, 3rd Mon & Tue monthly. Chuka Shoten (Zhonghua Shudian) (2-20-6 Kanda-Jimbocho; Enter street between Okuno Karuta and pharmacy. South side. 3515-6663, Fax 3515-6669; chinabook@chuka-shoten.co.jp) "Chinese books. Academic selection, strong in history, literature. Also sells calligraphy goods. Moved here from J-C Friendship Center, Iidabashi Aug '01." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol, Mid Aug, Dec 29 to Jan 4. Akashiya Shoten (1-8 Kanda-Jimbocho; Enter corner with bakery 'Domel' from Hakusan-dori. Jimbocho Exit A5. Phone/Fax 3219-4755) "Best collection in Tokyo of used go and shogi books. Some used chess books. English titles are rather expensive. A typical shogi tactic book costs 1500 yen here. Nakano (Nogata) store closed." Open 11-20, -19 Sun, Hol. Ryogen Shoten (1-12 Kanda-Jimbocho; Between Domel and Akashiya Shoten. 3294-3445, Fax 3294-3447) "Chinese books and books about China in Japanese. History, literature, philosophy. Strong in traditional medicine." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol. Rainbow Trading Co. (2-12 Kanda-Jimbocho; From Jimbocho Intersection head north (toward Suidobashi), turn left at corner with game arcade. 2F of brown bldg. on west corner of block. Phone/Fax 3239-8887) "Books from North Korea." Open 10-19, -18 Sat. Closed Sun, Hol. Between Surugadai-shita Intersection and Jimbocho Intersection, E-W: -------------- Tokyo Random Walk (former Charles E. Tuttle) closed Feb. '06. Random Walk Roppongi and Akasaka closed during '07. Shosen Bookmart (1-21 Kanda-Jimbocho; On the corner of Surugadai-shita Intersection. 3294-0011) "Less serious titles than Shosen Grande. No English books. Large collection of doujinhsi (minor manga publications)." Oshima Book Store (1-1 Kanda-Jimbocho; East end of block with Sanseido. Phone/Fax 3291-3559) "Small shop, 3/4 foreign books. Relocated April '01. One of the larger used paperback collections in Tokyo. Penguin classics and recent thrillers 200-450 yen. The shelves are poorly organized, books may not be in good condition but the low prices are without match in Jimbocho. Also history, cultural studies and a handful of math & science books." Open 10:30-18:30. Closed Sun, Hol. Sanseido Kanda Main Store (1-1 Kanda-Jimbocho; On corner of Surugadai-shita Intersection. About 4 minutes from Jimbocho Exit A5/7; 10 minutes from JR Ochanomizu. 3233-3312, 3293-8119 (foreign books), Fax 3291-3033) "With 1,200,000 books, largest bookstore in Jimbocho. Bright, well organized and neatly stocks books of every field. Particularly well represented are the major, prestigious publishers. Promotional fairs frequently held. Also a publisher of dictionaries and educational material. Corner on 6F selling official textbooks in use in Japanese schools is well known. Has foreign book corner on 5F, which has a bit of everything but small in scale compared to those of Junkudo Ikebukuro, Kinokuniya Shinjuku South, Maruzen Marunouchi Main, or Yaesu Book Center. Linguistics is a strong point (3F). Head of nationwide chain. About 30 stores around Japan. US branches: Costa Mesa CA, Torrance CA, San Diego, Chicago and Edgewater NJ. 'San-Sei' means 'three (daily) self-reflections' (Analects 1:4) " Open 10-20. Ohya Shobo (1-1 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3291-0062, Fax 3295-2334, http://www.abaj.gr.jp/ohyashobo/) "Old and rare books, maps and ukiyoe prints from the Edo Period. Established 1882." Open 10-18. Closed on Sun & irr. Hol (please call). Shosen Grande (1-3-2 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3rd block east from Jimbocho Intersection. 3295-0011, Fax 3295-0019) "Giant of Jimbocho. More vigorous and rather untidy compared to Sanseido. By far the most manic of the major bookstores in Japan. The collection has incredible depth and many books from smaller publishers appear. No independent foreign book section. Some imported military titles 6F. Particularly interesting is their corner for railway manias (6F), where periodicals of enthusiast clubs around Japan can be found." Open 10:30-19, -18:30 Sun, Hol. Closed irr. Mon. Tamura Shoten (1-7 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3295-0563, Fax 3295-0039; http://www.abaj.gr.jp/tamurashoten/) "Used bookstore. Foreign books on 2F. Known for its collection of French and German literature. Some imported cookbooks. The place is in disarray and it is hard to distinguish books for sale from those not for sale." Matsumura & Co. (1-11 Kanda-Jimbocho; Enter alley beside Meirinkan. On second floor. Phone/Fax 3295-5678, http://www.abaj.gr.jp/matumurashoten/) "Art volumes." The Isseido Booksellers (1-7 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3292-0071, Fax 3292-0095; http://www.abaj.gr.jp/isseidoushoten/) "Foreign books section on 2F is a unique collection of old studies of Japan, Asia, Buddhism, titles on fine arts and travel dialogues. Interesting mountaineering selection." Meirinkan (1-9 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3294-0446, Fax 3294-0447; meirinbk@mb.infoweb.ne.jp) "Used bookstore known as best in Jimbocho for science books. Many math and physics books in English. Inquiries by fax accepted." Open 10:30-18:30. Closed Sun. Takaoka Shoten (1-9 Kanda-Jimbocho; On first block east of Jimbocho Intersection. Jimbocho Exit A7.) Manga comics. Between Jimbocho Intersection and Sendai-mae Intersection, E-W: -------------- Iwanami Book Service Center (2-3 Kanda-Jimbocho; Jimbocho Exit A6. 3263-6601) "Directly run by the prominent publisher of academic books. Famous are the humanity titles." Miwa Shobo (2-3 Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101_0051; 5F Kanda Kosho Center, Phone/Fax 3261-2348, child@miwa-shobo.com) "Children's books. Some foreign picture books." Open 10-18:30, 11-17:30 Sun, Hol. Closed 1st, 3rd Sun monthly, every Sun Aug. Hara Shobo (2-3 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3261-7444, Fax 3230-1158, http://www.harashobo.com/) "Eastern fortune-telling 1F. Ukiyoe collection on 2F. See website for hours." Bunkado (2-3-12 Kanda-Jimbocho; Turn south at corner with barber's post. Phone/Fax 3262-0422) "Specialist of military studies. Most books about campaigns since Sino-Japanese War (1894-95). Some foreign volumes." Open 10-18:30, 11-17 Hol. Closed Sun. Koga Shoten (2-5 Kanda-Jimbocho; Phone 3261-1239) "Musical scores and books about music." Open 10:30-18, -17 Hol. Closed Sun. Kitazawa Bookstore (2-5 Kanda-Jimbocho; On south side of Yasukuni-dori, 3rd block west from Jimbocho Intersection. To the east (right) of Jimbocho Exit A1. 3263-0011, 3263-0017 (rare book section), Fax 3263-0015; http://www.kitazawa.co.jp/) "Established 1902. Biggest bookstore specializing in foreign books in Japan. Tall wooden shelves headed with gold plates; spiral staircase leads to old book section on 2F. 40,000 new books and 30,000 old books. Strong in literature, philosophy and social studies, especially history, anthropology and international relations. Independent Shakespeare collections on both floors. Few or no science books or recent bestsellers. No books in Japanese. Children brought here have to learn to appreciate Stevenson. Staff helpful and well informed." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol. Ogawa Tosho (2-7 Kanda-Jimbocho; 3262-0908, Fax 3264-0734; http://www.abaj.gr.jp/ogawatosho/) "Antiquarian bookstore. English literature and philology, Japanology. About half of collection English. Has small collection of Masonist studies." Dante (2-7 Kanda-Jimbocho; Division of Ogawa Tosho.) "Sells vintage foreign magazines: 'Time', 'Life', 'Esquire', 'Sports Illustrated', etc. Moved from Hakusan-dori and merged with main store Jan '01." Yamamoto Shoten (2-7 Kanda-Jimbocho; Next by Jimbocho Exit A1. 3261-0847, Fax 3261-6276) "Studies on China and imported Chinese classics. Best place in Jimbocho for original texts from the Imperial ages." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol. Bondi Books (2-7 Kanda-Jimbocho; South side of Yasukuni-dori, east of Ogawa and Yamamoto, beside curry restaurant. 2nd floor. Phone/Fax 3556-9299; bondibooks@yahoo.com, http://www.bondibooks.com/) "Used English books. Rare, antiquarian and art books. Moved from Kichijoji Feb '08. Their focus is on quality; they have quit trying to be a bargain store." Open 13-19 Wed-Sat, or on appointment. Suzuran-dori and Sakura-dori, a couple streets south of Yasukuni-dori, E-W: -------------- Tokyodo (1-27-3 Kanda-Jimbocho; On Suzuran-dori. On block south of Shosen Grande. 3291-5181) "Large general bookstore but smaller than Shosen Grande. Favorite of bibliophiles: rich selection, competent clerks, 'not too crowded'. Strong in literature. 4F now closed. No foreign book section." Open 10-19. Closed Thu during Aug, Sep, Oct. Toho Shoten (Dongfang Shudian) (1-3 Kanda-Jimbocho; Faces Tokyodo. 3294-1001, Fax 3294-1003; tokyo@toho-shoten.co.jp) "20,000 Books in Chinese and 15,000 books about China in Japanese. Most imports from Mainland China. Run by renowned publisher of language texts, dictionaries and cultural studies of China. They also handle Japanese editions of PEOPLE'S CHINA and CHINA PICTORIAL." Open 10-19, 12-18 Sun. Usually closed Hol. Hotaka Book Co. (1-15 Kanda-Jimbocho; Turn south at corner east of Uchiyama Shoten. 4F of building with 'Interior Sugahara'. 3233-0331, Fax 3233-0332; http://www.hotakabooks.com/) "Agent that imports books and magazines from niche regions others miss: the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, smaller European countries and Africa. Deals mostly with colleges and libraries, but prices are reasonable. The store is an office with several metal shelves holding dictionaries, picture books, art books, etc. See the list of countries/languages they cover." Uchiyama Shoten (Neishan Shudian) (1-15 Kanda-Jimbocho; On Suzuran-dori, somewhat west of Tokyodo. 3294-0671, Fax 3294-0417; ubook@titan.ocn.ne.jp) "Chinese-language books and books about China in Japanese. Everything from travel guides, Mao biographies, language texts, history, philosophy, poetry, world literature in Chinese, calligraphy to movie magazines. Also sells CD records, videos and software. Founder Kanzo Uchiyama had a store in Shanghai (see Asia file) and was close to Chinese novelist Lu Xun (Japanese Ro Jin)." Open 10-19, Noon-18 Sun, Hol. Asia Bunko (1-15 Kanda-Jimbocho; 5F of Uchiyama Shoten Bldg. Elevator on left side. 3259-7530, Fax 3259-7532; info@asiabunko.com) "Books about Korea, Southeast Asia and India. About 80% Japanese. Some English, Indonesian and Thai." Open 10-19, Noon-18 Sun, Hol. Closed around the New Year. Shoshi Access (1-15 Kanda-Jimbocho; Suzuran-dori, west of Uchiyama. 3291-8474, Fax 3294-8065) "Regional studies from all over Japan." Open 10-18:30, 11- Sat. Closed Sun, Hol. Italia Shobo (2-23 Kanda-Jimbocho; On corner of Kijibashi-dori and Sakura-dori, 3rd block south of Sendaimae Intersection. 2-3 minutes from Jimbocho Exit A1. 3262-1656, Fax 3234-6469; HQM01271@niftyserve.or.jp) "Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Central & South American books." Open 10-18. Closed Sun, Hol. Nishikicho and Otemachi: -------------- Ato Shoten (Yadong Shudian) (1-4 Kanda-Nishikicho 101_0054; Between Tokyo Denki Univ. campus and Mitoshirocho Intersection. 5 minutes from Subway Ogawamachi Exit B7. 10 minutes from JR Kanda North Exit. Phone/Fax 3291-9731; mise@ato-shoten.co.jp) "Books from Mainland China. Great variety, well organized." Open 10:30-18. Closed Sun, Hol. Ryusui Bookstore (1F Palaceside Bldg. 1-1-1 Hitotsubashi 100_0003; Building connected to Subway Tozai Line Takebashi Exit 1b. About 10 minutes south of Jimbocho Intersection, on end of Hakusan-dori: Keep walking till you cross the expressway and see the castle moat. 3215-6541) "Outlet bookstore: sells books returned for slight damage. 20%-80% off from usual price." [There are two stores in the same building. The shop on the east side sells mostly Japanese books.] Open 11-18. Closed Sat, Sun, Hol. Seifu Kankoubutsu Service Center (1-3-6 Otemachi 100_0004; 1 minute from Subway Takebashi Exit 4; 5 minutes west of Subway Otemachi C2. Be sure to use listed exits. 12 minutes by foot from Sanseido, to the south. 3211-7786, Fax 3211-7788) "Periodicals, surveys, official reports from the Japanese government. Probably all in Japanese. (Relocated, now on west side of block.)" Open 9:30-17:30. Closed Sat, Sun, Hol, around the New Year. Maruzen Marunouchi Main (1-6-4 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-Ku 100_0005; 1F-4F Marunouchi OAZO. No subway course is perfect between Jimbocho and Marunouchi. 5288-8881, Fax 5288-8892; http://www.maruzen.co.jp/) See entry in Marunouchi, Yaesu and Nihombashi, central Tokyo file. "Restaurants in Jimbocho may be untidy but generally serve good cheap food. In the early 1900s, the area had dormitories for students from China. A cook from Shanghai opened Kanyourou (Han Yang Lou) restaurant in 1911. Among the patrons was Zhou En Lai (Japanese Shuu On Rai)." "A bookstore owner who observed students becoming more and more interested in leisure rather than study turned his store into a sporting good shop. Many other dealers followed suit." "Up the slope of Kudan is the Yasukuni Shrine. The black torii gates are visible from Sendaimae Intersection. Inside is a war museum." ============================================================================ Ochanomizu: -------------- CLC Books (2-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101_0062; On west side of wide street (Meidai-dori), 1 minute from JR Ochanomizu West Exit. OCC Bldg, Above McDonald's. 3294-0776, Fax 3233-0976; http://www1.biz.biglobe.ne.jp/~clcfb/) "Tokyo bridgehead of the Christian Literature Crusade (http://www.clc.org.uk/). Japanese books 2F, foreign books 3F: mostly English but also some Spanish, Greek and Latin; the Bible in several languages." Open 10-19, -18 Hol. Closed Sun. Maruzen Ochanomizu (2-8 Kanda-Surugadai; 1 street south of JR Ochanomizu. East Exit convenient. 3295-5581, Fax 3295-6036) "Large general bookstore. Modest foreign collection. Only of local interest for Maruzen Marunouchi Main is only two stops away by JR Chuo Line." Open 10-20, -19 Sun, Hol. ============================================================================ Hongo: -------------- Most stores lie on the west side of Hongo-dori between Subway Hongo-Sanchome and Todai-mae. Tokyo University gates are about 10 minutes from Mita Line Kasuga, Chiyoda Line Yushima; 15 minutes from JR Ochanomizu, Okachimachi. The discourse in the books here tends to be vastly elevated. Stores aligned north to south along Hongo-dori, then west to east along Kasuga-dori. All stores in Bunkyo-ku. Postal codes: Hongo 113_0033, Yushima 113_0034. Kimura Shoten (5-30-14 Hongo; 2 minutes west on street beside Hongo (Main) Post Office. Phone/Fax 3811-3069) "Old science books, much foreign. Biology, medical science and history of science. Small shop." Ikubundo (5-30-21 Hongo; Building with large pillars on block south of Hongo Post Office. 3814-5571, Fax 3814-5576; webmaster@ikubundo.com) "Publisher of textbooks and dictionaries. Office on 1F, showroom on 2F. German-language books." Hara Shoten (5-28-1 Hongo; 3811-6091, Fax 3811-6090) "Social studies. Small collection, all books imported." Yurinsha (5-28-1 Hongo; Near red gates of Tokyo University Hongo Campus. Sign outside building. 3814-0275, Fax 3814-1156; inquiry@yurinsha.com) "One of the very few bookstores in the world that sells only math books. The selection is fantastic, but the prices are extremely high. No books in Japanese." Taizando Shoten (5-26-6 Hongo; Hongo-dori. 3811-5903, Fax 3811-5916; taizando@iris.dti.ne.jp) "Philosophy. Some foreign books." Open 10-19. Closed Sun. Rinrokaku (7-2-4 Hongo; Kasuga-dori, between large intersection and fire station. 3811-6555, Fax 3818-2803; kosho@rinrokaku.co.jp) "Books about China. About a half imported. Some studies in English, probably best place in Tokyo for such books. Established 1875." Open 9:30-18:30. Closed Sat, Sun, Hol. Arcadia Shobo (3-39-8 Hongo; South of fire station, east side of street. 3812-3292, Fax 3811-3292) "Small shop. Literature and art criticism. Some imported titles." Mathematica (4-1-22 Yushima; South of Tokyo University Hongo Campus. Turn north at police station from Kasuga-dori. 3816-3724, Fax 3816-3717; mathbook@blue.ocn.ne.jp) "Another specialist of imported math books. The selection is fantastic, but the prices are extremely high." Open 9:30-17:30. Closed Sat, Sun, Hol. "Close by is Yushima Tenjin Shrine, believed to improve one's learning capacities. Many Japanese students pay tribute to a local Tenjin-sama of the nationwide Tenmangu Shrine network before the important examinations that divide life's winners and losers. The champions are those accepted into Tokyo University." "The scholars of Tokyo University have a reputation for spending huge amounts of public funds for books they hoard." Hakusan: -------------- Korea Book Center (4-33-14 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku 112_8603; 3 minutes from Subway Hakusan Exit A1. West side of Hakusan-dori. Also walking distance from Subway Hon-Komagome (ask for directions for Hakusan). 3813-9725, Fax 3813-7522; info@krbook.net) "Korean books. Handles books from both North and South Korea. About 1/4 Japanese books about Korea. Some CDs and videos." Open 10:30-18, -17 Sat. Closed Sun, Hol. ============================================================================ Copyright Notice Information contained in this FAQ is compiled from many sources. The compiler accepts no responsibility for the comments contained herein. The comments are provided "as is" with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. This FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the party reproducing the FAQ agrees to the following: 1) They will contact the FAQ maintainer to obtain the latest version for their collection. 2) They will provide the FAQ maintainer with information on what collection the copy of the FAQ is in, and how that collection may be obtained. 3) They will agree, in writing, that the FAQ will be included in the collection without modification, and that acknowledgements of contributors (if any) to the FAQ remain in the FAQ. 4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will be distributed on either a non-profit basis, or have some percentage of profit donated to a non-profit literacy program. To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 2008 by Evelyn C. Leeper (the FAQ maintainer).