Bookstores in Tokyo
Western Tokyo Suburbs, Saitama, Kawasaki and Yokohama
Last Change:
8 Jan 2009
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. Many stores were totally dependent on Yohan for
foreign publications. For books, alternate channels are becoming available,
but magazines pose a big problem, for they require weekly or monthly
shipments. It will take some time for other companies to get established.
Almost all entries here were written based on visits before Yohan failed.
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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 Bypass 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. Foreign books 1F. Language
texts 3F. Foreign art books B1F." Open 10-20:30.
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 paperbacks, books for young readers and some
classics but rather small compared to other major stores." Open
10-Midnight.
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.
Ikeda Shoten Omiya (2-1-1 Sakuragicho 331_0854; B1F Arche, west side of JR
Omiya Junction. Beneath computer shop Sofmap. 648-1051) "About as
large as Sanseido. About 1 shelf foreign books on right side, near
back end." Open 11-21.
Sanseido Book Port Omiya (1-6-2 Sakuragicho; 8F Omiya Sogo Dept. Store.
646-2600, Fax 646-2603; HQ Jimbocho) "1 large floor. Large
Japanese selection but no foreign books." Open 10-20.
Junkudo Omiya Loft (1-60 Miyacho 330_0802; East side of JR Omiya Junction.
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 10-21.
Oshida Kenbundo Main Store (1-18 Miyacho 330_0802; 1 minute north of Omiya
Loft, opposite side of street. 641-3141) "3 floors. Large,
conservative Japanese selection. Some foreign books on 3F. Head
store of regional chain."
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.
Horindo Tokorozawa Marui (10-21 Hiyoshi-cho, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama-ken
359_1123; 6F Marui B-kan. 4 minutes from Seibu Tokorozawa
Junction. 0120-003946, 2925-5505, Fax 2925-5504;
HQ Takadanobaba) "Large bookstore. More academic titles than the
Horindo in station mall. Some foreign books." Open 10:30-21.
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 as large as Horindo Tokorozawa
Marui. Casual selection. 1 shelf foreign books." Open 10-20.
Higashi-Murayama:
--------------
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." Open
10-18. Closed Sun. Appointment recommended.
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Nakano:
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NTT long-distance area code: Tokyo 03.
Minazuki Shobo (3-6-20 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164_0003; Northwest
of JR Higashi-Nakano Station, in Ginza-dori Arcade. Enter steel
gate and proceed 5 minutes. 3368-9377, Fax 3368-9378) "Medium
used bookstore. Wide choice, strong in academic titles. Clean and
well organized. Small number of English paperbacks and foreign art
volumes."
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 Junction 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.
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 a confused 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'. (Psalm 130:6)" Open 10-19. Closed Sun, Hol and
1st, 3rd, 5th Mon.
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. 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. Some
used LONELY PLANET guides. (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. [08/07]
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 four other stores in
the vicinity of Nomad, each with a small number of foreign books. Mugen
(between station and Nomad, yellow storefront) has some paperbacks.
Kachoufuugetsu (to the west of Nomad) has some children's books. Otowa-kan
(turn south at the corner before Nomad) has some illustrated books. [08/07]
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.
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) "Second largest
bookstore in Kichijoji. Appeals to young people. Many art volumes,
imported magazines and children's books. Quite large foreign
section: better than Aoi Shoten Nakano, Kinokuniya Kichijoji and
Kinokuniya Kokubunji." Open 10-21.
Liburu Libero (2-11-1 Kichijoji-Minamimachi 180_0003; Follow street
adjacent to the Chuo Line overpass, on north side of tracks to the
east, beyond post office and Seven Eleven. Beside ramen shop under
Chuo Line tracks. From Yomitaya, go east a bit and turn north at
first corner, proceed and turn right at the post office beneath
tracks. 20-1220) "Used books. Academic. A small number of
foreign books at bargain prices." [04/08]
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.
Kokubunji:
--------------
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.
Parco Book Center, Kichijoji and Orion Shobo Norte, Tachikawa have
more foreign books." Open 10-22.
Some used foreign books in Book Off on the north side of Seibu Hitotsubashi
Gakuen Station (one stop from Kokubunji on the Tamako Line.)
Kunitachi:
--------------
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.
Kunitachi Gakki (1-4-3 Kita 186_0001; JR Kunitachi North Exit. Turn first
right north of Miura-ya Supermarket. 573-1111, 0120-090910)
"Basement of prestigious instrument store selling musical scores and
books about music. Some imported magazines. Emphasis on classical
art. Much larger collection than Koga Shoten, Jimbocho." Open
9-19. Closed Tue.
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. [10/06]
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. [10/06]
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.
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." Open 10-18. 12- Sat. Closed Sun, Hol, about 2
weeks in August.
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) 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]
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 has a
handful of foreign books. Michikusa Shobo beside Daiwa Securities is well
organized and offers good bargains. Some foreign art books downstairs."
"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:
--------------
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 western Tokyo. 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. [04/08]
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.]
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. [12/06] [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 reference material: maps, dictionaries, yearbooks, government
reports and complete classics. 6,000 books in foreign languages. 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) "Head of chain. 5
stories, almost as large as Book 1st Hachioji. 2 shelves foreign
books on 5F." [01/07]
Book 1st Hachioji (9-1 Asahi-cho; 9F Tokyu Square. Across street from JR
Hachioji. 631-3311) "General selection of Japanese books. Some
foreign books, not many. Replaced Sanseido in March '07." Open
11-22. [03/07]
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. 2
tall shelves foreign books." Open 10-22, -21 Sun, Hol. [01/07]
Tower Records (5F 3-27-1 Myoujincho; Above Keio Terminal. 648-1031;
HQ Shibuya) "Some imported music magazines but very few books."
Open 11-21.
Kikuya Hachioji closed March '08. It lasted only 10 months.
A large Yurindo opened in the station building March '08.
============================================================================
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:
--------------
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.
"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."
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:
--------------
Within walking distance of downtown Fuchu, Keio Station and the shrine is JR
Fuchu-Honmachi Junction.
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. Some foreign magazines and about 1 shelf foreign
paperbacks. Government reports sold here. Chain owned by Keio
Railways." Open 9:30-22:30, 10-22 Sun, Hol. [10/06]
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]
Nishigahara Shoten (3-41-10 Momijigaoka 183_0004; 2F of bldg. just outside
Seibu Tamagawa Line Tama Station. 361-2274;
nisigaharashoten@mtd.biglobe.ne.jp) "Used books. Relocated here,
following Tokyo Univ. of Foreign Studies. Some language studies and
textbooks. Also regional history and culture. Paperbacks in
several languages: the total number is small but the titles are
serious. Foreign collection is growing but the place is far from
orderly." Open 10-20. Closed Thu. [11/08]
Kinokuniya Fuchu closed August '06.
"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. Some imported magazines."
Open 10-21. Closed irr. Wed.
Kuroda Shoten (4-72 Sekido; 5F Vita Commune OPA, south side of Seiseki
Sakuragaoka Station. 356-3380) "Bookstore of stylish mall. Very
few foreign books. Kumazawa across the street has a richer
collection." Open 10-21.
Book Center Ito Sakuragaoka (2-39-12 Sekido; On wide road, 2 minutes east
of Seiseki Sakuragaoka South Exit. Roof sign visible from OPA
entrance. 376-7788) "Used books on 3 floors. Large manga
collection 1F-2F. Great variety of Japanese books. 2 shelves
foreign books on 3F. Main store in eastern Hachioji." Open 10-24.
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 Fall '07.
Tama Center:
--------------
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) "Largest bookstore in Tama
City. Small corner of English paperbacks near center." Open
10-22:30, -21:30 Sat, Sun, Hol. [10/06]
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. About as many foreign books as Keibundo." Open
10-20. Usually closed 2nd, 3rd Tue.
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. 1 shelf foreign paperbacks on 2F. Seiseki and Tachikawa
Hagoromo branches have more foreign books." Open 10-24.
============================================================================
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.
Some foreign books (about 2 shelves paperbacks each) here and in
Odakyu Store." (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.]
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. Great bargains but the discount policy is
confusing. Relocated May '01. Most foreign books in small room on
1F. Shinjuku branch (Kosho Center) now closed." Open 10-20.
Closed 3rd Wed monthly.
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. Some foreign books: paperbacks and art volumes." Open
10-22.
Sanseido Machida (6-3-17 Hara-Machida; 7F Tokyu Machida And You, southeast
side of JR/Odakyu Junction. 727-5701, Fax 727-5739; HQ Jimbocho)
"Rich collection of Japanese books but very few foreign books."
Open 10-20.
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. Some foreign magazines. Total 3
tall shelves foreign paperbacks, books on Japan, language texts."
Open 10-22.
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.
Books Ami (3-9-1 Sagami-Ono; Northwest side of Sagami-Ono Junction. Enter
from pedestrian deck. 743-0250) "General bookstore. Some foreign
books 3F." Open 10-23, -22 Sat, -21 Sun, Hol. Closed Jan 1st.
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.
Nellie's Sagamihara Bookstore (15-15-2F Matsugae-cho, Sagamihara-shi
228_0813; Take the exit on the east (right) side of
Odakyu-Sagamihara, enter gate, pass Ito-Yokado, proceed to big green
sign. 5 minutes from station. 744-0031, Fax 744-8897;
HQ Asakusabashi) "Specialist of English-language textbooks,
teaching aids. Owner and store name has changed: Mr. Harrington,
founder of 'The English Resource' has retired from the book trade
and now authors books on rhetoric. 'The English Resource' still
exists as a web site that provides classroom hints and hiring
notices: http://englishresource.com/" Open 10-18. Closed Sat, Sun,
Hol.
Grimm (children's books; Odakyu Higashi-Rinkan) closed Oct. '06. They still
sell books online (http://www.d6.dion.ne.jp/~grimm). [08/07]
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.
The Odakyu System, zenith of efficient mass transportation, is always
crowded and notoriously confusing. Beware when transferring at Sagami-Ono
Junction.
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://www.fiona.co.jp/) "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 Mizonokuchi Eki-mae (1-3-1 Mizonokuchi, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi,
Kanagawa-ken 213_0001; 7F Nocty, southeast of JR/Tokyu (Musashi)
Mizonokuchi Junction. 811-0105, Fax 822-6138) "Large store.
Casual collection: many travel guides, few science books. Small
number of foreign books. Merger with Book Store Dan '02 put this
chain to 3rd place among Japanese bookstores." Open 10:30-20:30.
[Japanese technical collection in nearby Bunkyodo Book Center (Daiei
Maruetsu B-kan 1/2/4/5F 1-13-1 Mizonokuchi; 812-0063, Fax
812-0253) More foreign books (4F) than Eki-mae Branch (but not so
many). Open 10-22.]
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. Second most foreign books among
stores on the Tokyu Den'en-toshi Line, after Tower Books Shibuya."
Open 10-22. Closed irr. [11/06]
============================================================================
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.com/) "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. All stores in Kawasaki-ku, except
Maruzen (Saiwai-ku).
NTT long-distance area code: Kawasaki 044.
Progetto (4-1 Ogawacho 210_0023; 1F Cinecitta, near entrance by fountain.
See map: http://www.progetto.co.jp/info/index.html. 211-4616, Fax
211-4617) "Books for Creative Minds. Design, architecture, cinema,
photography. Books to look at rather than to read from. Many
imported art volumes. Moved from Shibuya '02." Open 11-21.
Yurindo Kawasaki BE (26-1-607 Ekimae-honcho 210_0007; 6F Kawasaki BE, JR
Station Mall. 200-6831, Fax 211-5571; HQ Yokohama) "Large
general bookstore. Independent medical book selection. Good
Japanese computer/electronics book section. (Toshiba has factories
in the region.) Modest number of foreign books and magazines in
section 1 at south end of store." Open 10-21. [Popular Japanese
titles in Azalea Underground Mall Branch (2-62 Ekimae-honcho;
245-1231) Open 10-22.] [10/06]
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, magazines, picture books. More
foreign books than Yurindo." Open 10-21. [10/06]
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 in English. World
city maps and LONELY PLANET series in travel section. But no
foreign technical books." Open 10-22. [10/06]
Kinokuniya Kawasaki closed Jan '08.
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-shi,
Kanagawa-ken 220_0011; 5F Yokohama Station Mall, east side of
tracks. 453-0811, Fax 441-5403) "Strong in the humanities. 1
shelf foreign books, somewhat more than the Toyo Store on the west
side of the station." Open 10-22. [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; Yokohama Porta, underground mall
between east-side station gates and Sogo. Turn right into first
corridor at info booth. 453-6811) "Medium store. 1 shelf each
foreign magazines and paperbacks." Open 10-22.
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. More foreign books than proximate Yurindo
branches listed above, far less than Yurindo Landmark Plaza or
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.
Aoi Shoten Yokohama (2-16-1 Minami-Saiwai; 4F-6F Daiei, several blocks west
and beyond little river on west side of Yokohama Station. 349-8377;
HQ Nakano) "Opened Oct. '06. 550,000 books on 3 floors. Floor
plan resembles Junkudo's, but they haven't achieved their finesse of
selection and layout. The foreign section (5F) is quite large and
has magazines, paperback fiction and non-fiction, books on Japan,
art volumes, literature for children, picture books and ELT. Yet,
Yurindo Landmark Plaza has much more foreign books and magazines."
Open 10-23. [01/07]
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.
Yurindo Landmark Plaza (2-2-1-2 Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi,
Kanagawa-ken 220_8172; 5F Landmark Tower Mall, near Minato Mirai 21
Station. 5 minutes from JR Sakuragicho. 222-5500, Fax 222-5693)
"Nearly a fourth of this major bookstore is devoted to imported
books. Rich collection of imported magazines. Imported computer
book section among largest in Tokyo area. Many books for children.
Also history books and US university exam texts. Largest collection
of foreign books in the chain as well as in Yokohama." Open 11-20.
[01/07]
"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 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. Foreign books
and magazines on 4F. Paperbacks, books on Japan and language
education material. Gallery on B1F. The Landmark Plaza Store has
most foreign books, the Lumine Store is better for specialized books
but old-timers say that the Isezaki-cho Store is where their hearts
lie. 'Yurin' means 'neighbor exists'. (Analects 4:25)" Open 10-20.
[04/06]
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. 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.
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. 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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