Fall In Love With The Most Beautiful Bookstores In Japan

For most book lovers, there’s really no better pleasure than stepping into a well-stocked bookstore. The nation of Japan knows this feeling well, as the country is one built on the unadulterated love of printed prose. In Japanese, there’s even a specific a word for that ever-growing pile of yet-to-be-read books you’ve collected over the years: tsundoku (積ん読). Given the sheer amount and variation of bookstores in Japan, it only makes sense that the term tsundoku exists. Explore Japan‘s literary world via some of the most beautiful stores you can visit in the country, and arguably the world. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Cow Books in Naka-Meguro, Tokyo

This is one store for the proper book nerds. Cow Books in Tokyo’s artistic suburb of Naka-Meguro is a rather compact, though meticulously designed store stocking some of the world’s hardest to find, out-of-print books. Rather specific in their offerings, the shop focuses on books about progressive politics and 1960s-70s social movements. Feeling more like a well-kept museum of an eclectic collector than a store, it’s beautiful encapsulation of Japanese collector culture. Their English selection is minimal, but it consistently stores some serious gems.

T-Site Tsutaya in Daikanyama, Tokyo

Sekaibunko in Kyoto

Sekaibunko is an example of when a hobby takes on a life of its own. Originally opened somewhere to display her huge collection of books, the store’s owner Suzunari Koga turned the display into a fully functioning store. Those who visit the endearing little outlet are quick to fall in love with Koga’s now available-to-buy collection. Given the store’s origin, its stock is very much a refection of the owner’s personality. Featuring a very diverse selection of rare out-of-print books, art novels and small run publications, a visit to Sekaibunko is a one of a kind book-buying experience.

Standard Books in Osaka

Standard Books in Osaka is anything but standard. This cult favourite has amassed fans across the world with its anti-bestseller ethos and unbelievably diverse selection. Decked out in hip, but cheap thrift store furniture and fittings, the incredibly unique outlet is the best place to discover small-press publications, indie comics and stunning art coffee table books. Very unorthodox in their business dealings, the store also allows customers to sit down with a coffee from the café and read one of the books on offer before purchasing – try before you buy, if you will.

Shibuya Books

Forget bestsellers and mega-star authors, the crew at the incredibly stylish Shibuya Books are all about unearthing gems from Japan’s thriving world of publishing. A little hidden from the manic energy of Shibuya’s shopping strips, the tastefully minimalist store features an open design, the perfect way to display their eclectic collection of manga, indie releases, magazine and, of course, novels – all both new and pre-loved. What’s most fascinating is that the stock is arranged by theme, giving visitors a new way to uncover their new literary love.

Keibunsya Kyoto

More than just a bookstore, Kyoto’s Keibunsya is a self-proclaimed ‘select shop of books, and things around books’. Its stock is hand-selected by the passionate book-loving staff, meaning it’s the perfect place to lose yourself and find your new favourite author. Though it’s a little further out from main heart of Kyoto, the shop’s uniquely cozy interior design make it worth the trip.

B&B in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

In the heart of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo’s trendiest suburb, sits the humbly titled store B&B. The name B&B comes from the store’s two main loves: books and beer. It was founded by Koichiro Shima from creative agency Hakuhodo Kettle, and editor, producer and book coordinator Shintaro Uchinuma. Tucked up some stairs just a short walk from Shimokitazawa station, B&B is a bookstore, bar, and live space all rolled into one. If that wasn’t enough you can also nab vintage furniture provided by interior shop Kontrast. Built on the owners’ desire to produce a ‘chance encounter’ – don’t stress about finding that specific book you’ve been after. Grab a beer, waste some time, and let the right book find you.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.