Located a short walk from the south side of Shinjuku Station, Kinokuniya is a Japanophile and bibliophile’s dream bookstore.
Kinokuniya - image © Florentyna Leow
Japan is not usually the first place the English-speaking bibliophile thinks of visiting, but some have a surprisingly great selection of English language books. One such place is Kinokuniya. Kinokuniya is a book behemoth, with many stores internationally in cities like New York and Kuala Lumpur. In Shinjuku, you’ll find one of their larger outlets a short walk from the south exit of Shinjuku Station, located in an annex building right next to Takashimaya Times Square.
Kinokuniya - image © Florentyna Leow
In the 6th floor of the Shinjuku outlet, you’ll find all the latest Japanese literature in translation. They stock all of Haruki Murakami’s translated oeuvre, of course, but it’s a great place to discover other less well-known Japanese authors like Yoko Ogawa and Mieko Kanai. It’s also good for hunting down books about Japan that are harder to find overseas, such as travel guides, magazines, comics, cookbooks, and study guides. It’s not all English: there’s an impressive selection of books and magazines in French, Spanish, German, and other languages.
This is a bookstore that readers of Japanese fiction (and non-fiction) shouldn’t miss - leave some room in your suitcase for a book or two. Pair a visit to Kinokuniya with a shopping jaunt at the Takashimaya department store next door.
English name:
Kinokuniya (bookstore)
Japanese name:
紀伊國屋書店
English address:
3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-8636
Japanese address:
〒163-8636 東京都新宿区新宿3-17-7
Opening hours:
10am-9pm
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Subway: Directly connected to exit B7 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines, and Toei Shinjuku line.
Train: 3-minute walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station.
Telephone:
+81-3-3354-0131
Website:
Official website (English/Japanese)
Near To Here:
Kinokuniya is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
