Tucked away on a nondescript second floor, this secondhand English-language bookstore is a small haven for academic book lovers. The shelves are stocked with everything from vintage paperbacks (mainly Penguin and Pelican classics) and periodicals to out-of-print titles, plus works on philosophy, religion, folklore, international relations and critical theory – all at relatively reasonable prices. Additionally, they also stock rare finds, including first-edition Steinbeck titles. You can even shop their book selection online (with international shipping available).
Kitazawa has been in business since 1902 and was once regarded as one of Japan’s largest foreign-language specialist bookshops. In recent decades, the shop has downsized, and the ground floor is now occupied by Book House Café, a separate children’s book specialist. Still, it remains a great place to while away a good chunk of time browsing and feeding your inner intellectual. For fresh inspiration, check the store’s Instagram.
Kitazawa also offers a secondhand book service, accepting books about Japan, Japanese novels translated into English, and works of British and American literature.
Note: To get to the bookstore, use the Kitazawa Building entrance on the left side, then head up to the second floor. Look for the green door as your landmark.