Kinokuniya Bookstore - Santa Monica — Attraction in Los Angeles

I've loved the Kinokuniya bookstore in Little Tokyo for years. This was my first foray to this one and I love it just as much. FYI: it's located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace, so when you see that, you're headed in the right direction. I'm a pen junkie, and Kinokuniya has everything I could ever want. I've learned that the Japanese really love their writing implements and are great at developing all types of pens for optimum writing experience. Of course there's manga aplenty, along with tons of awesome blank books, journals, stationery, plushies, cute tote bags (check out the Gojira/Godzilla one). The sales staff are really friendly too. Definitely worth a second and third trip. Plus, right next door is a market specializing in all Japanese food and sundry items, including fresh sushi to go, as well as shops with all manner of Japanese fast food. Shop then eat. Sounds...

Kinokuniya tends to be pricy in every which way. Their manga is kept in pristine condition, since they all still have the plastic on. This specific location has a better selection of blind boxes than the one in downtown LA and Torrance. The store itself is also the smallest of the 3, but the selection is great, and the fact that it’s small helps with the browsing - you’re not as overwhelmed or having to run around and look for similar products like the other two. If I had to choose between this one and the other two, I’d go here for the art products and toys, and the Downtown LA one for manga. Still, this is my favorite one to go to, and I’ll continue to every time I need quality art supplies or...

The store itself isn’t that big but they have a lot of stuff in that given space. Some people might find the clutter disorganized but I think it’s fine. It works cuz they keep it clean and relatively organized. I appreciate them trying to have variety of things available. So much fun stuff overall. Stationery selection is great, there are plenty of books and manga, and variety of gifts selection available. Also I love the fact that kinokuniya is located right next to the market. I always stop by both! Parking is decent depending on hour. During peak hours, it can be frustrating but if you avoid the busy...