Kitazawa Bookstore — Local services in Tokyo

I stumbled across this shop while doing serious ukiyo-e shopping in the neighborhood because it was so classy and inviting. I kinda just wanted a spot to sit down for a minute, which they had, but then--lo and behold--there were all these amazing out-of-print books all around me, reasonably priced and in English! I barely browsed, but ended up with three books anyway: one hard-to-find classic that I'd paid a fortune for used only this one was SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR, one book that I've been trying to find for years, but it goes for $150+ on US Amazon (just sitting there! On the top of a pile! Waiting for me!), and then a Virginia Woolf hardback in great shape with original 60's dustjacket jumped out at me. I was on the fence about ¥1600 for it... until a quick check of US Amazon said it's going for $130. OKAY THEN! AND I was able to sit down on a comfy chair with a view of the street for a few minutes and collect my thoughts for what was next. Thanks Kitazawa, you...

Outstanding experience. Kitazawa-San was so very helpful in finding a lovely second edition copy of Lafcadio Hearn / Koizumi Yakumo from 1896. If you’re an English speaking bookworm living in or visiting Japan, in my opinion it’s worth the flight alone just to meet Mr. Kitazawa and peruse his stacks. If you lean towards the canon of classic western literature in particular, your efforts will not be in vain (I was pleased to spy copies of both the Lattimore & Fitzgerald interpretations of Homer.) What a wonderful collection of rare treasures- thank you for sharing and for taking the time to take personal interest in my ongoing search for original copies of Hearn. If that copy of Kwaidan comes available...

This is my favourite store not only in Jinbōchō but in all of Tokyo! It’s a historic shop (est. 1902) with a great selection of secondhand and antique books, covering many niche topics and academic interests, as well as fascinating ephemera such as ex libris, postcards, matchbox labels, and more.

The shelves are very colourful and photogenic – and yes, they do allow pictures inside unlike many other bookstores in town. And the best part is there’s a whole section of children’s literature with a couple dozen books on Lewis Carroll and J....