Komiyama Book Store — Local services in Tokyo

Komiyama is heralded as a must see attraction in the heart of Jimbocho, Tokyo’s used book Mecca. However I have to say I was extremely disappointed with the selection and the pricing. I can only assume that their positive reputation amongst westerners has led them to charge prices meant to appeal to idiot tourists and casuals who don’t know what they’re looking for. I can’t fault any business for trying to maximize their profits but selling CDG DMs for 2-300 dollars is just hilarious to me.

Additionally the depth of the selection in person is rivalled by any enthusiasts collection never mind a serious collector. Surprisingly small assortment for so many floors.

All in all, I’m glad I came and I saw for myself. However it simply dissuaded me of any notion of this being the holy grail of Japanese book stores it was sold to me as. Not necessarily the stores fault but I was still...

Foreigner-friendly book store

This is my favorite book store in Jimbocho: a great deal of books are in english, the photo/art/fashion/design selection is second to none, all at very reasonable prices. There are also lots of French fashion mags, and vintage UK such as i-d, The Face. Best of all is the permanent (and often changed) art displayed from top to bottom..

As buyer, I find them disorganised and/or disrespectful. Wishing to sell art books, I send them several messages, to which they never answered....Oh well, best to consider them as the great...

This book store is absolutely amazing. A must visit. My friend and I went and felt we could spend hours or even days looking through all the variety of books and art they had. I bought a sculpted Sake Skull there and would have bought more art if I could have. They were kind enough to save the piece I wanted since the first time I went I forgot my passport for the duty free issuing. The...