5 Must-Visit Tokyo Bookstores: From Art-House Gems to a 24-Hour Self-Service Shop

Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias

Tokyo hides some truly distinctive bookshops in its side streets and railway arches. Each one listed here caters to a different passion, such as picture books, graphic design, vintage magazines, or the simple thrill of browsing at two in the morning. Here are 5 you should visit, whether you’re a visitor or a local.

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MAIN TENT (Kichijoji)

Where every visit feels like a circus treasure hunt

Seven minutes on foot from Kichijōji Station, MAIN TENT greets visitors with red-and-white curtains that feel straight out of a big top. Inside you will find shelves of second-hand picture books and children’s titles along with quirky trinkets such as vintage French badges. A signature feature is the “BLIND BOOK” rack, where each volume is wrapped in brown paper with only a few teaser words. Kichijoji itself is a relaxed, youth-oriented neighborhood west of central Tokyo, making the shop an ideal weekend stop.
Hours: 10:00–17:00 weekdays, 10:00–17:30 weekends. Closed Wednesday.

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TIGER MOUNTAIN (Toranomon)

A design lover’s cave of three thousand vintage titles

Opened in February 2025, TIGER MOUNTAIN sits on a main street four minutes from Toranomon Hills Station, a business district situated between Ginza and Roppongi. An orange neon sign with a smiling tiger marks the entrance. Roughly ninety percent of the stock is second-hand, focusing on Japanese books from the 1960s through the 1990s. Shelves are arranged by cover designer or book-binder rather than author, so browsing feels like walking through a timeline of graphic arts. A small gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of up-and-coming creatives. Students receive twenty percent off with a school ID.
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12:00–20:00, Sunday 13:00–18:00. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and national holidays.