Introduction
Shinjuku brings together Japan’s flagship bookstores and distinctive specialty shops in one walkable area. Alongside famous names like Kinokuniya and Book First, you’ll find independent stores with strong curatorial voices, secondhand chains, station-front convenience, and even a small cluster of used bookstores near Waseda. This guide highlights several standout shops from our original 13-store list, with access and hours to help you plan your route.
1) Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store (East Exit)
A historic, multi-floor flagship just off Shinjuku East Exit. From literature and business to magazines and specialist titles, the store spans 1F–8F with deep, reliable stock. After browsing, consider the beloved curry spots in the basement arcade.
- Address: 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Shinjuku-3chōme Sta., 1 min
- Hours: 10:00–21:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Official: https://store.kinokuniya.co.jp/store/shinjuku-main-store/
2) Book First Shinjuku (West Exit, Cocoon Tower B1–B2)
A massive general bookstore beneath Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower with approx. 1,000 tsubo of floor space and around 900,000 items. You’ll also find seats for sampling books on the spot.
- Address: B1–B2, 1-7-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Shinjuku Sta. West Gate, 2 min
- Hours: 10:00–22:30
- Closed: Irregular
- Official: https://www.book1st.net/shop/shinjuku.html
3) Books Kinokuniya Tokyo (South Exit / Takashimaya Times Square)
A foreign-language specialist with English at its core and shelves for French, German, and more. Popular with language learners, researchers, and international visitors; directly connected to Takashimaya.
- Address: 6F, Takashimaya Times Square South Bldg., 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
- Access: From Shinjuku Sta. New South Gate, 3 min
- Hours: 10:30–19:30
- Closed: Irregular
- Official: https://store.kinokuniya.co.jp/store/books-kinokuniya-tokyo/
4) BOOK OFF (Two Stores in Shinjuku)
Secondhand chain with two convenient locations: Shinjuku Nishiguchi (4 floors across 3F–6F) and Yasukuni-dori. Great for budget finds, quick browsing, and selling books you’re done with.
- Shinjuku Nishiguchi: 1-10-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, 3F–6F / 10:00–22:00
- Yasukuni-dori: 5-2-1 Shinjuku / 10:00–21:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Official: https://www.bookoff.co.jp/
5) Kamome Books (Kagurazaka)
Run by the editorial/proofreading firm Ōraido, this shop balances books and lifestyle goods. A café counter (WEEKENDERS COFFEE ALL RIGHT) lets you dive into your new read on site.
- Address: 123 Yaraichō, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Kagurazaka Sta., 1 min
- Hours: 11:00–20:00
- Closed: Wed
- Official: https://kamomebooks.jp/
6) PASSAGE RIVE GAUCHE (Within the Institut français, Kagurazaka Area)
A share-style bookstore showcasing French literature and arts. Curated “recommendation shelves” by notable selectors add to the salon-like feel.
- Address: 15 Ichigaya Funagawara-chō, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Iidabashi Sta. West Exit, 7 min; Ushigome-Kagurazaka Sta. A2, 7 min
- Hours: 12:00–19:00
- Closed: Mon
- Official: https://passage.allreviews.jp/
7) Chapters bookstore (Ichigaya)
A “chai and curation” book-café concept where staff provide personal selection services, welcoming even first-time or returning readers. Occasional singles-only reading events add a community touch.
- Address: 1F, Tsukasa Bldg., 2-20 Ichigaya-tamachi, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Ichigaya Sta., 4 min
- Hours: 9:30–17:00
- Closed: Sun–Wed
- Official: https://lp.chapters.jp/lp-c-2204
8) MOSAKUSHA (Shinjuku-gyoenmae / Shinjuku 2-chōme)
A vital destination for mini-comi and small-circulation publications rarely seen in general stores. Essential for counterculture, social movements, and subcultural history.
- Address: 2-4-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Shinjuku-gyoenmae Sta., 5 min
- Hours: Weekdays 13:00–21:00 / Weekends & Holidays 13:00–20:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Official: https://mosakusha.com/
9) SAKANA BOOKS (Yotsuya / Aizumichō)
A unique specialty store focused on fish and aquatic life—from field guides to zines. A must-visit for anglers, aquarists, and anyone who loves water worlds.
- Address: 18-7 Aizumichō, Shinjuku-ku
- Access: Akebonobashi Sta., 5 min; Yotsuya-3chōme Sta., 6 min
- Hours: 12:00–17:30
- Closed: Thu & Fri
- Official: https://sakanabooks.jp/
10) Waseda Area Used Bookstores (Cluster)
Along Waseda-dōri from Waseda Sta. toward Takadanobaba you’ll find a relaxed chain of used-book shops—smaller than Jinbōchō but rich in academic titles thanks to nearby Waseda University. Ideal for a quieter browsing day.
Conclusion
From landmark flagships to sharply curated independents and budget-friendly secondhand chains, Shinjuku offers a bookstore for every reading mood. Map a route that fits your interests—East Exit giants, West Exit megastore, Kagurazaka’s culture lanes, or Waseda’s quieter byways—and pair your haul with a café stop or park bench for a perfect bookish day in the city.
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Looking for the original article in Japanese? Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.（https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/10/05/shinjuku-books/）
