Buying books in Tokyo
I’m trying to be good and save dosh at the moment, but every so often I have a relapse and splurge on books. A couple of days ago I had just a moment of weakness in Junkudo, but at the last moment common sense kicked in and I whittled my shopping basket contents down from about 10 (inc. big glossy photo collections) to 3. I think I did pretty well.
Anyway, I just thought I’d share my 3 favourite places to buy books in English in Tokyo.
Junkudo
Just down the road from Ikebukuro’s East Exit, Junkudo appears designed to specifically tempt me into an orgy of literature. Books are all new, but there’s plenty more on offer than the standard airport trash and travel guides that appear to be par for the course at most English language sections.
Infinity Books
Assuming that your makeshift reading/hibernation nest is a little too structurally unsound to risk venturing outside, Infinity Books offers a veritable shedload of used books with descriptions of condition (nice touch) with a cash on delivery service. Gnnnh.
http://www.infinitybooksjapan.com/
Amazon Japan
Almost not worth mentioning, but it’s my last resort if I can’t be bothered to trawl my usual haunts for that one elusive book. They also let you shop in English for a selection of foreign books, music and whatnot if you don’t fancy the Japanese.
Other places
Throw a rock in Jimbocho and it’ll probably end up through a bookshop window. A Zen-like state of serene acceptance, open to whatever turns up along your literary journey, is the required attitude, rather than hunting down something specific. Also, I’ve heard good things about Blue Parrot in Takadanobaba, but haven’t had a look yet myself.
