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bookstores in tokyo

#1
I'll going to spend 5 days in Tokyo toward the end of August. I would like to try to go shopping for some language books. My current target would be JLPT2 so i'm interested in Unicom books, Kanzen Master, KO2001, Kanji in context etc..

Any suggestion for some good bookstores that deals with language book? Do you think i'll have chances to find some bargain with used books?

Thanks!
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#2
I've found kinokuniya in Shinjuku (both stores) have a pretty good range.
http://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/04f/d03/tokyo/01.htm
http://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/04f/d03/tokyo/02.htm

As for second-hand books, I haven't seen too much around, although I did manage to get "All about Particles" for 400 yen at a "Book Off" Smile
Here's a list of the stores in Tokyo (in Japanese).
http://www.bookoff.co.jp/shop/shop.php?a..._shop_time=
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#3
New books
Bonjinsha 凡人社 specialises in Japanese learning materials, and is great for browsing. 35°40'59.24"N 139°44'22.53"E (paste the location into Google Earth).

Kinokuniya 紀伊國屋書店 and Maruzen 丸善 are Japanese bookstore chains. Their larger branches are good for Japanese learning materials (usually found in the foreign languages section). The largest ones are, I think:
Maruzen (by Tokyo Station) 35°41'0.09"N 139°46'0.85"E
Kinokuniya (Shinjuku Station south exit) 35°41'9.34"N 139°42'9.01"E


Used books
BookOff: Many branches, see link in post above. Good for bargains (100 yen). Rare to find Japanese learning materials for foreigners, but plenty for Japanese children.

Good Day Books and Blue Parrot specialise in used English books, including Japanese learning materials. Staff are usually foreigners.
Good Day Books (Ebisu station east side) 35°38'48.32"N 139°42'41.65"E
Blue Parrot (Takadanobaba station east side) 35°42'45.13"N 139°42'23.98"E (note: this location is only approximate)
Edited: 2009-10-14, 5:16 am
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#4
Great information, i'll print this page and take it with me Smile
Thanks so much!
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#5
The Kinokuniya near Shinjuku station (the one posted two posts back) is a very, very good place to look. It's about 8 floors, I think, and it has an excellent section with learning materials.
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#6
Tower Records in Shibuya is not bad either

http://www.towerrecords.jp/store/Shibuya/
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#7
Yeah, I love the Kinokuniya by Shinjuku station. And it has nothing to do with the Krispy Kreme about 100m away from it. Nope, nothing at all.

Kinokuniya is right next to Takeshimaya Times Square, which is well-nigh impossible to miss. Take the south exit from Shinjuku station and head east, and you should see Takeshimaya Times Square. (It's a giant dept. store.)

Maruzen is also great. There's a shopping mall attached to it as well.

Don't hesitate to ask for help. It'll save you a lot of time. And keep in mind that Kinokuniya closes around 8 PM most nights. (At least it did when I was there.)
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#8
I wandered in many Tokyo places for bookstores, and the best I found with japanese learning materials is named Junkudo (ジュンク堂) and it's not far from Ikebukuro Station.
This is the address if you want to go there: 東京都豊島区南池袋2-15-5.
Have a nice time Wink
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