The 3 big Japanese bookstore are:
Kinokuniya
Book Off
Asahiya

I usually go to Kinokuniya since it's the biggest(but also the most expensive).

Asahiya is like Kinokuniya, but with generally better prices.

Book Off is GREAT for manga, but one annoyance is that they don't have any computers in the store. Which means there are no databases to search through and you just have to search the aisles yourself (everything is in Japanese)

for info on some good japanese-related places in NYC, go here:
http://www.aozoranyc.com/directory/

The largest Japanese supermarket on the East Coast is actually in New Jersey (about 30-40 from midtown Manhattan) via a bus.

For location details, go here:
http://www.mitsuwanj.com/en/location.htm

Shuttle service details:
http://www.mitsuwanj.com/en/shuttle_service.htm

Last edited by chamcham (2009 June 02, 3:56 pm)

Last few times I went to Manhattan I was surprised that St. Mark's Place in the Village had turned into a bit of a little Japan town.  Several izakaya, an "italian tomato" (chain japaliano) and there is a little Japanese supermarket, too.  I'd guess you could go there in the evening and meet some よぱらい日本人。

Not far away "Honmura-An" is a very high quality Soba restaurant.  It's right by the Angelika theater, just south of houston if I am correct.  Only really good soba I've ever had in America.  They make it on the premises.

edit: むかつぐけど Looks like Honmura-An has closed...and the owner has opened a shop in Roppongi. 

Yuka Sushi on the upper east side is not the most authentic sushi, but it is Japanese run - the fish is fresh and the price is excellent. 

Chamcham is right about N.J. - there is a large Japanese community across the Hudson.  I've heard of Japanese that have lived there for years and have not needed to learn english.

Last edited by yukkuri_kame (2009 June 03, 8:05 pm)

Sorry for the late answer -
Thank you guys so much for your info! I really appreciate it!
Hopefully I'll be able to pick up some sweet stuff in NY!
I'm just wondering... Is Chinatown a good place to look for Japanese stuff? Or is it all Chinese? Any experiences?
Thank you guys!!

Last edited by Zorlee (2009 June 09, 2:55 pm)

Hello! It's me again!
I'm taking the plane to NY tonight, so I was just wondering if I could get some last-minute information about Japanese traditional shops in New York?
I've been wanting to buy some Japanese tableware, decorations, pictures/posters etc. for my apartment back home, and I do believe I can find that stuff in New York.
Do you guys know of any good Japanese traditional shops in New York?
All I've got now is the Mitsuwa super-market, but I don't know if I'll be able to find that kind of stuff there.

Again, thank you guys so much for your help - I really appreciate it!

Ippudo and Ramen Setagaya (both in East Village) are widely considered to be the best ramen shops in NYC. Of course, there are many other good places.

For a listing of EVERY japanese restaurant in NYC, go here:
http://www.chopsticksny.com/

Last edited by chamcham (2009 August 12, 11:25 am)