Japan is home to an amazing book culture, and there are plenty of online bookstores where you can find both Japanese and English-translated books. Whether you are looking for the latest manga, classic novels, or unique Japanese literature, these online bookstores offer a wide range of options. Here are the best Japanese online book stores to visit if you’re looking to explore the world of Japanese book stores.
1. Kinokuniya – The Largest Japanese Bookstore Chain
Kinokuniya is one of the most famous and reliable online bookstores in Japan. Founded in 1927, it has become a giant in the book industry. You can find a massive collection of books, from manga to novels, art books, and children’s books. They offer books in both Japanese and English.
What makes Kinokuniya stand out is its wide selection. You can easily find best-selling Japanese novels, translated works, and even unique Japanese comics. They ship internationally, making it a great choice for book lovers outside Japan. If you’re looking for hard-to-find Japanese books, Kinokuniya’s website is a must-visit.
2. Amazon Japan – A Convenient Option for Global Shoppers
Amazon Japan has a huge collection of Japanese books. If you’re already familiar with Amazon, you’ll appreciate the ease of browsing and shopping on its Japanese platform. The site features a vast array of manga, literature, business books, and cookbooks.
Amazon Japan is an excellent option if you are looking for fast delivery and easy browsing. You can even find English-translated Japanese books, making it easy for non-Japanese speakers to explore Japanese literature. With Amazon’s efficient shipping and customer service, it’s a convenient option for international buyers as well.
3. Rakuten Books – Japan’s E-Commerce Giant for Books
Rakuten Books is part of the larger Rakuten e-commerce ecosystem. Known for its extensive range of products, Rakuten also has a dedicated section for books. Whether you’re looking for fiction, manga, or academic books, Rakuten Books offers something for every type of reader.
One of the standout features of Rakuten is its reward points system. When you purchase books from Rakuten, you earn Rakuten Super Points, which can be redeemed on future purchases. The site is available in Japanese but offers easy navigation for international shoppers. If you’re looking for deals and rewards, Rakuten Books is a great option.
4. CDJapan – Best For Japanese Music and Books
While CDJapan is primarily known for music and anime goods, it also has an excellent selection of Japanese books, especially for fans of manga and light novels. If you’re a fan of anime culture, this site is a goldmine for books related to your favorite anime and manga.
The site offers books in both Japanese and English, and they ship internationally. CDJapan also provides limited-edition books and rare manga that are hard to find anywhere else. If you’re a fan of both anime and Japanese literature, CDJapan is a fantastic online store to check out.
5. Honto – A User-Friendly Online Bookstore
Honto is a popular Japanese online bookstore that offers a broad selection of books in a variety of genres. From bestsellers to classic Japanese literature, Honto provides books in both physical and eBook formats. It’s one of the most user-friendly sites for international buyers, offering detailed book descriptions, reviews, and easy checkout.
Honto offers manga, novels, business books, and even textbooks for learners of the Japanese language. The website is available in both Japanese and English, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers to navigate. Shipping is available worldwide, so you can get your hands on a wide selection of books, even from abroad.
6. Maruzen & Junkudo – Famous Bookstore Chain with Online Shopping
Maruzen & Junkudo is another huge name in the Japanese bookstore scene. Originally separate, the two companies merged to form one of Japan’s largest bookstore chains. Their online store is a great option for book lovers looking for a wide selection of Japanese literature, manga, art books, and more.
The site is mostly in Japanese, but they offer international shipping, so overseas readers can easily find books in multiple genres. You’ll also find academic textbooks, business resources, and magazines. With a strong reputation for quality, Maruzen & Junkudo is a trusted name in Japanese books.
7. Books.com – A Digital Bookstore with a Variety of Genres
Books.com is a digital bookstore in Japan offering both e-books and physical books. It specializes in electronic books, making it a great choice if you want to read on your device. The site has a wide variety of books, including manga, novels, and business books.
What sets Books.com apart is its emphasis on digital content. If you’re looking to read Japanese books digitally, this site is a great choice. The easy navigation and user-friendly design make shopping for books online a breeze.
8. Village Vanguard – Unique and Quirky Finds
If you’re searching for something a little different, Village Vanguard is a great place to shop. Known for its quirky selection of books, Village Vanguard offers everything from Japanese art books and manga to weird and unusual literature. It’s the perfect place to find books that you won’t find on other sites.
The store has a distinct selection of unique books with a focus on creative and artistic works. They ship internationally, making it a great online option for those seeking books that are not widely available elsewhere.
9. Kinokuniya (USA) – For International Shoppers
If you’re outside Japan, Kinokuniya USA is a great option for getting Japanese books online. It offers an extensive collection of Japanese novels, manga, art books, and language-learning resources. The U.S. store also offers books in English and Japanese.
Kinokuniya USA also provides a global shipping option, making it a great choice for international readers who want access to Japanese books. With a wide selection and reliable service, it’s a trusted online store for book lovers.
10. Japan Books – A Great Source for Japanese Textbooks and Literature
If you’re specifically looking for Japanese textbooks or resources to help you learn Japanese, Japan Books is an excellent option. The site specializes in language-learning materials and educational resources for learners of all levels. You’ll also find a variety of Japanese literature and bilingual books to help improve your reading skills.
Japan Books offers fast shipping and excellent customer service, so it’s a reliable resource for those who want to explore Japanese books while improving their language skills.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of Japanese novels, manga, or unique art books, these best Japanese online bookstores have something for everyone. From internationally shipped bestsellers to rare editions, these sites make it easy to discover and buy books from Japan. Explore these online stores and find your next favorite read today!
