A Complete Guide to Buying Second-Hand English Books in Tokyo

Introduction

Everyone knows that reading elevates your quality of life, but paying full price for brand-new English titles can drain your wallet, and waiting for overseas delivery wastes precious time. In a megacity like Tokyo, things are different. Thanks to a long-standing international community and steady demand for English-language books, a robust used-book ecosystem has flourished.

In this post I cover brick-and-mortar shops, community swaps, and online channels where you can score everything from timeless classics to the latest bestsellers—and even rare vintage children’s books—at truly affordable prices.

All information is current as of May 2025. Store hours can change, so always double-check via official websites or social media before you visit.

1. Infinity Books Japan, Sumida-ku

What makes it special

Roughly 25,000 all-English titles, including out-of-print and signed first editions
Dedicated collector’s section for rare finds
Monthly community events such as author readings and translation workshops

Location & details

Address: 1-2-4 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Komakata Heights 1F)
Hours: 11:00–20:00, closed Tue–Wed
Contact: +81-80-3412-2564 / info@infinitybooksjapan.com
Access: 3 min walk from Honjo-Azumabashi Station (Exit A2), Tobu Skytree Line

Pro tips

Buy-Back Scheme: Return a book within a week and receive 30 % of the purchase price in cash.
Collection Shipping: Travelers can drop off a labeled box for international shipping.
Loyalty Stamps: Get one book free after every ten purchases.

2. Tokyo Book Swap

What it is

Free, RSVP-only meet-ups at cafés or co-working spaces (e.g., Impact HUB Tokyo)
Bring at least one clean, swappable book; any genre or language is welcome, English is most popular
Venue and date change each time—follow @tokyo.bookswap on Instagram for updates

Insider advice

Rules vary (take-one-leave-one, etc.), so read the announcement carefully.
Pristine covers trade faster than worn copies.
Post-event hangouts often happen at nearby book cafés in Ikebukuro or Meguro.

3. A Half-Day Tour of Jimbocho, Tokyo’s “Book Town”

Bookshop	Strength	Address
Isseido	First and second editions of modern Western literature	1-7 Kanda-Jimbocho
Subun-so	Philosophy, history, and humanities	3-3 Ogawamachi, Kanda
Magnif	1960-80s fashion & music magazines	1-17 Jimbocho, Kanda
Kitazawa	Early 20th-century children’s books, education	2-5 Jimbocho, Kanda
Ogawa Books	English-language comics & art books	2-7 Kanda-Jimbocho

Route Tip: Start at Jimbocho Station Exit A7 and walk counter-clockwise; distances are short enough for a comfortable half-day stroll.

4. Ehonyarusuban: Vintage Picture-Book Paradise

Highlights

3,000 vintage children’s picture books, mostly 1950-70s editions from around the world
Publishes its own small-press titles under “Rusuban Press”
Instagram-worthy retro interiors and occasional in-store exhibitions

Location & hours

Address: 3-44-18 Minami-Koenji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 14:00–20:00, closed Tue–Wed
Access: 6 min walk from Koenji Station (South Exit) through the shopping arcade

5. BOOKOFF: The National Chain

Why you should care

850+ branches nationwide, over 100 within Tokyo
About 40 % cheaper than new retail; many shops are tax-free for visitors
Best English selections: Iidabashi, Koenji, Takadanobaba, Gotanda, Ueno-Hirokoji, Omori

Money-saving hacks

Golden Week (May) and Black Friday (late November) sales cut prices by up to 30 %.
Use the self-service barcode scanners to check market value on the spot.
Spend over a set amount and snag slightly worn books for free during special promos.

6. Mercari & Amazon Japan

Mercari: Peer-to-peer marketplace—rare editions sometimes appear in flash sales.
Amazon JP: Condition grades (New, Like New, Good) are clearly labeled; FBA stock ships fast within Japan.
Purchases above ¥10,000 may incur customs fees if shipped internationally. Bundle wisely.

7. Facebook Groups for Buying & Selling

Tokyo English Books Sale/Exchange (10k+ members)
Write a brief intro post after joining to build trust.
Always list district, pickup method, and desired price in your posts.

8. Municipal Libraries: Free Rentals & Discard Sales

Many of Tokyo’s 23-ward libraries hold seasonal discard sales at minimal prices.
Libraries with large English sections: Jiyugaoka Meguro Library, Ōta Central Library, Adachi City Library.
Bring a passport or residence card to register; same-day card issuance and borrowing available.

Checklist Before You Buy

Edition & Year: Important for citations and collector value.
Dust Jacket: Presence or absence affects resale price.
Page Count: Some stores omit missing color plates—double-check.
Smell & Stains: Tokyo’s humid summers can mean mold; inspect before you pay.
Shipping Costs: Compare EMS and DHL rates if you plan to send books abroad.

Conclusion

Tokyo isn’t just a city where you buy books—it’s a city that lives and breathes book culture. Whether you prefer the cozy independent shelves of Sumida-ku, the historic alleyways of Jimbocho, the sprawling aisles of BOOKOFF, or the convenience of online platforms and swap meets, you have endless options to suit your budget and taste. Use the addresses, tips, and checklists above to start a cost-effective reading journey. A single used book can become a travel keepsake, a new language stepping-stone, or even a prized collector’s item. Your literary adventure in Tokyo begins now—happy hunting!

Keywords
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