Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro:

Where to Find Books, Magazines, and Quiet Time in Tokyo

2 Chome 15-5 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0022

April 3, 2025

On the Seibu side of Ikebukuro, you’ll find Junkudo—a towering, multi-floor bookstore that offers a surprisingly quiet escape in one of Tokyo’s busiest shopping districts. While department stores and arcades surround it, Junkudo remains a place of focus, stillness, and discovery.

Bookstores in Japan are very much alive, and Junkudo Ikebukuro stands out as one of the best. Spanning ten full floors, it covers everything from comics, literature, and travel to business, science, and design.

Where to Find English Titles at Junkudo Ikebukuro

Most of the content is in Japanese, so you might find yourself skipping a few floors—but for English-speaking visitors, there’s a small yet thoughtful English book section, which is still uncommon even in Tokyo. You’ll find translated works from Haruki Murakami, Osamu Dazai, and other well-known Japanese authors, as well as a handful of English bestsellers and classics.

My favorite floor is the first, which has all the magazines. I always take time to flip through the newest issues of Popeye, Casa BRUTUS, or BRUTUS, which often feature lifestyle stories, seasonal food, and subculture spotlights. One of the perks of visiting a larger bookstore like Junkudo is their extensive back issue selection—something you rarely find elsewhere. Whether you're searching for a past cover or discovering a new favorite, the magazine section is always worth a slow browse.

Junkudo Ikebukuro is open daily and located just a short walk from Ikebukuro Station’s Seibu exit. Whether you're searching for a quiet moment, a meaningful gift, or just want to see what Japanese bookstores are like, this is a spot to linger.