Best Bookstores & Libraries in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
1. Fujisawa City Library
A modern library with a wide range of books, magazines, and multimedia resources. Offers study rooms, Wi-Fi, and various events for all ages.
- Comprehensive Collection: Boasts an extensive collection of Japanese and English books.
- Community Engagement: Regularly hosts events such as book clubs, workshops, and children's storytime sessions.
- Accessible Location: Centrally located in Fujisawa, making it easily accessible for tourists.
2. Midori-no-Ie Bookstore
A quaint second-hand bookstore offering a variety of used books. The store is housed in a traditional Japanese machiya (townhouse).
- Unique Setting: Located in a historic machiya, providing a unique and authentic Japanese experience.
- Affordable Prices: Sells used books at affordable prices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Rare Finds: Often has rare and out-of-print titles that are hard to find elsewhere.
3. Fujisawa Arts & Culture Center Library
A contemporary library focused on art and culture. Features a diverse collection of books, exhibitions, and workshops.
- Art-focused Resources: Specializes in resources related to art, design, and culture.
- Interactive Exhibits: Hosts interactive exhibitions that encourage active participation from visitors.
- Artistic Community Hub: Serves as a hub for local artists and creatives, fostering a vibrant artistic community in Fujisawa.
4. Sora no Iroha Bookstore
A cozy bookstore specializing in manga and light novels. Offers a wide selection of popular and obscure titles.
- Specialized Collection: Focuses on manga, light novels, and related items.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are well-versed in the genres carried, providing helpful recommendations to customers.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Provides a comfortable space for browsing and reading, complete with inviting seating areas.
5. Tsutaya Fujisawa Store
A popular chain bookstore offering a wide variety of books, DVDs, and music. Features a spacious reading area and an in-house café.
- Chain Store Convenience: Being part of a well-known chain ensures a consistent customer experience.
- Wide Variety: Carries a vast selection of books, DVDs, and music in both Japanese and English.
- In-house Café: Features an in-store café where visitors can grab a coffee or snack while reading their purchases.
6. Hiratsuka City Library
A large library located in nearby Hiratsuka, offering books, magazines, and multimedia resources. Known for its spacious reading rooms and beautiful architecture.
- Architectural Beauty: Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the library is a work of art in itself.
- Spacious Reading Rooms: Features generously sized reading rooms that accommodate larger groups or quiet study sessions.
- Access to Hiratsuka: Easily reached via public transportation, allowing visitors to combine a trip to the library with exploring Hiratsuka.
7. Fujisawa Shoten Bookstore
A local bookstore offering a diverse range of books, stationery, and gifts. Known for its friendly customer service and comfortable atmosphere.
- Local Flavor: Supports local authors and publishers, fostering the Fujisawa literary scene.
- Friendly Customer Service: Staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, making customers feel welcome and well-catered to.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Offers a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for browsing and reading books.
8. Fujisawa Bunko Library
A small but charming library located in the heart of Fujisawa. Offers a selection of books, magazines, and local history resources.
- Local History Resources: Focuses on local history and culture, providing valuable insights into Fujisawa's past.
- Community Hub: Serves as a gathering place for the local community and fosters a sense of unity among residents.
- Central Location: Located in the heart of Fujisawa, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city.
9. Fujisawa Manga Café
A unique manga café where patrons can enjoy reading manga while sipping coffee and snacks. Offers a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable seating areas.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Provides a comfortable, relaxing environment for visitors to enjoy their manga.
- Café Amenities: Includes a café where customers can purchase food and drinks while reading.
- Wide Selection of Manga: Carries a vast selection of manga, catering to various tastes and preferences.
10. Kanagawa Prefectural Library
A massive library located in Yokohama, offering books, multimedia resources, and exhibitions. Known for its impressive architecture and expansive collection.
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by architect Shigeru Ban, the library is a stunning example of sustainable design.
- Exhibitions and Workshops: Regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that cater to diverse interests.
- Access to Yokohama: Easily reached via public transportation, allowing visitors to combine a trip to the library with exploring Yokohama.
11. Fujisawa University Library
A university library offering a vast collection of academic resources, including books, journals, and research databases. Open to the public upon request.
- Academic Resources: Specializes in academic books, journals, and research databases.
- Public Access: Open to the public upon request, providing access to valuable resources for those interested in academic pursuits.
- Study Spaces: Offers quiet study spaces and group study rooms for visitors.
12. Fujisawa Comic Market
A monthly event held in Fujisawa, offering a wide variety of manga, doujinshi (fan-made comics), and related merchandise. Features artist alleys and workshops.
- Wide Variety: Carries a vast selection of manga, doujinshi, and related merchandise.
- Artist Alleys: Features artist alleys where visitors can meet local artists and purchase original works.
- Workshops and Panels: Offers workshops, panels, and other events that cater to manga enthusiasts.
13. Fujisawa International School Library
A school library offering a diverse collection of books in English. Accessible to the public upon request.
- English Resources: Specializes in books written in English.
- Public Access: Open to the public upon request, providing access to valuable resources for English speakers.
- Diverse Collection: Offers a wide variety of books in different genres and categories.
14. Fujisawa Shibuya-kei Records Store
A record store specializing in shibuya-kei music. Offers a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, and merchandise.
- Specialized Collection: Focuses on the unique shibuya-kei music genre.
- Rare Finds: Carries hard-to-find titles and exclusive releases.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are well-versed in the shibuya-kei genre, providing valuable recommendations to customers.
15. Fujisawa Manga Museum
A museum dedicated to manga, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and a vast collection of manga-related artifacts. Offers a unique insight into the world of Japanese comics.
- Manga Focus: Dedicates its resources to the exploration and celebration of manga.
- Exhibitions and Workshops: Regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that cater to manga enthusiasts.
- Vast Collection: Features a vast collection of manga-related artifacts and artwork, providing a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of Japanese comics.