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Kinokuniya Bookstores
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1073 Ave of the AmericasNew York, NY 10018
Neighborhoods: Midtown West, Theater District
(212) 869-1700
- Nearest Transit:
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42 St - Bryant Pk (B, D, F, M)
5 Av (7, 7X)
Times Sq - 42 St (S)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 7:30 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
200 reviews for Kinokuniya Bookstores
Review Highlights
"Lots of art books based on video games and manga."
(in 69 reviews)
"Cafe Zaiya branch that overlooks Bryant park."
(in 29 reviews)
"This place has lots and lots of Japanese goodies."
(in 133 reviews)
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200 reviews in English
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Review from Sang L.
New York, NY
1/26/2012
Great selection of Japanese books & delicious cafe inside
I walked into the store hoping to find a certain kind of book and walked out with a better choice. This place is three story high carrying a huge selection of Japanese/Japan-related books. It's definitely bigger and better than the Japanese bookstore next to Mitsuwa in NJ.
I also bought a mango mousse from Cafe Zaiya on the second floor. It was good--tasted about the same as the soy mango pudding from Panya.
I would definitely go back to see other books and get something tasty from the cafe. -
Review from T L.
Boston, MA
1/22/2012
If only Boston had a Kino.
I travel 8hrs in total just to visit my friend in NY and also stop by this bookstore. Sadly, I never leave this place empty-handed. I either walk out holding some Japanese fashion magazines or a bag full of stationary items. The thing about Kinokuniya for me is that you just have to buy something while you're there or else you'd feel like you've left your soul there if you don't.
But I'm not going to lie, some of their items are overly expensive especially their stationery and Japanese textbooks. What I usually do is browse through their books, make note of which ones I want and then find them online for cheaper prices. So yeah, Kino is sort of a reference place for me of some sort, haha.
I've also made purchases through their online store and they also have excellent service there. You place your order, they send you an email when they've shipped it and delivery is quite fast. Everything is packaged securely and neatly. I've never had any issues from this store's staff when it comes to their online and in-store service. Excellent. -
Review from Laura P.
Rutherford, NJ
1/21/2012
Kinokuniya is just a fun place. Browse and be happy. Get some tea and a bun. Buy something you never would have considered, something you never would have found. Then go to the park.
I like to visit this shop during lunch. Of all the chain restaurants and tourist crap of Times Square, this bookstore and Bryant Park are wonderful refuges where reality seems vaguely authentic again. The bookstore always has interesting stuff and a lot of character. I never think about work while I am here.
The books they stock are interesting and unusual. This is not a Barnes and Noble filled with mainstream books. They have a great selection of unusual art and fashion books with a special emphasis on Japanese topics. A lot of the books are sealed so you can't flip through, and it is annoying, but I understand they are a business that needs to make money.
The upper floor in mostly manga and the Cafe Zaiya outpost. I get something there once a week. The sandwich prices are good (though you get what you pay for - very simple stuff). I love the green tea buns with bean paste in the middle. They have some other unusual pastries, and cream puffs of course, but none of the crazy Zaiya stuff like softserve. They also have sushi which is alright. Nothing to write home about. The onigiri makes me happy, though. Rows and rows of onigiri. :) There is rarely a line when I stop by, but it moves fast. It can be hard to find seating, and it's communal tables.
The shop also has unusual Japanese toys and knick-knacks (a ukelele set, tiny tiny legos, domo-kun shirts), authentic housewares (dishes, painted earthenware) as well as foreign magazines, origami stuff, pens, cute stickers, etc.
The only thing that could make this place better is if they offered ramen! -
Review from Henry S.
Alexandria, VA
1/18/2012
It used to be at Rockefeller Center next to the Kitchoan. Last time we were in NYC I thought that it had closed forever. Another victim of the decline of Japan as an economic powerhouse, I assumed. But I was wrong, it just moved to a new location. It's located across the street from Bryant Park by the NY Public library now. It now boasts itself as the largest Japanese book store in North America. Interesting.......
All in all it's the same old same old. Maybe a larger selection of Manga, Japanese video and music. Missing were the displays of Japanese software and electronic devices that they had sold in the past, But now NTT Docomo can sign you up for a Japanese cell phone downstairs, "unlimited pricing" the sign said. It was an educational display of what they use in Japan as compared to what we use over here.
The only thing that bothered me was that the black guy kept following me around the store. Every time I turned around he was standing there looking nonchalant. Seriously dude, there's nothing here I want to steal. And I haven't shoplifted in about 45 years. Just to be obnoxious I said to my GF, "He keeps following me around." and pointed right at him as he stood by the door and watched us putting on our hats. As he followed me around the store a real criminal was probably stealing the store blind. Serves him right for being a total dick head. The store should consider hiring someone with professional security credentials instead of a rank amateur.............
Nice place to look and touch, but you can find everything you see here on Amazon at a lower price. -
Review from A W.
New York, NY
1/17/2012
Great selection of Japanese books (translated and not translated). They also have quite a few books on design and fashion. They have lots of little cute chatchkis, anime/manga, music and even a cafe on the third floor that makes AMAZING black sesame (kuro goma) frappes.
If you study Japanese and are looking for advanced level study books, or JLPT practice exams - they have a bunch! However, if you're also frugal you'll write down the title and search for it cheaper elsewhere. One book I purchased that was marked 1500 yen was $55.00.... (T_T);;;;; I only bought it because I needed it asap and couldn't find it anywhere else.
That's really my only gripe - they can be quite expensive. Some things are reasonably priced, and then somethings are 2 or 3 times pricing elsewhere. If you're looking for Japanese books in Japanese - check out BOOK OFF instead.
Overall though, kinokunia is a cool store. Good place to find bday gifts or a unique gift for that "hard to buy something for" someone a fun place to stop if you're walking around midtown or are at the library. -
Review from Amy R.
12/5/2011
Very fun bookstore.
First time I came with J I was bored out of my mind since he likes to browse for hours. I tend to kick into ADD mode when he browses too long.
He came in looking for Popeye magazine which they had.Next time I came back solo looking for Popeye to bring back to J. I knew right where to go for it. Surprisingly on my solo trip back I it quite amusing and spent at least an hour in there.
Store is packed with a lot of great books, magazines and other fun stuff.Listed in: I Heart You New York City
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Review from Brad T.
Alexandria, VA
12/27/2011
Yep, I'm lovin on Kinokuniya in NYC.
Nice selection of Japanese books of all types. Main floor: food, history, garden, travel and other English books and Japanese magazines; Downstairs is very cool -- Japanese books (including children's), paper, wrapping paper, cards, pens, calligraphy items, kokeshi dolls, purses, and more.
Upstairs contains a nice little restaurant -- love to hit it early so I can plop down along the window wall & watch the crowds across the street at Bryant Park. Also upstairs - all your manga needs in Japanese, as well as art books and a decent music & DVD section.
This has to be the best place for all your Japanese literature needs on the East Coast. It's definitely a favorite haunt of mine anytime I'm in Manhatten. -
Review from Kim C.
Manhattan, NY
12/29/2011
Five stars if some of the stuff downstairs weren't so overpriced. Although there are moments when I pick up a huge Rilakkuma and seriously consider spending the ridiculous 65 dollar price tag on it..
First level has your most up to date issues of Japanese magazines (Vivi, etc). I come here when I'm feeling uninspired by the current fashion around me, and walllaa, Vivi and its free sample of makeup bag by some collaboration with Marc by Marc Jacobs (Japan only) makes me sooo happy.
Afterwards, I head straight for the basement where I feel like a 12 year old again. It's hello kitty, Rilakkuma, totoro heaven. I just want to leave with anything and everything from there. -
Review from miss a.
Harlem, New York, NY
12/5/2011
You dont normally think of cute when you think of basement. But if you are a "connoissuer of cute" such as myself then the bottom level of Kinokuniya is where the party is at. All of the pastel pens and origami kits you could ever imagine.
My inner child squeals with delight just thinking about it. Its like Willy Wonka World for all things "oooooh lookee".
Although Im adding this to my kid-friendly list, you really do have to check the content of the literature there if you are shopping for children. Dont say I didnt warn you.Listed in: Kid-Friendly
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Review from Amik A.
New York, NY
1/14/2012
Well it's taken me a long time to write this review but here it is. Kinokuniya is one of the best Japanese bookstores in NYC. The location is absolutely perfect. Across the street from Bryant Park it doesn't get much more accessible considering the F train is right there along with several others. The downstairs is a gem for a Japanese language reader and for those with DOCOMO accounts, a support desk is available here as well. I was looking for the Japanese version of Fukuzawa Yukichi's autobiography and the help desk was able to locate it pretty easily (well - I helped the help desk find it but whatever - they had to special order on the computer and it was pretty simple once I showed them what I was looking for on the screen)The main floor is stocked full of gifts and magazines (really a great selection of Japanese fashion and beauty). Then of course upstairs is the media and manga/anime section. They do have pretty much everything you could want. And as I already sort of mentioned, they can special order items that are not in stock - takes about 10 days. Cafe Zaiya is also on the second level and offers small bentos and cakes if you are in the mood for a snack. They also have a few luxury/designer items from Japan next to the cafe as well. This is really one of my favorite places in all of NYC. However, like other have said, it is expensive. Books and other items are in some cases significantly marked up. But in many ways, you pay for the convenience of being able to walk in and get pretty much whatever you are looking for at least 85% of the time.
Tip: Want a better selection of snacks or food? Take a 3 minute walk over to Library Way on the other side of the NY Public Library. You will find the main Cafe Zaiya inside the Sunrise Mart. Selection is much much greater here ... buy your books first then stroll over! -
Review from Ron C.
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Asian Flare OVERLOAD!
I seriously did not know that this place existed. I stumbled into this place.... Literally stumbled with a empty Beer Stein in hand. I just came from Oktoberfest and was carrying it with me. This place BLEW ME AWAY! From all the books, magazines, stationary and even Domo Beanies! It was a bit of sensory overload. All you needed was food.... WAIT... They also solved that for you as well. They have a Cafe located inside with some tasty goods. Do try the Green Tea Swirl. It's really good! -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful bookstore with large english japanese related book selection, and a whole floor dedicated to manga. The best thing was the mural drawn by the artist of slam dunk.
BEAUTIFUL. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Washington D.C., DC
1/7/2012
I love this place! I can get all of my Japanese items here. Yes its a lil pricey at times but also pay attention to things because it isnt that bad. This is the real thing, and I get so happy when I go in because I can get all my fashion mags and anime items in one place. Its a great hang out spot also. If you are not familiar with new york you will get lost. So pay attention to the streets because you maybe on the other side of the street that you need to be on. The second level is where the inner fan comes out and you want everything in there. So if you are in Manhattan take a lookie i think you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Neline S.
9/18/2011
What a cool bookstore! I never realized this place existed as I pass Bryant Park all the time on my way to stores like Zara and H&M and my friend's wife, who's Japanese, asked if we stop in.
We automatically split up once inside as I was seduced by the journal section with their cool packaged designs while my friend's wife went to look at Japanese Fashion magazines and newspapers.
Kinokuniya has your standard fiction books in English but also tons of Japanese literature.
I was more into their stationary and travel journals. Unfortunately, the "I was here" travel journal had only one copy left which was the display after speaking with the information reps who happened to be extremely helpful.
One gentleman looked in the back for extra copies while another woman searched the database. They didn't push the sale on me but said it was up to me if i wanted to purchase the journal which was really nice of them.
I really fell in love with the travel journal that I purchased it in the end. I plan to come back in a couple weeks to see what new merchandise they'll have for the holidays. -
Review from Jim h.
Folsom, PA
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
While planning my childrens first trip to NYC, I was looking for something " non touristy" to do with them. My daughter Sarah may be THE biggest Anime/Manga/Japan fan on the planet so a search for a Manga store turned up Kinokuniya. Since I was to meet up with relatives in Times Square, the location was perfect and we made plans to visit.
Kinokuniya far surpassed our expectations. Imagine a 3 level Barnes and Noble but dedicated solely to Japanese ware. Both of my kids lost their shit over the upstairs Manga section. Telling them they could each pick out 1 thing with a $30 limit may go down as the cruelest thing I've ever done to them.
Even I, with just a passing interest in Manga, was enchanted by the store. I kept on having to call my cousin, who was waiting for us at Toys R Us, to say we would be late.
We all agreed that the visit to Kinokuniya was worth the bus trip to NYC alone, and would definitely make it a must visit on any return trip. As a matter of fact, it is my opinion that all NYC tour busses, should make a stop here.
Konichiwa, Bitches!Listed in: I Wanted To Be A Part Of It!
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Review from Karl H.
New York, NY
9/23/2011
Bar none the best Japanese bookstore in the United States -- probably one of the best outside of Japan. There are certain things you can find here that you will not find in any other brick-and-mortar store, whether it is Manga, Anime, magazines, stationary, paper, pens, office supplies...you name it.
One of the highlights for me is their Japanese language educational section -- they stock dozens of copies of books that have been unavailable online for months (if not years) and a many titles which I have not seen elsewhere.
But prices can be very steep, sometimes the books have a bit of shelf wear, and they do not stock many art books that I read about online. The store also lost a bit of the charm that it had at the old Rockefeller Center location -- still, Kinokuniya is still one of my favorite places in the city. -
Review from jeff t.
Lutz, FL
12/17/2011
Pretty fun place to visit if you're a fan of foreign reading. I liked the environment and the "fresh" vibe I got from it. The service was regular, but the place is 3 stories high with a big variety of sections to check on.
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Review from Kira c.
Manhattan, NY
7/18/2011
A list of some of the great things this store contains:
Kawaii stationary
Hello Kitty things
manga
recipe books
fashion magazines
anime convention
CD's
anime radio
artbooks
There is a cute cafe where you can get Japanese style pastries and or snacks, and also yummy tea...
The prices are pretty normal and expected for cute and fun Japanese merchandise.
This place has it all ... I could easily spend way too much here.
The people that work here are nice and helpful.
I'm so lucky to live here in NYC I can just hop on the train and I'm there in under 20 minutes or so. ^_^. -
Review from Yan F.
7/5/2011
The first time I went to this store, I was a child and it was like heaven!!! This place has lots and lots of Japanese goodies. Even the people that work there were Japanese. :-) The original store which was located next to Rockefeller Center was a bit bigger and the CD music selection was a lot bigger---at least for the JRock music.
It's an awesome place if you can read Japanese because I would say 75% of the material are written in Japanese although it seems the English section is expanding nowadays.
There are manga, magazines, books on various subject manners like economics, traveling, language, etc. and clothing nowadays---lolita clothing---and a cafe on the second floor. They sell mostly the recent mangas and all of them are sealed so you can be sure you will be getting a decent, unused copy.
This place is very tempting and I do warn you that you will be spending quite a bit if you visit here because everything is so wonderful. :)
I do wish, however, that their Jrock section would expand. They sell mostly Jpop CD's and magazines. I need my Jrock! :-) -
Review from Alison r.
7/25/2011
Awesome cookies and iced coffee!
I can look at all the amazing Japanese nail art magazines, find a gift for my nieces and find cool new pens here. This is a great place to stop in and browse through. I really think there's something for everyone here. -
Review from Kennika G.
11/16/2011
Real nice staff they even help translate things for you..A lot of Manga upstairs there's a lot of data and art books still in Japanese format.
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Review from Ciao H.
Astoria, NY
7/19/2011
This gaijin is a fan overall. A big selection of books, magazines, manga, dvds, cds, tchotkes, stationary/office supplies. A lot of Japanese material, but a decent amount of stuff in English as well. The clerks are very hands off and polite. There's 3 floors of stuff, with a nice little cafe on the 2nd floor.
BUT, I have to say, I like the San Fran arm of this store more than this one--there's less space but somehow San Fran feels a lot more inviting and relaxing--the books are displayed more openly. Here in New York there is so much stock it feels like the books are just jammed in and you feel like you're under surveillance.
Still, I'm in heaven when I walk in here. Totally go visit! -
Review from Rowena Y.
Growing up, I've collected a universe of stationary items. From Staples to Sanrio, I've got a conglomerate of pastel pens, markers, erasers, letter paper, post-its, etc. Maybe it's a slight fetish I have with cute stationary stuff because I can't seem to get enough of it and just keep buying and keeping them around for years like an old lady hoarding everything under a mattress (j/k).
I have to say I definitely spend a good amount of time and money at this store looking for cool, albeit overpriced, stationary products. A pen can cost you anywhere from $2.00 to $10.00, however, they are no cheap quality BIC or Papermate pens you would find at a Staples or Duane Reade. These pens actually make you want to write rather than type...that's how awesome they are. I believe my penmanship has improved ever since discovering these high quality products. However, there are some products that make you wonder if it even sells, like a Pentel white-out for $9.95. (Really?) I guess labeling it in Japanese makes the product more expensive than having a Staples brand on it?
This place is like a Disneyland for people who love Japanese culture or just anything Japan-related. From Japanese cookbooks to manga, you name it, they have it; although I can't guarantee that everything has a corresponding English translation to it. Nevertheless, I am always bedazzled by the neatly, wrapped Japanese fashion magazines. I can't read Japanese but I do enjoy looking at the pictures. These magazines sure know the trick to attract your attention by attaching a "free" gift item, which is usually a small, cute cosmetic bag branded with a popular fashion brand name. I got a couple of Lanvin and Salvatore Ferragamo bags as a result of paying $15-$21 for each of the magazines that came with it. Ergo, I paid to get the "free" gift.
As if their products can't get enough of your attention, check out the Cafe Zaiya on the 2nd floor (or 3rd floor; however you perceive it because there's a basement level) with an amazing overlooking view of Bryant Park. While seating is quite limited, they have a good selection of pre-prepared sushi lunch boxes, sandwiches, and pastries. Even though the cafe is small and can get crowded, the staff won't rush you out and let you enjoy your meal. Hard to find such a pleasant place in Midtown. -
Review from Karen V.
Manhattan, NY
11/12/2011
Great selection of art books upstairs & quite a variety of cute things! It really should be twice as big to bring on more cute things!
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Review from Angie K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/3/2011
This is a widely popular Japanese bookstore on 6th avenue. Probably because of its grand size. And all the Manga geeks out there.
I went in to purchase couple of JLPT2 study books to prepare for my Japanese language test last year. I, too, was impressed with their variety of Japanese book collections. However, what prompts me to write a negative review is their price and their return policy.
The study books I wanted to buy were $45 each. On amazon, it was half the price ($25). But because I wanted to get an early start, I decided to go through with the purchase. On top of being overly expensive for something that's worth $15 in Japan (1,500 Yen), I was hit with a 7-DAY, STORE CREDIT ONLY return policy. No full refunds. I expected something a bit more generous from a big label such as Kinokuniya. Even Barns and Nobles and Borders all carry 30-day return policies.
So I just wanted to say: Kinokuniya, you aren't that special. -
Review from Zachary H.
Silver Spring, MD
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is an institution for Japanese living on the East Coast. Filled with Japanese books, magazines, movies and various other products, Kinokuniya is a MUST VISIT for any Japanese visiting New York.
While a bit expensive, this bookstore has an amazing selection! Go! -
Review from Nicole E.
Brooklyn, NY
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love you!!
I get all my awesome pens from here. I never knew how much I loved pens until I came here. They also have the best notebooks and school materials. Even though I'm no longer in school.
The shop attendants are also really really nice.
One star off because it can be a little pricey.
I haven't yet eaten at the cafe but it's nice that they have a Cafe Zaiya there! -
Review from Mariacristina N.
Orlando, FL
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I loooove this place! I'm in dire need of a Kinokuniya Bookstore to feed my unhealthy obsession with purchasing Asian fashion magazines. The magazines, ranging anywhere from $12-20 are a bit pricey but are actually pretty averagely priced. I can find the same things online but pay more for shipping and even more if it's shipping from overseas.
There are lots of interesting artbooks and mangas to flip through. Unfortunately, I can't understand any of it but I'm there solely for the magazines and the basement of stationary delights!
Every time I make a trip to NYC, I always make a point of visiting KinoKuniya even if I don't buy anything, it's an experience! -
Review from Hwa P.
Washington, DC
10/25/2011
It's a bookstore. It's clean. I'm almost guaranteed to like it.
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Review from Haru S.
Flushing, NY
5/17/2011
My top choice for Japanese Books, manga and other stuff. Wide selection, big space, helpful customer service. Prices are definitely not cheap. But they're location alone would suggest that they are not a discount store. Need maps and travel guides for Japan? Done deal. Need a Japanese-Engrish Dictionary? Which one you want? Whatever your needs, they probably got you covered. That's how they roll.
My favorite part of the store is the bunbogu section. They have a good selection of Japanese pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, cases etc. I get hardons over well made mechanical pencils and am well versed in the different selections of lead refills. My personal selection is 2B for normal use. It's my preferred combination of softness and darkness. I get stuck in that section for extended periods each time. I'm drawn there by an invisible magnet. Anyway, there's other cool stuff too and everything is high quality and well made. The pen-style refillable erasers crush. Highly recommended for primitive people like me that still use pencils. -
Review from Daphne P.
New York, NY
6/4/2011
I go for the wonderful stationary and HUGE selection of pens (small notepad pens, colorful gels, pentel pencils, fine points in all shades of the rainbow). My friend vanishes into the Japanese fashion magazine section, usually with armfuls of heavy mags we can't understand but can admire the pictures. She also loves the craft books.
I love the upstairs artbooks too, so we split up and cover our favorite areas of this giant bookstore, then meet upstairs at Zaiya for some snacks. Excellent that the weather is nice and we can take our purchases into Bryant Park near the petanque courts. -
Review from Shirley D.
Woodside, NY
10/21/2011
This place is definitely worth checking out if you're into Japanese culture, this store is like an all in one mini Japan town. They've got Japanese fashion magazines, tea and snack bar upstairs, large collections of Anime/Manga, gifts/collectables/stationary downstairs, and so much more. Great stop for the whole family, it's hard to walk out of there without making a purchase.
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Review from Trisha B.
Jersey City, NY
1/9/2011
Even if you're into Japan just a minuscule amount, visit here at least once in your life. I'm still amazed every time I vist, even though I'm a "regular" of sorts.
I used to frequent the Rockefeller Center location before they moved Kinokuniya across from Bryant Park and it was a huge improvement. The store is well-lighted, well-designed, and has a great atmosphere.
The main floor holds literature, clothing, novelty things and magazines, as well as the main registers (and a bathroom! yay bathroom). Magazines are well organized and sometimes a restocking schedule for certain titles is posted. There are also yen to dollar conversion sheets everywhere. I love the little toys and knick-knacks everywhere, too! The shelf full of them is really hard to resist, as is the rack of Lolita fashion.
The bottom floor has stationary, craft books, language books, and the local docomo branch (you are allowed to play with the phones--I recommend it), along with other things. The language selection is amazing-- I'm always able to find things for my classes here (fellow Japanese students, you have found your haven).
Top floor has manga (both english and japanese), DVDs, CDs, art books, and a Cafe Zaiya branch. If you're looking for a new CD release, they tend to be stocked at the store from Wednesday-Friday. The Zaiya branch is tiny but I always enjoy eating cake at the counter overlooking Bryant Park. Pro-tip? Strawberry shortcake and/or Zaiya signature bentou.
Also, you can ask the store to order things for you! I've ordered magazines through them and they do the order for you while you're present, so they make sure that your order is completely correct. They also made an exception and let me pay with cash when my order arrived instead of taking my credit card number, which I was extremely thankful for. The order even came in less than a week and they leave messages on your phone to remind you to pick it up!
The staff never fails to amaze at how polite they are! Always smiling at the registers and willing to help you with anything, even with subway directions for lost visitors (': -
Review from Freya C.
2/2/2011
Hello Kitty lunch boxes, chopsticks cases and forks
Reels of babushka-doll-spotted Japanese craft tapes
Gridded, perforated and square-cut Rhodia notebooks
Jewel encrusted paper-clips and push-pins
Hi-Tec Coleto 4-insert 0.3 pilot pens...
(...accompanying selection of more than 20 techni-colour cartridges)
Psychedelic-dotted-iridescent pig shaped stickers
Hummingbird-Bakery cupcake cases and cookbooks
Glitter-embossed-letter-stenciled canvas tote bags
Hand pressed art-deco gold leaf papers
Fold-your-own-Flatiron postcards
Doremon erasers and technical pencil lead refills
Onigiri, cream buns, bento boxes, pocky and a view of Bryant Park (care of Café Zaiya)
Balloon shaped paper punches and chamfered corner cutters
Liberty-print magazines (free designer items included)
Wavy rulers and zigzag scissors
Alphabet letter and numeral ink-stamp sets
Daily-monthly-yearly-hourly-weekly journals
Heart/ pineapple/ airplane/ teacup/ milk-bottle embossed vinyl book-protectors
Miffy pencil cases, plastic cups, tiffin-tins and thermos flasks...Listed in: Ode to BT, Asian (from a Caucasian) - NYC
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Review from Betty C.
Forest Hills, NY
11/30/2010
This place is HUGE! The basement has crafting stuff, then there are a few floors with books on all types of subjects (some in English), then the upper-most floor has manga and a cafe.
I preferred the basement level with the collection of art supplies and beautifully made gift items.
Stop in and take a look for yourself.Listed in: Places to Explore and Learn…
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Review from Ken C.
Chantilly, VA
12/30/2010
Are you into real, untranslated books from Japan ranging from piano books to cookbooks to manga and more? If so, you MUST visit this store if you're ever in the area.
There's something for the whole family in this huge three-level bookstore/cafe.
The lower level is full of pens and stationary that you can't find at your local Office Depot or Staples. There's also a DoComo (mobile phone) store, all kinds of Japanese textbooks and dictionaries for you student-types (although I recommend immersion through fun, like the AJATT 'method'), paper toys, etc. For kids, they have plenty of children's books and there's even an area for kids and parents to sit in and enjoy kid's songs and activities. Last time I was there, they were singing Christmas songs in Japanese.
The main level has lots of magazines, more general books, toys, t-shirts, and various otaku items.
Next, the second floor is where you'll find a nice and cozy cafe serving desserts, snacks, sandwiches and more. It's a great place to relax and read some of the awesome books you've purchased. Outside of the cafe, you'll find artbooks (videogames, anime, etc.), and manga (Japanese and English). You can also find CDs here. There are so many other types of books, I don't recall what else they have here but if you can think of it, they probably have it. It was here where I found a Final Fantasy VI piano book.
I came in here with a budget of $100, but I easily went over it, and you probably will too. -
Review from Amy C.
2/16/2011
One of my Japanese friends told me to check out Kinokuniya when I was on a search for a CD that was only released in Japan. The CD cost $56 on Amazon and it was on backorder. I couldn't find the CD on their shelves, so Kinokuniya ordered the CD for me for $41 and it came in exactly one week even though the sales lady had warned me that the shipment might take 2-3 weeks. Lower price + fast shipping for an imported CD = a very happy Amy.
The first time I walked around in there, I felt like I was 14 all over again when I was going through my manga phase. I could not believe I didn't know about this place years ago, especially since I've had countless jobs in the area and Bryant Park (right across the street) is one of my favorite parks in the city. This place is absolutely fun and adorable. The café on the 2nd floor has some yummy baked goods as well, such as red bean croissants. -
Review from Mary Q.
Boston, MA
12/27/2010
I thank the higher powers above me that I live within a reasonable distance from possibly that largest Kinokuniya in the western hemisphere. Whenever I'm in a sad mood because I don't live in Japan, this is where I come to feel better.
First floor, has mostly Japanese magazines, books in English on Asian culture, lots of mook (magazine+book+freebie bag or tote), a selection of Tokidoki and Domo toys, and random toys/crafts. I would say the English books are probably cheaper on http://amazon.com.
Second floor is an otaku heaven. Large selection of manga in Japanese and English. If they don't have it, I'm sure they'll order it for you. Lots of art books based on video games and manga. Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and other video game paraphernalia. Small selection of blind box toys and petite nendoroids. Cafe Zaiya is also on the 2nd floor where you can pick up an onigiri, slice of cake, or green tea latte. Yum!
Basement floor has a huge selection of Japanese books. I love the crafts books and origami books. I could spend hours there looking for inspiration. There's also lots of well made decorative gifts, pens/stationary, and Studio Ghibli toys.
It goes without saying that costomer service is top notch at this place. I expect nothing less from the Japanese. I once asked a store clerk to unlock the glass case for me to pick out a blind box toy and he made sure to hold only the base so that I was the only person that touched the box that I wanted. It totally made a difference and scored me the character that I wanted, I'm superstitious like that. -
Review from Kristen T.
Manhattan, NY
11/27/2010
Best Japanese bookstore in NY. They used to be located in Rockefeller Center which I used to go there all the time as a kid.
Now that they moved, they have totally expanded and even added a DoComo shop downstairs and a Cafe Zaiya upstairs. There is also a section for The Baby the Stars Shines Bright (Japanese "Lolita" brand) and other Japanese clothing/accessories! It's like an otaku's wet dream.
There are also tons of serious books (either in English of Jaanese) and art/photo books, magazines, manga, Anime DVDs, Sanrio/San-X, stationery and Japanese culture goods. You just have to check this awesome store out. Now the staff is no longer purely Japanese run so if you feel comfortable talking to American born Asians or white people, they can help no problem. -
Review from Tina T.
Brooklyn, NY
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here during lunch with my friend Claudia. I was on a mission to get pens (I looove the Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5) & she was getting 2 anime books for her nephew. This place is filled with all things kawaii. When we had trouble finding the specific books her nephew wanted, there was a nice clerk who helped us out. I could easily spend more than an hour here looking around!
