Railway bookshop in the Tokyo area ?

[Edos2300]

I would be in Japan the next two weeks and I am looking for some magazines and books that I can not order from Europe (and I would also like browsing through first !).

 

Is there a bookshop specialized in railway and models in the Tokyo area?

 

An old post from 2012 talks about Shosen Grande bookstore in Kanda Jinbocho. it is still relevant ?

 

[adrianKeith]

I'm not sure if you're going to be in Akihabara but I had seen this and they may have what you're looking for --

 

Trainiart -

http://www.atre.co.jp.e.ww.hp.transer.com/store/akihabara/shop/detail/1058

 

Despite looking for this exact type of store while in Akihabara on my mobile phone, I was unable to and supremely regret not trying harder to find this place. 

 

Hopefully you're able to go here and find what you're after!

 

Also, if you'll be in Ginza, while not a bookstore you could try checking here:

 

http://www.tenshodo.co.jp/about/ginza/tabid/72/Default.aspx

 

The 2F is the main floor of the model train shop and I remember they had a number of magazines at the checkout counter. Could be what you're after! If not, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to direct you to where you might be able to find more.

 

The big bookstore out there is Kinokuniya (I think) and also BookOff!. These two should definitely have a selection of what you're looking for while being in most shopping areas.

Edited May 3, 2017 by adrianKeith

[railsquid]

I'm not sure if you're going to be in Akihabara but I had seen this and they may have what you're looking for --

 

Trainiart -

http://www.atre.co.jp.e.ww.hp.transer.com/store/akihabara/shop/detail/1058

 

Despite looking for this exact type of store while in Akihabara on my mobile phone, I was unable to and supremely regret not trying harder to find this place. 

 

Hopefully you're able to go here and find what you're after!

 

It's in this building: https://goo.gl/maps/JPzANEWCDZz

 

Not that much selection, if I recall, though IIRC there were also miscelleneous railway goods.

 

For a large selection of railway/transport books (biggest I know of in Tokyo), try Shosen Book Tower on the other side of the station:

 

https://goo.gl/maps/kGQzDHoMAqC2

[miyakoji]

Edos, yes I think Shosen Grande is still relevant.  Here's a video by RailKingJP showing an item sold there, you can also see the inside of the store a bit.  The guy in the video is the manager of the railway inventory, or something.

 

 

[Densha]

I've seen plenty of magazines and books on railways in many book shops around Japan, especially the more fancier ones in the bigger cities.

 

For second hand stuff you can also try BookOff or other used book shops, although the availability of railway-related stuff there is a bit inconsistent per shop.

[railsquid]

BookOff definitely very hit and miss, I wouldn't recommend trying it on a short trip.

 

BTW to clear up any confusion (as both have "Kanda" in their addresses), "Shosen Tower" is located in Akihabara close to Akihabara station, "Shosen Grande" in Jimbocho close to Jimbocho metro station.

[bikkuri bahn]

Shosen Grande in Jimbocho all the way. Second best is the Junkudo Bookshop on the east side of Ikebukuro Station. The railway section is on the second floor iirc. If you're in Kansai, the Asahiya Bookstore in Nanba.

[Edos2300]

Thank you so much for your replies,

 

Ok, so I would go to Shosen Grande and I will also try to go to the Junkudo Bookshop.

I'll give you a small review when I get back.