If you appreciate leafing through a good book or if you just enjoy great architecture, the Tsutaya store in Tokyo's trendy Daikanyama suburb is worth a look. The bookstore was opened in 2011 and was designed with the concept of "a library in the woods" in mind. The Tsutaya chain has over 1400 bookstores located all over Japan but this store location has to be one of the most interesting.
It's not just books on offer here at Tsutaya's Daikanyama location. There are an impressive range of magazines available to enjoy including plenty of imported titles. I spotted several of my international favorites on the shelves, so there's something available for everyone, even if you don't read Japanese. There's also a huge stationery section if you enjoy putting pen to paper yourself. Even audio visual products are covered with areas of the store devoted to movies and music. You're able to pop on headphones and listen to many of the offerings too. In short, this is a bookstore worth devoting some time to exploring!
If you are an international visitor to Japan bring your passport along with you if you're planning to make a purchase. Tsutaya Daikanyama will waive the usual 8% sales tax on purchases over 5,401 yen for non-residents, which can equate to some helpful savings.
In the area surrounding the bookstore there are a host of restaurants, specialty stores, and even a children's play center, which is part of the Bornelund chain.
