For book enthusiasts in Nagoya who prefer the tangible pleasure of physical books, there are several excellent options for finding English language literature. This list provides up-to-date information about some of the best places in Nagoya to discover English books.
Sanseido
Location: Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall 8F, 1-1-3 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6608. (map)
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 daily.
Highlights: A vast collection of foreign language books, magazines, newspapers, and self-study materials. It’s located conveniently in the Nagoya JR Station’s Gate Tower and is particularly recommended for children’s learning resources.
Website: Sanseido
Junku-do
Location: 3 Chome−25−9, Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi-ken 450-0002. (map)
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 every day.
Specialties: While it may not be the go-to place for fiction, Junku-do excels in Japanese language study materials. It’s just a three-minute walk from the JR station.
Website: Junku-do
Maruzen
Location: 3 Chome-8-14 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya (map)
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 daily.
Features: Nestled in the heart of Nagoya’s shopping district, Sakae, Maruzen offers a wide range of language books, magazines, travel guides, and a rich collection of children’s literature. It’s a haven for those looking to study Japanese or teach English.
Website: Maruzen
Book Off Super Bazaar
Location: SKYLE 8F, 3 Chome-4-5 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. (map includes other branches)
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00.
Offerings: Part of the ‘Off’ recycle store empire, this store in Sakae offers a selection of second-hand English language books, CDs, DVDs, and comics.
Website: Book Off
Sanyodo
Location: 1 Chome-703 Yomogidai, Meito Ward, Nagoya (map)
Hours: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM, Monday through Sunday.
Variety: Sanyodo, near Issha Station on the Higashiyama subway line, is a multimedia store with a selection of foreign language books alongside CDs, DVDs, stationery, study guides, and comics.
Website: Sanyodo
Nagoya International Center Library
Location: Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Nagono, 1 Chome−47−1 Nagoya International Center 3F (map)
Hours: 9:00 to 19:00, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays, December 29 to January 3, and the second Sunday in August and February.
Collection: About 28,000 books, CDs, and movies focused on cross-cultural understanding, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, Japanese language study aids, literature, drama, and business books.
Website: NIC Library