Come here all the time. Great selection for English/Japanese readers and students. Got some nano blocks for a friend too. Nice cashier service. Will be back again as always

Kinokuniya is my favorite bookstore of all time! Ive been to four locations. Two in the US and the ones in Malaysia and Singapore. I love the variety of books in English and in Japanese as well as journals, cards, stationery, and toys. It is delightful to be there. The staff are all very attentive and helpful. The stores are clean and tidy and the layout makes it easy to find what you are looking for.

Look no further if you are an Anime fan...Kinokuniya is a Japanese-based retailer known for its collection of Asian books & magazines, along with DVDs, stationery and other little trinkets. Think of Kinokuniya as a smaller Asian version...more specifically a Japanese version of a Barnes & NobleSo well organized! You can find just about any anything in Japanese media here. The selection of Anime is fairly extensive.

Manga Manga Manga Heaven! They have all the manga series you need here! This is our first time going to a real Japanese bookstore. Japanese magazine too. Mixed with other anime stuff. I love how they labeled where the real Japanese books and English versions of them.

There was so much here.... you need like a good 2 hours to really explore.. I just went in to stalk the stuffed animals... and they had a crazy amount of pop-its... I had to pray for self control because they had alphabet pop-its and glow in the dark ones... and very reasonably priced!

I loved this bookstore! On the ground floor there is a huge selection of manga with every major manga and some that are less popular. We spent 2 hours on the ground floor when we visited. Very good prices. The top floor had an excellent selection of Japanese books and magazines as well as a very decent selection of English titles. They had a cool design and art section too. You can find Japanese papercrafts as well as some of your favorite anime themed collectibles and toys. I recommend making a trip to this book store. You can spend a few hours here and then go have some yummy Ramen or Sushi nearby. Parking was on the street and we had to walk a small distance.

Who doesnt love Kinokuniya? An absolute gem of a store to have in our city. Filled with everything and anything one could want both Asian-inspired and otherwise. Every few months, my niece and I head into Kinokuniya to check out their art books and anime and we always leave with her head stuck in the latest, hard to find book. The cashier (older gentleman) is just so pleasant to encounter as well!

I am truly saddened at the experience my partner had when we visited the bookstore in japan town. My partner a male 20 was looking around the top floor at their Japanese art books and was quickly followed around by the manager and two other employees. I was in the downstairs part where the manga and graphic novels were and my partner ran towards me, while the manager was close behind. I was explained the situation he was going through. I purchased my books and spoke to the attendant about the situation and called over the manager who was already next to us at the register. I asked if he was following my partner and he admitted the he was and told me that he was suspicious looking. I even asked if he wanted to look at the bags we had if he was so adamant of him shoplifting. He refused and didnt apologize and walked away. I thanked the attendant who helped us but the whole situation left a negative experience and a sour taste. My partner just wanted to look around there art books and had no intention of stealing their books. I hope no ones goes through this.

Love the store. Always have. Great selection of books and knick knack gifts

You can order any issue of a Japanese magazine and ship it directly to the store. Fantastic service!!!

If youre visiting from out of town I highly recommend checking this place out. Theres books and magazines for everything and a large selection of manga. Good place for gifts as well.

My daughter has discovered Anime, then she heard about this place. I was amazed at the level of care and cleanliness exercised all around Japan town. This store in particular is very well organized and I never imagined a store so large committed to only this form of written entertainment. I have to say Im way out of my element as I dont really know much if anything about Anime, but I was impressed. This place is so well organized, clean, and the people working there were very friendly. Do take note that all sales are final because of Covid-19. They are not taking any chances. I used my Google Pay for the purchase and didnt have to touch anything. If you are looking for Anime, this is the place.

I have visited a couple times and got a book each time. They have alot of really interesting literature and some fun toys for sale.

They have manga & books great selection today tho this dude hella delicate was supposedly arraign books just straightening them out. Cmon man I put it back.

My daughter is into Manga comics. Very cool store I believe its an upstairs and downstairs type of store. They have everything I know she was into attack on titan. They do have more of this specific collection more than other book stores. Always good to call store ahead of time to see if they have what your looking for. Store hours are everyday from 10:30am -7:00pm. Parking is limited in this area . Japan town is an amazing place. This is inside the plaza as the store is right behind to the left.

Best bookstore for weebs, Otaku, and book enjoyers, they have plenty of Manga in Japanese and English, they have official merchandise from many anime and video games ranging from things like, stickers, to bookmarks, to posters, to soundtracks and DVDs, and even official artbooks. From here my friend buys alot of the jojo and DragonBall Manga, while I buy soundtracks from many anime and videogames that I enjoy, my last purchase was going to be a few junji ito mangas and a fire emblem soundtrack from fire emblem 3 houses however cause Im a broke high-school graduate I decided on the soundtrack only.

Offers lots of books in both Japanese and English, as well as some other small cute items like keychains, plushies, planters, etc. The staff were also really helpful and took the time to look up and physically locate a book Id been looking for.

LOVE THIS PLACE!! If I had unlimited money I would just buy the whole store 🤣. The people there are always nice and helpful and they have really cool things.

Its still fantastic. Great selection, also in English.

Liked the plush toys lazy egg & Aggretsko!

Has a ton of varieties with their books. Upper floor has literature and arts and crafts while the second floor has all your mangas and light novels from popular series to the lesser known.

The upstairs has some cool stuff but the downstairs was heaven! Because I am of japanese descent I love anime and this store has everything! Manga, soundtracks, music, shows, movies, merch, and more! Best prices and widest selection in japan town Ive seen! Would highly recommend checking it out, you will probably spend hours here!

Went shopping here for someone who is super into Manga and I would find it hard to imagine that there would be anywhere better in the city to find Japanese literature of all shapes & sizes!! If there is some Manga in particular you have been desperately searching for, you could very likely find it here. The store is also very nicely designed and organized.

Where I go to feel happy

Ive been going here for years. Best place to find Japanese books and they have an extensive manga section. I love the san-x books and merchandise 🥰

Has a huge manga section but it can get pretty crowded during the weekend so plan ahead.

Outstanding resource for kids as well as Asian cultural related books. Love this place!

Great shop, all the manga is downstairs. Its only mildly crowded due to pandemic restrictions.

Always has the best stuff! New manga and even hard to find manga are usually what I kinda search for and I never walk out of here disappointed. Been coming here since I was a young kid, its a great shop. Usually make my way here like 3 times a year if not more, which says alot since Im coming all the way from Richmond(East bay, not the district).

Really fun! My mom said it really reminded her of Okinawa hahaI like the book selection and hope to go back! Ill probably will use the Kinokuniya book store website to order things tooThe food is great and I recommend the pork belly

One can spend hours here just browsing. Love the selection of books.

I always visit Kinokuniya when I come by japantown. I love this place, though I feel their Japanese books and magazines lineup are decreasing each year..probably because of the increasing internet shopping..I just hope the shop survives for next decade or so!!!

When you step into this bookstore, you feel projected into a Japanese town, thanks to the excellent selection of books, magazines, manga, trinkets. True, it also offers material in English, but only to a limited extent. For neophytes to the Japanese language, Kikokuniya carries an excellent selection of textbooks, workbooks, dictionaries. Dont leave Nihonmachi without indulging some time in here!

Great variety of manga in Japanese and English downstairs. More books and fun stuff upstairs.

This store is in 2 parts. The 1st floor is for Manga and Anime. The second floor is the general book store. It stocks stationary, gifts, photo and art books, and books in Japanese and English. If you place an order on-line and opt to pick it up (both Kinokunya and MaiDo), go to the 2nd floor cashier to pick up your order. They will have it behind the counter. If you are on one floor of the store and want to see the other level, theres a stair case. If mobility is an issue, the mall has an elevator across from the shop.

I buy the metal models here. Such a great store to browse.

My son and I spend about 2+hrs drive just to buy manga. We know we can get it online, but whats the fun on that .

One of my favorite book stores and neat little gift ideas store, still one of the last old Japanese type businesses in japantown. Fun place.

Great bookstore with quirky Japanese gifts.

Great selection overall, also one of my go to spots for manga.

I love this place. Japanese bookstore in Japantown.

Has a lot of specialty books. Ideal for anyone interested in Japanese language or culture.

I enjoy coming to this bookstore because I always find a book that I dont expect to find. I also enjoy all the extra knickknacks.

Huge multilevel store in Japantown Mall awesome selection of Japanese gifts and books huge Manga collection in Japanese and English!!!

Something for everyone, they have more than just books. They also have small gifts, art supplies and a cut little rock garden near the back stairs between the 2 floors.

Awesome place to purchase anime comic books and memobrilia

Love this place.. its the go-to for all your manga fixings. Lots of them and friendly staff. Due to the current situation it was about a 30 minute wait before entering but well worth the wait.I wish they have a wider collection of mana toys, pop heads and other toys and action figures. Their movie section was a bit limited but then again everyone watches anime on some online platform.

This 本屋 (bookstore) is an amazing resource for native speakers of Japanese as well as serious learners of the language, and those interested in the culture. Yes, theres lots of Miyazaki and manga here. Prices seem competitive.

Great Japanese bookstore with all the unique stationary, books, toys... etc. One central location you can find everything in North America.

Everything anime. My granddaughter was in seventh heaven!! Two big floors with all your anime ❤ desires.

The Ramen tastes pretty good. Love the hint of sweet to it - however, I was disappointed because I asked for it to be spicy.

Lots of manga and anime varieties. They were just missing a few books in certain sections, and not much for the Shield Hero.

Good selection of Japanese books and accessories.

Friendly staff and a wide selection of books and manga to choose from

I enjoyed everywhere Ive been in San Francisco. But when I was here my jaw dropped. Ive never seen so many manga in my life. Besides that I found nearly all the manga I read. P.s go with a full wallet if you like manga and diversity like me.

I had to wait in line, and Im allowed 15 minutes in the store. So everyone gets a chance to browse around.

Amazing manga selection and shopkeepers speak Japanese

Loved it! Also loved that they have a wall for Jojo right now since the part 5 anime just came out!

Their magazines section alone made me jealous.Two full shelves with SOOO many diverse topics and the LATEST August issue of high school baseball??!! Man, I wish I could read Japanese and that tiny bit closeness to Asian culture wouldve been of some consolation to my homesickness.Growing up, Ive always loved paperback magazines and had great fun expecting for every new issue. Many of my subscriptions back in China were not perfect, but they had been parts of my memory for 10+ years. Its a shame they are absolutely nowhere to be found here, especially given the huge body of Chinese speakers in the bay area. Ive searched around China town and found nothing like the Kinokuniya bookstore. None. - Am I the only one whod say we need one for our spiritual lives??

Very fun store with an awesome selection and great prices.

Nice place something new for me

They have so many Mangas, it was heaven for me lol

Fun place for anime and manga fans. Period.Slightly pricier than buying manga from Amazon. But they have a neat membership that makes it worth it if you read print manga. Not all anime figures can be found here, but you should be able to find most major figures.

I loved the great manga collection they got. Today I received some books I already had as a gift. When I went to return them, an old man was very rude and closed the store on my face.Id like a better custumer service, because I dont even live in the country, but I go to Kinokuniya whenever Im visiting, even though this books are cheaper on Amazon.

Best damn bookstore for artist, specially Anime! in the Bay Area.

Great store - a lot of variety. Be sure to check out the bottom floor (mangas) and the magazine collection.

Great place for a big selection of Japanese books, magazines, comics and tons of other goodies.

I love Kinokuniya bookstore. I love their manga section. I love the many magazines they carry there. They have a huge selection of gifts and collectible books.

Super friendly and some great books

Im so glad this bookstore is still here! I havent been in since I was around 7 years old. The space is very clean and organized, and their displays are always so eye-catching! They have LOTS of books on crafting and cooking, and lots of fun gadgets and collectibles. My mom loves graph paper journals, and I found the PERFECT one for here at this store! It has different types of grids on every page and comes in a handful of different colors. Im definitely coming back here the next time Im in town!

This place is MANGA HEAVEN PLEASE COME HERE

Great selection!

Pretty amazing. Good place, nice books, good and sympathetic staff.

Honestly youre missing out if you dont go.

Very good variety of stuff.

Many books awesome place

If youre a Cat lover... This is the place for you! They have the cutest Japanese cat stuff... Like Cat sushi keychains, notebooks, Japanese cat books, etc.Most of their main book line is in Japanese, so someone like me wouldnt normally go in, but I was drawn in by the adorableness of the outside of the shop and ended up buying something.If youre in the Japan Center, def check this place out!

AMAZING staff. Thanks.

Great wide selection for all ages. I recently purchased a manga called The Promised Neverland.

Loved it here ! except for the old cashier calling me a gaijin and telling me to leave after I paid. Pretty rude af if you ask me. He must have not known I speak Japanese smh

Pretty good selection of manga. Fairly large selection of other Japanese books. Prices are average but is definitely a good store to come and browse for something new to try.

I love local bookstores. I love them even more when they are open until 10pm!!! I stopped in here after dinner with a friend and completely fell in love with several books. It is smallish but there is a great selection. I was blown away but the diversity of books there. Bonus....everything was very reasonably priced!

Ive been waiting to get a Japanese sewing book! This is the perfect place to find it. Great selection of books, very clean and safe part of town. I really enjoyed it.

I do love this store, which I go there a lot but I didn’t spend that much in there. The price for their books, toys, and gifts are way over to the price they should be and I can find the same one on Amazon for a much cheaper price. But again, if you never been there before you have to.

Lot of selection of Japanese cook books.

I work her and I love it here

My daughters love browsing books every time we come to Japanese town in San Francisco. I bought some informative books about sushi, Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo, and origami. Clean bookstore with helpful staff. 👍👍

This book store is so cool, if you are into Manga and Anime you will want to visit. Losts of book regarding Japanese culture. Cute stuff to buy! If you are in Japan Town in San Francisco is a must

Awesome two-level bookstore with a wide range of mangas, zines, novels, & art/photo books. They also carry nice calendars & theres a gift section with animated toys & office gadgets. Family friendly. A must-visit when in J-town. Theres something for everyone.

Great selection of English and Japanese books. Lots of fun. I can spend hours there, time flies when you are having fun.

Food was really fresh and delicious

Large (two story) Japanese bookstore. The lower floor is mostly mangas (including both original Japanese mangas and English translated versions).

One of my favorite Japanese bookstores I used to frequent. Super happy to find one here.

Excellent selection of books in English and in Japanese about everything Japanese. A great destination in a real Japan town with true flavors of Japan

Great bookstore selling Japanese magazines, books and mangas. There was a animate downstairs selling anime stuff. Staff there was super friendly and helpful finding the magazine with pop stars I wanted. It can be a little pricy but you know... imported books...

Might have been the most eclectic, fun experience Ive ever had in a bookstore. While the selection had a great variety, there were a bunch of gifts and gadgets that caused a paralysis of analysis in terms of gift-giving potential for family and friends. This spot is a must-see for anyone visiting Japantown, let alone SF. Not to over-hype it, but we hope you enjoy the experience as much as we did. Bon voyage!

Great selection

Amazing selection

Here is the only nice Manga shop we have in San Francisco. Good collection of illustration books and artwork collections. Slightly pricey but you dont have to deal with online ordering.They added figures corner from Good Smile Company but only have limited stocks.

Great Japanese book store. Lots of fun arts and crafts books that you cant find anywhere else.They have a huge manga section downstairs in both English and Japanese.