If you love vinyl, Japan will without a doubt serve as your playground. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just dipping your toes into the world of crate digging, this country is absolutely overflowing with shops stuffed full of everything from new releases to rare finds to second-hand gems. From punk to jazz, and everything in between, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have you covered. Here’s a rundown of some absolute must-visit record stores in these three major Japanese cities!
Multiple Cities: Where to Start
If you’re just starting your vinyl adventure, there are a few chain stores that are great for picking up records without emptying your wallet.
Tower Records Shibuya – Photo Credit: Tower Records Japan
BOOK OFF: This second-hand chain is a local favorite, and it can be found just about everywhere. While it’s not exclusively catered towards music, each shop has a solid selection of records. Perfect for budget hunters since prices are generally lower than your typical boutique.
Tower Records: This iconic spot is a must-see for its massive size and variety. Sure, it can be a bit pricey, but wandering through Tower’s huge collection is an experience in itself. If you’re planning on going to the iconic location in Shibuya, make sure to carve out enough time to explore each of the NINE floors, as it is one of the biggest CD and vinyl retail outlets in the world.
Disk Union: A solid choice if you’re looking for affordable finds without compromising quality. Each branch has its own vibe, focusing on everything from jazz to punk, but the main store in Shinjuku is a multi-floor behemoth lined with secondhand gems from a wide range of genres.
HMV: With locations all over and spanning a wide range of genres, HMV often has tax-free shopping, making it a sweet option for tourists wanting to snag a piece of Japan’s music scene.
Tokyo: The Vinyl Wonderland
Tokyo’s sprawling districts are a haven for record collectors. You’ll find everything from rare punk and metal records to electronic gems and vintage treasures. Here’s where to go for the best digging:
Koenji
More than just a cool neighborhood slightly west of Shinjuku, Koenji is the underground music capital. Known for its punk, indie, and DIY culture, Koenji’s streets are lined with record stores, live houses, and bars that have been fostering Tokyo’s alternative music scene for decades. If you’re into punk, hardcore, or experimental genres, Koenji is the place to be.
Record Shop BASE – Photo Credit: Greg – Experience Suginami-ku Tokyo
BASE: If you’re into punk, this is your spot. BASE is a small but incredibly well-curated store with a focus on hardcore and punk records.
Los Apson: Known for its selection of techno and electronic music, Los Apson is a hidden gem for anyone looking to discover something offbeat.
Record Boy: Specializing in punk and metal, Record Boy is an underground paradise. If you’re after some rare Japanese punk records, this should be on your list.
Uptown Record: This shop previously doubled as a bar, but to this day remains a great place to find unique music like psychedelic, synth wave, and goth pop, among many others.
Sub Store: Another Koenji gem, Sub Store features a mix of genres and often stocks some unique, hard-to-find releases.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku isn’t just one of Tokyo’s busiest districts—it’s also a goldmine for music lovers. From its neon-lit streets to its hidden back alleys, Shinjuku is a hub for both mainstream and underground sounds.
Anchor Records – Photo Credit: Anchor Records
Anchor Records: With a huge range of genres, Anchor Records is perfect for collectors who want to browse everything from classic rock to Japanese indie.
NAT Records: A punk lover’s dream, NAT Records has a carefully selected collection of both Japanese and international punk records.
Strangelove: This spot leans more eclectic, with a unique selection that will definitely surprise you.
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is the indie spirit of Tokyo, and the record shops here reflect that vibe. Most places even have maps to other shops, making it easy to hop around the neighborhood area all day!
City Country City Café and Record Shop – Photo Credit: シティ カントリー シティ
City Country City: Not only does this spot boast an incredible selection of electronic records, but it’s also a cozy café where you can relax after a day of digging.
Jazzy Sport: This hip-hop and jazz-focused shop is a groove haven. Whether you’re into beats, breaks, or straight-up jazz, Jazzy Sport is essential for any vinyl trip.
Flash Disc Ranch: A vintage vinyl lover’s dream, Flash Disc Ranch has a 100-yen record bin for those looking to score some budget finds.
Shibuya
Shibuya is a lively center of fashion and youth culture, but it’s also packed with music treasures you should take advantage of if you’re in the city. If you’re thinking of going, make sure to check out these spots:
Magnet by Shibuya 109 Exterior Building – Photo Credit: Magnet by Shibuya 109
Recofan: Located inside the iconic Shibuya Magnet building, Recofan is great for those looking to browse a diverse selection of genres. This shop offers an impressive collection of vinyl, including rare finds and limited editions. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a pop-up event featuring local musicians!
Face Records: This store has two locations across Shibuya and is known for its friendly atmosphere and wide selection of genres, from classic rock to contemporary J-pop. The first location, near the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is great for those looking to explore a diverse range of new and used records. The second location, nestled in a quieter area, focuses on rare and collectible vinyl, making it a treasure trove for dedicated collectors.
Discland Jaro: A must-visit for jazz lovers, this spot is a tiny basement shop near Hachiko Square. And when I say small, I mean SMALL – it measures in at just 10 square meters. Still, it holds around 8,000 used jazz vinyl records, so there’s sure to be something to catch your eye.
Osaka: Punk and Groove Central
Osaka has its own distinct vibe, especially when it comes to punk and underground music. Here are the must-visit shops for this lively city:
Rare Groove – Photo Credit: RECORD SHOP Rare Groove
Rare Groove: For those into jazz, soul, and rare grooves, this is your go-to. You can find a good & rare selection of various genres especially, house & disco. Many reviews strongly suggest the owner and staff are not only kind but also knowledgeable about music history and willing and ready to make suggestions.
Time Bomb Records: Situated in the bustling Amerikamura neighborhood, Time Bomb is punk heaven. It has a deep catalog of Japanese and international punk, hardcore, and garage records.
Punk and Destroy: As the name suggests, this shop is all about punk, with a solid collection of Japanese punk releases you won’t find anywhere else.
Revelation Time: If reggae and dub are more your style, Revelation Time is the place for you. Its deep selection of reggae vinyl is unmatched in Osaka.
New Tone: Known for its electronic, house, and dance records, New Tone is essential for any electronic music collector.
Kyoto: Ambient and Jazz Gems
Kyoto may be famous for its temples and serene atmosphere, but it’s also home to some amazing record shops that reflect the city’s more laid-back vibe. Here are some great locations if you’re hoping to bring back some music from your trip:
Meditations Record Shop Kyoto – Photo Credit: Meditations
Meditations: True to its name, Meditations is a haven for ambient, electronic, and new-age music. The shop provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a more tranquil crate-digging experience.
Joe’s Garage: An eclectic shop with a friendly, local vibe. Joe’s Garage is perfect for those who love to browse a wide variety of genres, from rock to jazz. Still, with their wide selection, you can be sure to find unique records in progressive rock, 60-70s mainstream, modern jazz, and Japanese music as well.
Parallax Records: With a focus on experimental music, Parallax is for those looking to discover something completely different. If you’re looking to explore uncharted musical territories, you’ll find records here that you won’t come across anywhere else.
Jazzy Sport: If you missed this shop in Tokyo, don’t worry, Kyoto has its own Jazzy Sport, continuing the trend of sourcing all types of jazz beats. For fans of groove-centric music, it’s a must-visit, and you can even stop by for a drink at their cafe or buy merchandise from their apparel store.
Acid Mt. Fuji Record Cover – Photo Credit: Florencia Viadana
The Final Spin: Ready, Set, Dig!
From the eclectic streets of Tokyo to the punk pulse of Osaka and the serene alleys of Kyoto, Japan’s vinyl scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. Whether you’re hunting for a specific record or genre, or hoping to stumble upon a hidden gem, these cities offer endless opportunities to add to your collection. So get ready, hit the streets, and let the music lead the way—there’s no telling what kind of treasures you’ll uncover in Japan’s vibrant vinyl shops!
Featured Photo Credit: Clem Onojeghuo
