Where are libraries in Tokyo? Recommended Libraries & How to Use Them
There are nearly 400 libraries in Tokyo, many of which are public facilities open to everyone, including foreign residents. There are 227 libraries in the 23 wards of Tokyo alone, and 389 libraries in the entire metropolis of Tokyo, including those established by each ward, city, town, and village. Libraries in Tokyo can be used not only for borrowing and reading books, but also for studying, working, or attending events in a quiet environment.
In this article, we will introduce the basic usage of libraries in Tokyo and recommend some beautiful libraries. Whether you live in Tokyo or are moving to Tokyo in the future, we hope you will find this information useful.
▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!
- Required before studying abroad! Goandup Nihongo+, an online Japanese language learning service
- This page introduces services for foreigners who wish to study in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills to learn Japanese online.
- Goandup Salon" community for foreigners living in Japan
- We introduce an online community where foreigners living in Japan can exchange information and interact with each other to support their life in Japan.
- Goandup Study" supports foreigners who want to study in Japan.
- This section introduces study abroad support services that provide comprehensive support to foreigners who wish to study in Japan, from preparation for study abroad to living in Japan.
- Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.
- How to purchase a prepaid SIM and suitable SIM cards for foreigners.
- The Complete Guide to Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan for Foreigners!
- We introduce how to select and recommend pocket Wi-Fi products that can be used conveniently in Japan.
- The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners
- This site provides foreigners who want to work in Japan with comprehensive information on how to find a job, recommended job sites, and other information necessary to find a job.
Basic Knowledge for Using Tokyo Libraries
Borrowing books from a Japanese library is very simple and convenient. When using a library for the first time, you need to follow a few basic steps, but once you learn them, the rest is easy. From borrowing a book to returning it, you will be able to do everything smoothly. Here are some basic instructions for borrowing books from Japanese libraries.
What can Japanese libraries do?
In addition to borrowing and reading books, Japanese libraries offer a variety of other services, including
- reading
- Use and viewing of CDs and DVDs
- study
- Using Wi-Fi
- Participation in events being held
The quiet and focused environment of libraries is perfect for studying as well as reading. Many libraries also have CD and DVD collections, so you can enjoy the works of your favorite artists and actors. Some libraries offer free Wi-Fi access, which is convenient for working with the Internet.
In addition, events are regularly held at the library. Picture book readings, lectures by authors, exhibitions, and various other book-related events are held at the library, so it is recommended that you participate in events that interest you.
*Some libraries have restrictions on Wi-Fi use and study, such as "up to 3 hours per day. Please be sure to check the usage and rules before visiting the library.
Number of libraries in Tokyo and how to find them
Ota and Setagaya wards have particularly large numbers of libraries, each with 16 libraries. Adachi Ward also has 15 libraries.
With so many libraries, how do you find one? The easiest way is to search the Internet. Just search for the keywords "XX ward (your ward or city, town or village)" and "library" and you will quickly find a library near you.
For example, a search for "Setagaya-ku Library" will bring up the official website of the Setagaya Ward Library at the top of the list. Most libraries in Tokyo have their own official websites, so by accessing their sites, you will be able to get detailed information you need, such as addresses, opening hours, and how to use the library.
Do I have to live in that ward or municipality to use the library?
You may be thinking, "Don't I have to live in the ward or municipality where the library is located to use it?" Some people may think that this is not the case. In fact, however, many libraries in Tokyo are open to people outside of the area where they live if certain conditions are met.
For example, at the Shinjuku Municipal Library, if you meet one of the following three conditions, you can register to use the library even if you live outside the city.
- Residents of Tokyo
- People who live outside of Tokyo and work in Shinjuku City
- Those who live outside of Tokyo and attend school in Shinjuku City
Some libraries are open to anyone who has a resident registration in Japan. There is a high possibility that you can use libraries in other wards or municipalities than the one in which you live, so please check the conditions for use.
How to Borrow Books from Japanese Libraries
Using a Japanese library to borrow books is very simple and convenient. When using a library for the first time, you will need to follow a few basic steps, but once you learn them, the rest is easy. From borrowing a book to returning it, you will be able to do everything smoothly.
Here are some basic instructions for borrowing books from Japanese libraries.
How many books can I borrow at one time?
To borrow books from Japanese libraries, you must first create a user or borrower's ticket (user registration). When registering, please bring an ID card (driver's license, insurance card, resident card, student ID, etc.) that verifies your name and address.
The number of books that can be borrowed at one time and the loan period vary from library to library. For example, at the Hibiya Library, a Chiyoda Ward library, you can borrow books with the following numbers and loan periods.
| Type of material | People living in Chiyoda Ward | People living outside Chiyoda Ward |
| Books, magazines, picture story shows | Up to 10 books returned within 2 weeks | 5 books returned within 2 weeks |
| CD | Up to 3 items returned within 2 weeks | 3 items returned within 2 weeks |
| DVD/Video | 2 items returned within 2 weeks | 2 items returned within 2 weeks |
If you are about to miss the due date and cannot return books during the library's opening hours, we recommend using the return post. Many libraries have return boxes that can be used outside of library hours.
Also, the return post is 大丈夫 no matter where you return the materials within the same ward, even if it is in a different library. Note, however, that audiovisual materials such as CDs, DVDs, and videos, comics and large books containing multiple copies, and items ordered from other municipal libraries must be returned directly to the counter of the library where they were borrowed. Please check the official website of the library for the location and available hours of the return post.
5 Beautiful & Recommended Libraries in Tokyo
Tokyo has many stylish libraries that combine art and relaxation as well as book reading. Here are five of the most recommended libraries.
1. Hibiya Library & Culture Center
The Hibiya Library & Culture Center is a library with an eye-catching triangular distinctive exterior located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Located in Hibiya Park, visitors can enjoy reading in an environment surrounded by greenery.
In addition to library functions, the complex also includes a museum and a college, offering a wide variety of information and experiences. The Library Shop & Cafe Hibiya and the Library Dining Hibiya restaurant are also attached to the library, making it an attractive place to spend a relaxing time between reading. Incidentally, the café is also equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-22:00, Sun & Holidays 9:00-17:00
Access: Right next to Exit A14 of Hibiya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya and Chiyoda Lines. 3-minute walk from Exit A7 of Uchisaiwaicho Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line.
| Hibiya Library & Culture Center | |
|---|---|
| Hours of operation | Monday-Friday 10:00-22:00 Sat. 10:00-19:00 Sundays and holidays 9:00-17:00 |
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 〒100-0012 1-4 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Access | -Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line/Hibiya Line "Kasumigaseki" Station, Exit B2, approx. 3 min. walk -A 3-minute walk from Uchisaiwaicho Station (Exit A7) on the Toei Subway Mita Line -Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Kasumigaseki" station, 3 minutes walk from exit C4 -10 min. walk from JR Shimbashi Station Hibiya Exit. |
Reference:Hibiya Library | Chiyoda Ward Library
2. Musashino Place
Musashino Place is a library with an impressive modern glass exterior located in Musashino City, Tokyo. In addition to the library, there is a "Lifelong Learning Support" floor that meets various learning needs, a "Civic Activity Support" floor that provides a meeting place for civic activities, and a "Youth Activity Support" floor that enables the creation of a place for youth in the community, making it a complex facility rooted in the community.
It also has a relaxing eating and drinking space, "Cafe Fermata," where you can enjoy reading and coffee time together in a stylish atmosphere.
| Musashino Place | |
|---|---|
| Hours of operation | 9:30-22:00 Closed on Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a holiday, the museum will be open and closed the following day) |
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 〒180-0023 2-3-18 Sakaiminami-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo |
| Access | 1 minute walk from South Exit of Musashi Sakai Station on JR Chuo Line and Seibu Tamagawa Line |
Reference:Musashino Place
3. Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library is one of the largest libraries in Japan, located in Minato-ku, Tokyo. It has a collection of approximately 2.25 million volumes and a wide range of magazines and newspapers.
With more than 900 reading seats, the library provides an environment where one can concentrate on study and research. The library does not have children's books (picture books), so those who wish to use picture books are recommended to use the Tama Library, which has books for young people to enjoy. The library also has a cafeteria where visitors can enjoy coffee and other beverages and meals.
| Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library | |
|---|---|
| Hours of operation | Monday-Friday 10:00-21:00 Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10:00-17:30 |
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 〒106-8575 5-7-13 Minami-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Access | -8 min. walk from Exit 1 of Hiroo Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line -20 min. walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Subway Oedo Line -20 min. walk from Azabu-juban Station on the Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line and Toei Subway Oedo Line |
Reference:Tokyo Metropolitan Library
4. Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library
As mentioned in the introduction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library has a rich collection of children's books from Japan and abroad, with a particular emphasis on children's literature. The library is responsible for promoting children's reading activities through its "Children's and Teenagers' Reference Service," and has an extensive collection of materials in this field.
In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library holds approximately 17,000 titles of magazines in a wide range of genres and languages from the Meiji period to the modern era. This vast collection of magazines is known as the "Tokyo Magazine Bank" and is an unparalleled and valuable resource.
| Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library | |
|---|---|
| Hours of operation | Monday-Friday 10:00-21:00 Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10:00-17:30 |
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 〒 185-8520 2-2-26 Izumi-cho, Kokubunji City |
| Access | 7 minutes walk from South Exit of Nishikokubunji Station on JR Chuo Line and Musashino Line |
Reference:Tokyo Metropolitan Library
5. bunkyo city Koishikawa Library
Bunkyo Koishikawa Library boasts an impressive collection of approximately 20,000 vinyl records. It is ranked first in the number of records held by ward, city, town, and village in Tokyo, and boasts more than four times the number of records held by Shinjuku Ward, which is in second place.
The collection includes classical music, jazz, shoka, rakugo, as well as many nostalgic pop and rock recordings, making the library a valuable resource for record lovers.
It also features a variety of events and workshops available to both children and adults, contributing to the revitalization of the local community.
| Bunkyo Koishikawa Library | |
|---|---|
| Hours of operation | Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00 Sundays and holidays 9:00-17:00 |
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 〒112-0001 1-4-8 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo |
| Access | Six-minute walk from Myogadani Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line |
Reference:Koishikawa Library
Serious employment support to help you realize your dream of working in Japan!
Do you want to work in Japan?
Let us "Goandup" make that dream a reality!
【 Program Features 】
✅ JLPT N3 level Japanese language acquisition
✅ Thorough preparation for the specific skills test
✅ Full support for job hunting in Japan
Business-focused one-on-one lessons will help you find a job in Japan in the shortest possible time.
【 Program Menu 】
- Individual Japanese language lessons
- Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.
- Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.
- Preparation for the Specific Skills Test
- Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.
- Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.
- Resume and CV support
- To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.
- To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.
- Interview Preparation
- Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.
- Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.
- career consulting
- Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.
- Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.
- Chat Support
- In addition to one-on-one individual lessons, we also accept casual questions via DM (visa application, living support, assistance in finding a room, etc.).
If you are serious about your career in Japan, join us now!
▶︎ for more informationclick here.
We will do our best to support your success in Japan!
summary
In this article, we have introduced how to use Tokyo's libraries and recommended some of the most beautiful libraries in the city.
Libraries in Tokyo are convenient public facilities that can be used in a variety of ways: not only to borrow books and read them, but also as places where you can study or work quietly, use Wi-Fi, or attend events. With nearly 400 libraries in Tokyo, there is sure to be one in your area.
The Hibiya Library & Culture Center, Musashino Place, Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library, and Bunkyo Koishikawa Library introduced in this article are all attractive libraries with distinctive collections and services, but these are just a few examples. Libraries near you are sure to have wonderful books, facilities, and services available as well.
We encourage you to find the library that is right for you and use it for reading, learning, work, or hobbies.
Reference:Number of Public Libraries in Tokyo｜TOKYO PAPER for Culture vol.013
Your support will help us!
Thank you for visiting Goandup Picks. Our mission is to provide you with more useful information to show the world what Japan has to offer.
Your support will help us to further enhance our activities, so please support us!
