Where are Tokyo's libraries located? Detailed information on beautiful libraries and how to use them.
Where are all the libraries in Tokyo?"
I would like to know about the most fashionable libraries in Tokyo."
Is Wi-Fi available in libraries in Japan?"
This article will address the following questions for foreigners who have such questions.
- Overview of libraries in Tokyo
- Stylish Library in Tokyo
- What Japanese Libraries Can Do
If you are interested in touring the beautiful libraries in Tokyo or want to make the most of the libraries in Japan, please refer to this page.
How many libraries are there in Tokyo?
There are a total of 164 libraries in the 23 wards of Tokyo.
The ranking of wards with the most libraries is as follows
No. 1: Setagaya Ward
2nd : Adachi Ward
3rd : Ota Ward
There is always more than one library in other wards, so please try to find a library in your own ward.
Reference: Number and Density Ranking of Libraries - Tokyo Library Conquest!https://tokyo-toshokan.net/00000590.htm
How to find the library?
It is possible to check information about libraries by searching the Internet using the keywords "XX ward (the municipality in which you live)" + "library". For example, a search for "Shibuya Ward Library" will bring up the homepage of the Shibuya Ward Library at the top of the list.
Most libraries in Tokyo have official Web sites, so you can check their locations and how to use them on their Web sites.
Do I have to live in that ward to use the library?
Some of you may be thinking, "Isn't the Shibuya Ward Library only available to residents of Shibuya Ward?" Some people may think that "Shibuya-ku libraries are only available to residents of Shibuya-ku. However, in many cases, libraries in Japan can be used by "people who live in adjacent cities, towns, and villages" and "people who live in Tokyo".
For example, the Shinjuku City Library has the following three conditions for user registration.
- 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
Even if you do not live in Tokyo, you can register to use the service if you work or go to school in Shinjuku City.
There are libraries that allow registration for use by a very wide range of people "who have a certificate of residence in Japan.You don't have to live in the district where the library is located to use it."Keep in mind that this is not the case.
Please contact GTN to find a room in Japan!
Please contact GTN to find a room in Japan.
GTN has the following characteristics
- Staff of other languages available
- You can sign a contract even if you are abroad.
- Minors can also consult with us about moving in.
- Contracts can be signed without a guarantor
In addition to this, GTN has a generous amount of support for international visitors.
The website is also available in other languages, so even if you do not plan to live in Japan yet, please visit the website first.
The website isclick hereFrom!
Three beautiful libraries in Tokyo
Here are three beautiful libraries in Tokyo.
- Hibiya Library & Culture Center
- Musashino Place
- Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library
These are libraries that book lovers should visit at least once.
We will explain the appeal and particulars of each.
Hibiya Library & Culture Center
Hibiya Library is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. It is located on the grounds of Hibiya Park and has an unusual triangular shape.
In addition to the library, the facility also houses a "museum" and a "college" and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways besides reading and borrowing books.
The Library Shop & Cafe Hibiya café and Library Dining Hibiya restaurant are also attached to the building, satisfying the enjoyment of eating.
The café has seating and wireless LAN with access to electrical outlets.
Reference: Hibiya Library & Culture Centerhttps://www.library.chiyoda.tokyo.jp/hibiya/
Musashino Place
Musashino Place is a library located in Musashino City, Tokyo. It features a modern design on the exterior, giving the impression that cutting-edge information is available.
In addition to the library, there is a "Lifelong Learning Support" floor to meet various learning needs, a "Civic Activity Support" floor to provide a meeting place for civic activities, and a "Youth Activity Support" floor to create a place for youth in the community.
It is a library that is rooted in the community and offers a variety of activities. The library also has a café called "Cafe Fermata" where you can relax.
Reference: Musashino Placehttps://www.musashino.or.jp/place/
Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo. With approximately 2.17 million volumes, it boasts one of the largest collections in Japan, as well as a large number of magazines and newspapers.
The library features a very large number of reading seats, approximately 900. The library does not hold children's books (picture books), so those wishing to use picture books are recommended to use the Tama Metropolitan Library.
The cafeteria attached to the building offers coffee and other beverages as well as small meals.
Tokyo Metropolitan Central Libraryhttps://www.library.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/
How to Borrow Books from Japanese Libraries
In Japanese libraries, you can basically borrow books by creating a use or check-out ticket (registering to use the library).
In most cases, you will need to provide documents that show your name and address (documents that can verify your identity) when you make a use or loan ticket. For example, a driver's license, resident card, insurance card, or student ID card.
How many books can I borrow at one time?
The number of books that can be borrowed at one time and the period of time that books can be borrowed vary from library to library. For example, at the Hibiya Library & Culture Center introduced earlier, you can borrow books in the following numbers and for the following 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 |
In the unlikely event that you find yourself in a situation where the due date is near, but you can only make time to return the book after the library closes! Many libraries have "return boxes" or other facilities to help you return books.
By placing the borrowed book in the return mailbox, it will be treated as a return, which is also helpful if you are only able to visit after business hours.
What Japanese Libraries Can Do
Japanese libraries can
- reading
- Use and viewing of CDs and DVDs
- study
- Using Wi-Fi
- Participation in events being held
There are many possible uses beyond "borrowing and reading books.
Since so many libraries have CD/DVD collections, it is recommended to borrow CDs and DVDs of artists and directors you are interested in. Sometimes there is a reading space in the library.
In addition, most libraries promise a quiet environment, since many people come to the library basically to read books. You can use the library as a place where you can concentrate on your studies or other activities.
Furthermore, many libraries offer free Wi-Fi (wireless LAN environment) access, which is recommended for those who "do not have Wi-Fi access at home" or "want to concentrate on computer work outside.
Many libraries offer community-based activities and events such as picture book readings for children.
*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.
summary
This article provided an overview of libraries in Tokyo, stylish libraries in Tokyo, and what you can do at libraries in Japan.
Here is a summary of what we have so far.
- Setagaya Ward has the most libraries in Tokyo's 23 wards
- You can check information about the library by searching with the keywords "XX ward (the city, town, or village where you live)" + "library".
- Few libraries are "only available if you live in the district where the library is located."
- Many libraries allow users to borrow books by creating a use and checkout ticket (registering for use).
Libraries are very convenient public facilities open to residents of Japan.
If you are a foreigner but "living in Japan," "working in Japan," or "studying in Japan," please refer to this article and make active use of it.
