7 Best Record Stores in Tokyo

Big Love Records

“…the only record shop in Tokyo where you can get the latest indie music.”

 “At Big Love Records there is abundant new vinyl of the latest indie rock that can not be obtained at other shops. The webshop fulfills orders while real stores are mentioned. The commentary on the product page is so distinctive and I like it.”

– Hirolo Aizaqa, Record People Magazine

 “An old friend of mine runs this shop and my son works there too. They have old collections of cassettes and records only and new indie music from around the world. Can probably say that this is the only record shop in Tokyo where you can get the latest indie music.”

– Cornelius

Disk Union Shinjuku

” t’s perfect grazing for musical omnivores.”

“In moments of weakness, I’ve been known to spend a whole afternoon cruising the various outlets of the Disk Union empire in Shinjuku. The eight-story main branch, where each floor caters to a different genre (Japanese indie, Latin, Brazilian, prog rock, etc.), is the place to start, but my favorite is the prosaically titled Shinjuku Used Store, where everything is squeezed into a single, sprawling floor. It’s perfect grazing for musical omnivores. You can move straight from jazz to J-pop, classical to club music. I’ve made many happy discoveries there, and the prices tend to be a fraction cheaper than at Disk Union’s specialist shops.”

– James Hadfield, Japan Times

Coconuts Disks Ekoda

“It’s one of those rare places where those of us who know and love music can feel the surprise and excitement.”

“With all the record shops that exist in Tokyo, it’s really hard to pick just one. The shops that are still around have stood the test of time, mainly because they clearly have their own personalities and specialize in something. Anyway, my pick would have to be Coconuts Disks’ main store in Ekoda (they have a total of four shops in Tokyo). The Ekoda store’s interior is stylish, but the selection displayed on the shelves is distinct (to put it mildly). If you’re looking for an easy-to-dance-to track or rare, in-demand rock/pop, this might not be the place for you. Instead, they offer a different angle with experimental stuff, new age, progressive, jazz, and much more. All the records here may seem insignificant or a bit dated at first, but that also means you’ll be able to discover lots of stuff you’ve never even heard of. It’s one of those rare places where those of us who know and love music can feel the surprise and excitement. Although the selection is eclectic, it’s still organized into detailed categories and there are staff reviews attached to the covers to help you out. Even if you just want to listen without buying, it’s completely fine, and the atmosphere is really laid-back. Ekoda isn’t the easiest place to get to from central Tokyo, but Coconuts Disks makes the trek worth it.”

– Kunihiro Miki, TimeOut

Nat Records

“…good selections of metal, punk, and psychedelic rock.”

“Good small record store in Shinjuku. They have good selections of metal, punk, and psychedelic rock. Their review for each title is really amazing.”

– Go Kurosawa, Kikagaku Moyo

Jet Set Records

“…few stock as many contemporary Japanese releases as Jet Set Records.”

“The Shimokitazawa neighborhood of Tokyo boasts no shortage of record shops, but few stock as many contemporary Japanese releases as Jet Set Records. Open since 2003, the small second-floor shop carries a wide variety of genres and formats, but the focus falls on vinyl. Alongside a great selection of current U.S. and U.K. rock and pop offerings, Jet Set offers a good amount of recent domestic releases touching on rock to dance music. If you want to get a taste of what’s happening musically in the capital, Jet Set is the spot for you.”

– Patrick St. Michel, Japan Times, Pitchfork, Discogs

Enban Record Store

“…the store is a haven for music lovers who are into the very fringes of indie music.” 

“Located alongside the tracks of the Chuo Line, one of the main train lines that go horizontally across Tokyo, Koenji’s Enban is home to obscure and strange releases. With a good majority of releases being handmade by the artists themselves, the space also regularly hosts small live events and other artistic activities (one time I walked into a throat singing lecture.) An early home to the likes of Afrirampo and Nissennenmondai, the store is a haven for music lovers who are into the very fringes of indie music.”

– Ryotaro Aoki, Japan Times

HMV Record Shop Shibuya

“Rare groove selections are on point…”

“Rare groove selections are on point for me, and not only LPs. I love the 7-inch section where there used to be a vault. They have lovely selections. “

– Makoto Shimizu

“It’s a used shop (actually sells new vinyl as well), but has a great selection of music. For example, European experimental music and a lot of soul and funk 7-inches with a large variety of music. And the shop is also big.”

– Cornelius