Tokyo, Japan (2)

The old Tokyo thread is too old to reply to so I'm starting this new thread.
I'm going there in about a month and would like your recommendations. I'm aware of Disk Union and RECOfan. Here's the index of Disk Union stores: http://diskunion.net/st/shop/e_index.html and RECOfan: http://www.recofan.co.jp/map/map_eng.html

What else is there?

My personal interest is Trance and Techno from the 90's and pop/alternative from the late 80's and early 90's (Depeche Mode, Carter USM, PWEI, U2, FGTH).

Shimo-Kitazawa

Upstairs. Has a good amount of stock in most genres including techno/house. Quite near disk union.

Flash Disc Ranch
Misuzu Bldg 2F, 2-12-16 Shimo-Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031

I was there last summer, there are still plenty of stores in Shibuya (a few blocks from Shibuya X'ing along the pedestrian streets, can't names at the moment) and Shimo Kitazawa (mainly around the train station, try Yellow Pop).
The blog here has some names, but seems to have become inactive:
http://blog.cdandlp.com/2011/03/yellow-pop-shimokitazawa.html

Will see if I can get the time to look through the old list and pick out the ones of I went to.

Note: Due to the high population density in Japanese cities, shops and restaurants are not limited to the ground floor, so when walking around make a habit of looking for signs above street level. It is perfectly normal to enter an anonymous building (that you might expect only contains apartments for living), take the elevator to the 4th or the 7th floor and walk down the hall to discover a well equipped record store, just like that. Most buildings will have a backlit display mentioning the stores and bars, and the floor they are located.

Thanks, will look into those.

I ordered this book: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=NEOBK-1316918
It should list all record stores, it's in Japanese but hopefully it will give some guidance as well.

On the previous thread there is detail about 'Small Paradise' in Shibuya. It notes that it sells Italo records so I wouldn't mind a look when I visit Tokyo.

Does anyone have some more precise directions than in the previous thread? Any names of record stores that stock italo would be appreciated too!

Quotes from this thread: http://www.djhistory.com/forum/tokyo-japan

"Small Paradise in Shibuya
This is on the 3rd floor of a brown building behind Disc union – opposite a big steak house. Specialises in Italo – has some nice collectable bits in – but it is the most expensive shop I have visited here so far. Worth a visit though, if just to check out the lovely lady behind the counter."

"Also Small Paradise records was closed everytime I went there, must have tried 5 or 6 times over a three week period."

"Small Paradise opens around 6pm usually, but sometimes later, very expensive mind.. "

"quick update about small paradise it only seems to be open for walk in trade on Sundays now… "

This page says it's closed: http://www.ln-cc.com/page/tokyorecords/

Damn! Thanks for the research. I'll have a dig around some of the more accessible stores I think...

Doing the rounds of all the Disk Unions in town is mandatory.
Shinjuku and Ochanomizu have the most DU branches scattered around a few blocks. There's also Second Hands for hifi equipment in the same boros.
Ask for the maps of the other DU shops in the first one you find: over the years I visited the ones in Takadanobaba (new opening), Shibuya (4 stores in the same building), Ikebukuro (close to the JR station), Shimokitazawa and Nakano (close to the JR stations as well). I also tried the DU shop in Kichijoji this last summer, pretty close to the Ghibli museum.
All of them will provide you with some gems and will inflict severe damage to your pockets/creditto cado :D
Never been to the Tachikawa and Machida DU stores.

Recofan in Shibuya is INSANE. Great selection of EVERYTHING and cheap prices as well. Always spend at least a couple of hours there. The Reconfan is Ikebukuro is not bad but much smaller than the Shibuya shop. I always find interesting stuff in the 100 yen crates there.

While in Ikebukuro you might want to try Daruyama in the back streets near the JR station: a bit pricy but cool store nonetheless (http://darumaya.to/)

Besides the Disk Union branches, while in Shinjuku visit Vinyl Japan (Vinyl Japan #1 – Nishi-Shinjuku 7-4-7 (03-3365-0910) (look for the pink VJ sign pointing to the basement) and Warehouse/Nat records (1 minute walk from VJ, map here http://natrecords.shop-pro.jp/?mode=f4).
VJ carries LOTS of 80's wave/pop/synth stuff as well as 70's prog/punk/whatnot records.
Warehouse/Nat are 2 different shops in the same room: Nat is mostly punk/hc/metal, Warehouse oldies/2nd hand goodies.
There are more shops in the area: Airs (audio and dvd bootlegs) and a soft rock/AOR shop called Shinjuku Records.

Koenji has a couple of cool punk/metal stores: Base Records (http://www.recordshopbase.com/.html) and Boy Records (in the Pal arcade close to the JR station, Koenji Building 303 4-7-10, Koenji Minami Suginami, Tokyo 166-0003). In the arcade you can find Be-In Records which focuses mostly on '60s and '70s rarities (http://www.bein.co.jp/index.htm).

Jet Set in Shimokitazawa will be good for the electronica geek (http://www.jetsetrecords.net/location) scroll down for the Tokyo one.

Warszawa in Shibuya (http://www.warszawa.jp/) is kinda good and close to the Disk Union/Recofan shops.

Head definately for...

Disk Union esp one in Shibuya - thousands of records -original pressings at reasonable prices

Dance Music Records ( DMR ) - good for new release Dance Records

Vinyl Cycle in Shibuya too worth tracking down for second hand dance, funk, disco and soul / jazz

Now I'm back from Tokyo and these were the shops I visited:

RECOfan Shibuya
Best of the shops. Bought some CD's and even a bunch of LaserDiscs (some a bargain at 100 yen each).

Tower Records Shibuya
Funny that these lists always ignore the major shops. Of course you don't find anything there that you can't order from online shops. Still they have an impressive stock and it's one of few mega stores that is still around.

Disk Union Shibuya
Disk Union Shinjuku
I was expecting more of these shops but I didn't find anything really interesting.

Disk Union Shimokitazawa
Best of the Disk Union shops that I visited

Disk Union Ochanomizu
Another good Disk Union.

Yellow Pop Shimokitazawa
Some bargains can be made at this place. They even had some LaserDiscs.

Jet Set Shimokitazawa
A lot of EDM on vinyl.

Disc Shop Zero Shimokitazawa
EDM, Reggae and World Music
Here's a video describing the way to the shop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lo24VvZ7oO4

Strangelove Records, Nishishinjuku 7-8-11
Mostly bootlegs which I have no interest in since better quality transfers is almost always available on the web these days

Shinjuku Record, Nishishinjuku 7-5-2
Another place with a lot of Bootlegs. As you have understood by now I have an interest for LaserDiscs and was happy to find some of those at this place :-)

I didn't find Flash Disc Ranch, I guess it has closed down.

That was all that I had time to visit. I went with a friend who has null interest in record shops so I had to limit myself a bit.

What struck me is the interest in Japan for 60's and 70's rock. The shops had enormous amounts of Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and stuff like that. Unfortunately I have zero interest in that stuff.

With Small Paradise being closed, can anyone give me recommendations of 2-3 stores in close proximity that sell a selection 80s / italo records?

Heading there in 2 weeks and fancy a look around!
Cheers

alister-read
With Small Paradise being closed, can anyone give me recommendations of 2-3 stores in close proximity that sell a selection 80s / italo records?

Heading there in 2 weeks and fancy a look around!
Cheers

Not really into that stuff you like so someone else would maybe give you a better advice but I'd hit Disk Union and Jet Set in Shimokitazawa.

I collect the deeper end of techno and was real surprised at the Electronica/Dance stock in the 'Book Off' chain of shops. Shibuya has an excellent one. CD's only but picked loads of vintage, rare stuff up for around £3 to 5. Great thing about Japan is second hand usually means NM in grading as all stuff seems to be very well looked after I've found.

Quick note if your collecting vinyl in Tokyo and travelling back home with it. Check your baggage allowance as I got proper nailed as I'd over 50 x 12" in the shoulder bag along with my business gear.... Ouch!

Hey has anyone been to the Yokohama Disc Union store recently? I'm mainly after hip hop/beats/detroit techno etc on vinyl only, I was thinking of going down there tomorrow.

Flash Disco Ranch is still open by the way, but the club/rap Disc Union store in Ochanomizu seems to have closed.

AskeladdenBlack
but the club/rap Disc Union store in Ochanomizu seems to have closed.

I think it closed when they opened the new big one near the JR station.

Hi guys
I am visiting Tokyo next week
Any good store I should visit ?

I collect original UK and US pop/rock/progressive/psychedelic music from the 70s and cosmic/kraut vinyls - especially rarities

Many thanks for your help

Imaxandco, just start by reading the first posts in this thread. Some good recommendations, I swear ;)

Imaxandco
I collect original UK and US pop/rock/progressive/psychedelic music from the 70s and cosmic/kraut vinyls - especially rarities

Definitely head for the Prog Disk Union shop in Shinjuku, see red #3 in this map diskunion.net/st/shop/shop_map/map_ds_area_english.html

Please report back with your findings and experience of was hunting in the land of the rising sun!

Found this blog that lists a few shops I never visited before:
http://www.vinylrecordcollector.net/2012/11/tokyo-japan-style-definitions-table.html

Hey JRyall many thanks
Will definitely check and report what I find!

Nats records in nishi-shinjuku for weird kraut rock style... infact loads in shinjuku san-chome have weird experimental rock bootlegs and stuff. There's another that recently moved there from near yoyogi area but I cant the name.

I've been to several shops a few days ago. Recofan http://www.recofan.co.jp/map/map_eng.html is truly impressive. Tons of stuff, including vinyl. Rarities I saw included Steve Hoffman mastered DCC Gold Discs. All shelf sections are labelled in Japanese and English. Disc Union http://diskunion.net/st/shop/e_index.html is also recommended, Book Off http://www.bookoff.co.jp/shop/ (no English) as well.

I visited based on the recommendations of this topic Disk Union Shinjuku which I found quite impressive - they have a very nice selection of rarities, UK/US originals and Japanese of course. very fine records - but rare stuff is extremely expensive. All records I bought were in nice condition, you can ask to play the records when you buy.

Prog Disk Union shop in Shinjuku is very good as well with a superb section of UK prog originals (some vertigo swirls, etc) and some kraut. Extremely expensive as well but not overpriced if you compare with ebay. Japanese are very serious collectors, no doubt

I also found that Japan has (I suppose) the latest Tower Record still open in the world

I did not have the time to visit the place but I will go back next month and report

http://tower.jp/

Imaxandco
I also found that Japan has (I suppose) the latest Tower Record still open in the world

In a nutshell, Tower has just about everything but the prices are probably the highest in Japan. You will probably find what you want there and there are special offers, so it's worth a look.

Store directory:

1F New releases and recommendations
2F Tower Records Cafe
3F J-Pop, J-Indies, J-Punk
4F Soul, R&B, Dance, Hip-Hop, Club Music, Reggae, World Music, K-Pop
5F Rock, Pop, Oldies, Blues, Country
6F Jazz/Fusion, Easy Listening, Soundtrack, New Age/Relaxation, Ambient/Electronica, TV
7F Classical

I visited Tower Record but it only stores new Cds and some new vinyl records, but to clarify there is no second hand or vintage records at Tower and prices of brand new stuff are high so it was not interesting for me

The classical floor might be of interest for those collecting out of print classical music CDs and Japanese audiophile as the selection is very large and excellent

I'll be in Tokyo touring Asia late september. Will be on the look for vinyl : Avant garde, modern classical, free jazz, libraries, electronic music, rare Chicago house, and various other odd bits.
What are my best options?

As suggested further up, Recofan in Shibuya is a good place to start. Unlike a lot of the Disk Unions, it's not specialised so is good for digging lots of different styles of music.

No doubt there are DUs and other stores specialising in those types of music too hopefully someone else will have recommendations. For jazz, I know the Disk Union in Ochanomizu is great (also does classical), as is the one in Shinjuku and Shibuya. Definitely worth going to Ochanomizu and there are a few other non-DU record shops there too - probably because there's a big university in that area.

I've just returned from a two week visit to Japan. Here's what I found out about record stores in Tokyo:

Tower Records Shibuya is enormous but mostly sells cds. If that's what you're looking for it's a great store. They do have vinyl but usually a very small selection. There are many listening poles (is that a word in english?? In Dutch it's luisterpaal) I've bought 4 cd's at Tower Records.

There is a store in Shibuya called Technique, it specializes in electronic music. Large selection of house, techno, dnb, dubstep etc. I liked it a lot.

Recofan is a great store if you're looking for records from before 1990. I couldn't find anything younger but did end up buying a Dave Brubeck record and one by Pink Floyd. If you're looking for stuff from the 60's, 70's and 80's, it's one of the best.

I've heard that there is a record store in Harajuku called Best Love Records that is supposed to be very good (mainly electronic), but I was unable to find it. I heard they also sell craft beer :-)

Also in Harajuku is Beams Records. Very small store, mainly cd's but also Vinyl, mostly techno, house, soul and world music. It exactly matches my musical taste and I bought four cd's.

Disk Union is everywhere but I couldn't find anything that I was looking for. I recommend going there anyway because they have a very large selection of records so there's probably sometthing for you.

The Disk Union in Kichijoji is my 'DU' of choice when in Tokyo, it certainly is the most organised one and I found some really good stuff. Also, Coconut Disc in Harajuku - it is not so big, but I spent hours in there and it was one of those visits where they literally had everything I was looking for and more. Also, don't forget places like Hard Off which are recycle stores, they are everywhere and you can sometimes pick up some good stuff - I bought the Japanese editions of Parallel Lines by Blondie and Sound Affects by the Jam for 900 yen the pair.

Which would be the best for Avant Garde, Experimental, Modern Classical, Free Jazz and such? Thanks

I'm in town for the whole week. Here's my observations so far. I'm mainly looking for Metal/Hardcore and Rap stuff but since I've been to several stores now I got a look into what they have (I've been here since three days, so there's still a lot to check).
Disk Union in Shinjuku and Shibuya: Scored tons of great records at great prices there. They have all styles at good prices but are particularly strong for Rap, Metal/Hardcore. The rare stuff is obviously not cheap but moderately priced. You can check their website which lists all their stores (there's a lot): http://diskunion.net/st/shop/e_index.html
Their electronic section is not that huge and I didn't find much there but for Metal and Rap, it's better than New York, especially the Shibuya stores. I also checked the stores in Ochanomizu but they're all CDs. They had a dedicated store for Blues and Soul there too but I haven't been there, just walked past it.

Recofan in Shibuya: disappointing for Metal, lots of Rap records but you can get all that at Disk Union for better prices. They do have a ridiculously huge section of Jazz and Classical though.

NAT Records in Shinjuku: some cool Punk/Hardcore stuff, mainly 7"es. It's also connected to another store called Warehouse which is all 60s/70s stuff. Read about it here: http://blog.cdandlp.com/2012/03/warehouse-shinjuku_12.html
This has already kept me busy for the past three days. Get a PASMO card and go around town with the subway/monorail. For record shopping I'd have to say Tokyo smokes New York, San Francisco and LA with ease.

Some updates: Coconuts Disk in Shibuya has a great selection of Rap records. The other store was nice but didn't have much of interest for me. They are more specialized on Jazz and Soul/Funk.

Disk Union in Shimokitazawa is insane, not as filled as the Shibuya store but nearly as much.

Jet Set in Shimokitazawa: unexciting, mainly new releases that you can get in Europe or the US easier.

Technique in Shubuya: unexciting but found a Japan only DJ Krush 12" there

Record Boy and Record Shop Base in Koenji: great selection of Punk/Hardcore/extreme Metal. Prices on the upper end of the scale but you will still find enough stuff at good prices there.

Koenji and Shimokitazawa were also my favorite spots in Tokyo, relaxed atmosphere, not crowded at all. The overloaded Shinjuku and Shibuya are definitely something you need to experience when you're in town but it can get tiresome after a few days.

Beside the well known DISK UNION shops (which are imho one of the best used record/cd shops worldwide), you also should check out the different BOOK OFF shops for used CDs in Tokyo. Big choice, low prices.

D.U shinjuku and Shibuya punk branches were great, Chiba too.

Recofan didnt do it for me. Acres of stuff but too many 980 yen Billy Joel (etc) lp's. I scavenged for 3 hours and only found about 10 deals.

Yellow Pop had nothing enticing for me

ps, anyone ever been to this?:
http://file.blog-nakano.diskunion.net/3cbfdb0f.jpeg

damn, I arrived there on 22 Sept ;( but anyway I still found so much stuff to get into trouble with the baggage limits (extra suitcase already booked).

Sapporo_Records
Recofan didnt do it for me. Acres of stuff but too many 980 yen Billy Joel (etc) lp's. I scavenged for 3 hours and only found about 10 deals.

Yeah, Recofan is just perfect if you need to fill some gaps in a 'classics' collection.
You'll find countless different pressings of Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Queen and most '70s and '80s rock or pop records. You need to go in knowing what to look for otherwise it's like a neverending maze :D
Their selection of cd singles in incredibile.
The Yokohama branch is about the same size/selection but slightly less organized.

HM-2
damn, I arrived there on 22 Sept ;( but anyway I still found so much stuff to get into trouble with the baggage limits (extra suitcase already booked).

Yep, Tokyo can be bad for baggage allowances.
I always bring one of those travel scales with me to make sure the checked bag is exactly 23 kg and put the rest in a big backpack and carry-on trolley. Always worked fine.
Last time it was about 150 pieces of vinyl (12", 10" and 7") plus some cd's.
Before leaving for Japan I even go out of my way to make sure I'm only bringing older clothing I won't regret leaving behind.

although this post started about trance/techno music and i am mainly looking for different styles, i wanna share my experience here as it seems to be the active "tokyo" thread.
i recently returned from japan and had a great time digging there. i was looking for soul, funk, 70s/80s jpop, house, brasil, jazz, afro.

i found a lot in the cheap bins of recofan, and they had a special discount offer for buying more than 5 records. i checked most of the disk union stores (except the rock music ones). my impression was: the further away from the center, the better the prices. most of the stores had a good selection for my interests.

other stores i liked:
- Coconuts Disk
3-22-7 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Tokyo 171-0021
Tel : 03-3985-0463
http://www.coconutsdisk.com

found some good jpop rare groove records there.

- Satellite Records
great little store. good prices if i right. soul, funk, a lot of japanese stuff.
don't have the adress and could not find out yet. we met a very friendly record dealer who drove us there. not too far from shibuya, possibly sarugakucho.

also wanna mention
- Face Records
http://www.facerecords.com
used vinyl. not that cheap but good selection

- Lighthouse Records
http://lighthoecords.jp
new and used vinyl. most used records for about 1300yen. good selection

there are a lot more stores i visited but eigther i couldnot read/ the name or the store didnot sell any stuff for me.

Disk Union Nakano is doing another 100y record market in November: http://file.blog-nakano.diskunion.net/9c9407a8.jpeg
Anyone knows if other D.U, stores are doing something alike?

As far as I know the Shibuya store always has several 100 Yen bins, at least on the Hip Hop/electronic floor. Most of the stores also have a more or less constant rebate system, depending on the color of the price tag (from 5 to 20%). They just had a massive CD/DVD 20% rebate sale for three weeks (ended 6 October).

Having my first trip to Japan in April and looking forward to going on a vinyl buying spree. Mostly buying 60's/70's rock, garage rock, psych and new wave. I'm staying in Shimokitazawa and looks like there are at least 1/2 dozen shops within walking distance. And just a short train ride to Shibuya and Shinjuku. Lots of great tips here. Thanks to all the contributors.

I had a week in Tokyo in April. Great place to visit and buy records.

As mentioned above I was mainly shopping for 60/70's rock, singer-songwriter etc. Not really after rarities, just collection fillers at reasonable prices. Found stacks of those and the condition of the vinyl has been exemplary. I'm used to buying 2nd hand vinyl in Australia where a few crackles and pops are par for the course. I've played about half of 150 albums I purchased and 90% of them have been perfect.

Shops I visited….

Shibuya area:

Disk Union - Very first shop I visited and was a bit shocked by the high prices. On reflection perhaps the rock section of this store has the higher priced more collectable stuff of all the DU stores. The basement soul section was good and picked up a few things there.

Recofan - Only a block away from Disk Union and my 2nd stop. This shop restored my faith that I'd pick up plenty of bargains on the trip. It's a massive store that you could spend a day in and still not get through all the stock. Heaps of good stuff under US$10. I made a second trip back on the last day. Really helpful staff here and they told me they still have a store in Yokohama that's even bigger. Next time!

Hi Fi Records - Easy Listening/Pop Vocal seemed to be it's specialty but it had a small rock section where I picked up a couple of good things.

Tower - headed for here on record store day thinking they'd have things I was after. Got there just before opening time and there was a massive queue. Thought that RSD must be extremely popular in Japan but then realised the line was all teenage girls and that a J-Pop star was making an in-store appearance. Went back later but didn't find anything to buy. All new stuff.

HMV - I was thinking it'd be all new stuff as well but they had a massive used section. Found a lot of stuff here. pricing was all over the shop. A lot of original pressings seemed to be way over priced but reissues were at good prices. Found a stack of stuff in the boxes under the main bins. Good soul section upstairs. It took me a few trips during the week to get through all the stuff.

Face - Have bought from their ebay shop regularly so was keen to check out the store. It's tiny and as I was there on RSD it was super crowded and difficult to get at the records. Found a few things.

Manhattan - I only went here because I was looking for an extra bag to get all the records home and thought they'd have a DJ case. they didn't have one(but I found a good bag at the Tokyu Hands department store nearby). Manhattan looked to have a great range of dance and hip hop stuff.

Shinjuku:

Disk Union - Liked this DU more than the Shibuya one. It's the one that's over about 8 floors! Found some good things in the rock section and prices were ok.

Warehouse - Good shop with a great range of 60's and 70's rock. Pretty decent prices too.

Vinyl Japan - Took a little bit of finding as it was up a spiral staircase and then right through to the back of the building. They could improve their signage. Massive selection of punk/new wave/indie rock kinda stuff from the US and UK. Expensive though. Found a few Australian things (Church, Triffids) from my wants list. A long way to go for homegrown stuff but this was the best shop in Tokyo to find stuff from 1976-1990.

Shimokitazawa: Stayed in this area and couldn't recommend it highly enough. Walking distance to a bunch of shops and only 5 minutes from Shibuya or Shinjuku by train. Great food options and bars around here too.

Disk Union - This was my favourite DU and because it was close to my apartment visited it several times. Great range. Plenty of bargains. New stock coming in on a daily basis.

Yellow Pop - Found a few things here. Decent soul section. Reasonable prices.

City Country City - A small selection of records inside a cafe/pasta t. Good prices and worth a visit. Cafe looked good but didn't get back to try it.

Vinyl Junkie - closed Fridays! Saw it open one other time when I was ing but didn't have time to stop. Think it's mainly new stuff but not sure.

Jetset - New stuff and mainly electronic. Had a DJ playing some pretty cool grooves on RSD. Made it a bit crowded but I found the Kinks singles I was after.

Flash Disc Ranch - I somehow walked past this place without seeing it a few times and only found it late in the trip. And late in the day when I was a bit shopped out! Massive amount of stuff at good prices. A bit of a mess so you need a lot more time than I had but I reckon some gems could be found here. The owner had pretty good English and was very friendly. Wish I'd asked him what he was playing when I first walked in because he had some psych/soul thing playing at high volume through his massive old 70's pioneer speakers. Then someone knocked someone else's beer over which caused a bit of a ruckus and he turned the record down to clean up. No beer damage to the records though thankfully!! Will visit this one on the first day next time.

Koenji

EAD - A friend had recommended EAD but alas, I chose to go on a Tuesday and it was closed.

Rare Records - I probably wouldn't have gone here but with EAD being closed didn't want to make the trip to Koenji a wasted one so went looking for other options. It's a bit hard to find, kinda tucked away under the railway line. Found a bunch of Japanese pressings of late 70's-mid 80's English releases here for all around the US$10 mark. Raincoats, Slits, Bunnymen, Smiths. Mostly with obi's and in amazing condition. I'll definitely be back here on future trips.

Can't wait to get back to Tokyo again.

gah, Vinyl Japan, I spent ages seartching for that place and gave up! It's still there? Maybe next time.

as for the nakano 100 yen sale, I'm guessing its 90% crap after I made it to the nakano DU and they had thousands of 100 yen 7"... and I'd barely even heard of any of the bands. Only one I bought was an Arcwelder 7"

I think this image pretty much sums it up
http://i.imgur.com/pdlyHqX.jpg
Not a single day goes by without the thought of being back there.
Oh, Tokyo! What you do to me?!!?

Disk Union everytime!

Yellow Pop Shimokitazawa is closed. i went there 3 weeks ago when they had a sale. one week later, the store was cleared out. don't think they will reopen.

One of my faves - LosApson? This is the HEXION Tapes crew etc. Really amazing leftfield scene associated with this spot. A bit hard to find. Upstairs. All formats here but my most interesting purchases were CDs (from an overwhelming selection). Tons of exclusive Japanese stuff. Lots of shirts too. Worth the visit. http://www.losapson.net

The other mind blower that hasn't been mentioned yet (I don't think) is COCO ISLE. Insanely well curated/dialed shop for Jamaican and Hawaiian music, with a beautiful sound system as well. The owner's business partner lives in Kingston so the supply is heady and steady. Upstairs a few floors. Essential visit.
http://www.coco-isle.com

Just visited HMV, Tower records, recofan and shinjuku Disc Union in Tokyo and for me Recofan as jazz used vinyl collector was best.

Vinyl Japan in Shinjuku 7 chome is amazing for new wave / punk / industrial. It is still open and is inside a residential apartment building. Look for the sign downstairs, go up to the 2nd floor (if I ) and to the end of the corridor and its on the left. Prices are high but their selection is ridiculous.

Also check out Manual of Errors in Shibuya for lots of very very obscure pieces, library records and completely uncategorisable records. It's on the 11th floor of the building opposite Tokyo Hands and next to the Lawson conbini.

just back from shinjuku/disk union shinjuku and ochanomizu is the best vinyl shop especially on sales day.

I get 1 day in Tokyo on the way back from a business trip. Thanks for the recommendations. Do most of the shops take credit cards? any cash only stores?

Never had any problem paying by credit card in all of the shops I visited in central Tokyo.
Maybe some of the shops on the outskirts of town prefer cash but I don't rememeber being denied in any of the stores I visited.

Most shops will take credit cards. The only shop that I can being cash only is Record Boy but I tend to pay cash in general. Disk Union, Coconuts Disk, Base all took credit cards.

Awesome, thanks for the replies. Can't wait for my trip.

Lots of good stuff here!!! I've been in Tokyo for about 3 months and have checked out most of the places listed here. However, I have not seen any 100 yen bins anywhere.

What I'm wondering is if anyone knows of stores that have a nice shibuya-kei and or left field section. Anything like that. I've been everywhere and I haven't found anything.

Also, has anyone noticed any stores that also sell old music magazines and stuff like that? I know the recohan in shibuya does, but I'm aching for more

TomorrowsSunrise
Lots of good stuff here!!! I've been in Tokyo for about 3 months and have checked out most of the places listed here. However, I have not seen any 100 yen bins anywhere.

From my experience the 100Y boxes usually happen at the Disc Unions in Shibuya & Shinjuku roughly once a month for a few days at a time, they are mostly rap 12"s and some house/techno stuff.
Maybe other departments like the Jazz & Classical ones do the same but I am yet to see it.

i found 100 yen at disc union shinjuku. some of them are ok.

The DxUx in Nakano always has some 100y boxes right up the stairs.

where can i find X-japan vinyl in tokyo?

my best bet would be Disk Union in Shibuya, Shinjuku (mostly Metal CDs and little vinyl there) and Shimokitazawa. The Ochanomizu Metal store is CD only. Possibly you could also find it in the Ikebukuro, Chiba or Yokohama-Nishiguchi branch. Also try the Metal/Punk stores NAT Records in Shinjuku and Record Boy and Record Shop Base (both in Koenji).

perceptiongroove
where can i find X-japan vinyl in tokyo?

You could try Brand-X in Ikebukuro.
Here's a map and directions:
http://askabangya.tumblr.com/post/61698039520/brand-x-directions
and this is their website: http://www.brand-x.jp/

Off to Tokyo in a few weeks. Looking for bootleg vinyl (Led Zeppelin, the Doors are my most favourites but also most rock/metal stuff). Anyone know if there's any boot shops still selling vinyl? Any help most welcome. My son will be with me and he is searching for Batman comics/graphic novels.

ChristyRing
My son will be with me and he is searching for Batman comics/graphic novels.

For Manga, Jpn comic books and mags you should at least check out the 'Book Off 'store in Shibuya and any of the other stores across Japan. They sell used but in fact nearly everything I've purchased used in Japan is NM. I my honest opinion Shibuya is the main hub of activity for vinyl and CD lovers. I visited many shops selling used vinyl (tip: to look up to the multi-levels plus check the shop directories outside !) but can't any selling bootlegs.

JRyall
perceptiongroovewhere can i find X-japan vinyl in tokyo?
You could try Brand-X in Ikebukuro.
Here's a map and directions:
http://askabangya.tumblr.com/post/61698039520/brand-x-directions
and this is their website: http://www.brand-x.jp/

thank, brand x have cd and dvd not vinyl.

HM-2
my best bet would be Disk Union in Shibuya, Shinjuku (mostly Metal CDs and little vinyl there) and Shimokitazawa. The Ochanomizu Metal store is CD only. Possibly you could also find it in the Ikebukuro, Chiba or Yokohama-Nishiguchi branch. Also try the Metal/Punk stores NAT Records in Shinjuku and Record Boy and Record Shop Base (both in Koenji).

thank,

dr303
ChristyRingMy son will be with me and he is searching for Batman comics/graphic novels.

For Manga, Jpn comic books and mags you should at least check out the 'Book Off 'store in Shibuya and any of the other stores across Japan. They sell used but in fact nearly everything I've purchased used in Japan is NM. I my honest opinion Shibuya is the main hub of activity for vinyl and CD lovers. I visited many shops selling used vinyl (tip: to look up to the multi-levels plus check the shop directories outside !) but can't any selling bootlegs.

Thank you :)

where is the best place to find 2 hand stylus in tokyo?

perceptiongroove
where is the best place to find 2 hand stylus in tokyo?

Your best bet would be Audio Union/Second Hands in Shinjuku or Ochanomizu.
https://vimeo.com/143487861
I know they have another smaller shop in Machida, a bit farther away from central Tokyo.

[quote=JRyall][/quote]

i will be there.

Diskunion in Shinjuku sell Jico styli among others (on their LP accessories floor, I think the 2nd in the main building). They can also order a specific model within 2 or 3 days. There's also an equipment branch in Shibuya where I saw stacks of 1200 MD3s selling for about 200 Euro a piece...

HM-2
Diskunion in Shinjuku sell Jico styli among others (on their LP accessories floor, I think the 2nd in the main building). They can also order a specific model within 2 or 3 days. There's also an equipment branch in Shibuya where I saw stacks of 1200 MD3s selling for about 200 Euro a piece...

thank,
i think i will looking for 2nd hand .
japanese second hand is still in good shape .

I would highly advise against this as there is no way to tell how much the needle had been used. The Jico styli aren't exactly cheap but you can easily spend $60-100 every other year for your turntable.

HM-2
I would highly advise against this as there is no way to tell how much the needle had been used. The Jico styli aren't exactly cheap but you can easily spend $60-100 every other year for your turntable.

thank,
i will check carefully and try before i buy.
if it's not good, i will buy new one.

i get one last trip ,it's pretty good.
half price for the new one.

could someone please give me a price indication what DISK UNION prices for NEW Independent electronic, funk, disco etc. releases? many thanks

generally speaking, buying new stuff there is useless as it's virtually all imports and you can get most stuff cheaper in the US or Europe. Only exception is of course Japanese releases but these are expensive by nature (1,500-2,500 Yen for a CD and 2,500 to 5,000 Yen for an LP). A new electronic 12" that sells for £7-8 in the UK would be about 1,700 to 2,000 Yen in Japan. New LPs that are sold for 15-20 Euro in Europe were sold at about 3,000-3,500 Yen.
http://www.technique.co.jp is a small electronic music store in Shibuya. Their site will give you some indicators. Prices for new stuff are more or less the same in all the stores.
So apart from the odd Japan only release I always settle for the used stuff. You will find so much that you won't even go through the new racks ;)

For EU & US new releases in general online stores like hhv.de, juno.co.uk are cheaper than record stores in Japan.
I suggest to buy only second hand records and only Japanese releases in Tokyo. Definitely the best record stores all over the world

thank everyone for the info you have done together,
I will go to Tokyo too soon and I am a big fan of U2, can you recommend me record stores with material of them?
I look especially concerts

Thanks

zario
I look especially concerts

If you mean bootlegs on cd or dvd look for Airs and Blind Faith in Nishi-Shinjuku.

Here's pictures and a map for Blind Faith https://foursquare.com/v/blind-faith/4b7a6e9ef964a520ad2c2fe3
Can't find a map for Airs. However it is on left side of the main road from Shinjuku walking towards Shin Okubo.
Somewhere along the blue line in this image: http://i.imgur.com/3iRl1Oa.jpg
They are in one of those building in an upper floor so look for a sign at street level

hi, anyone knows how to sell record to disk union in shinjuku or shibuya?

thank

perceptiongroove
hi, anyone knows how to sell record to disk union in shinjuku or shibuya?

Just bring the records you want to unload to one of the D.U. shops along with your id or port and hope some of the staff will understand english.
It's better to bring metal records to the metal shop, hip-hop records to the hip-hop shop and so on.
Depening on how busy the shop is, they will maybe ask you to come back like an hour later to get a quote for your stuff.
Last Xmas I sold some stuff to the D.U. in Shinjuku and it all worked fine. Quotes I got were not that high at all and you'd probably get more by selling the records here on Discogs but just dropping them all at once just saves a lot of time and trouble.
Weird thing I noticed is that they only offer you cash and no credit for trades.

JRyall
perceptiongroovehi, anyone knows how to sell record to disk union in shinjuku or shibuya?
Just bring the records you want to unload to one of the D.U. shops along with your id or port and hope some of the staff will understand english.
It's better to bring metal records to the metal shop, hip-hop records to the hip-hop shop and so on.
Depening on how busy the shop is, they will maybe ask you to come back like an hour later to get a quote for your stuff.
Last Xmas I sold some stuff to the D.U. in Shinjuku and it all worked fine. Quotes I got were not that high at all and you'd probably get more by selling the records here on Discogs but just dropping them all at once just saves a lot of time and trouble.
Weird thing I noticed is that they only offer you cash and no credit for trades.

thank, i do du and hmv by email for rough information.
hmv gives me a better price.
still waiting on recofan.

thank you for the info and yor recomendations,
What places to buy for example HDCD SACD DSD etc ...?

haha, FORGET selling to recofan......they will give you next to nothing!

tokyofunkallstars
haha, FORGET selling to recofan......they will give you next to nothing!

thank you

where can i find cheap alternative and heavy hard rock vinyl in shinjuku or shibuya?

tokyofunkallstars
haha, FORGET selling to recofan......they will give you next to nothing!

I guess that explains why their prices are so reasonable (from a buyers perspective).

zario
thank you for the info and yor recomendations,
What places to buy for example HDCD SACD DSD etc ...?

disk union shinjuku used store
http://file.blog-shinjuku-used.diskunion.net/Img/1460093841/

perceptiongroove
where can i find cheap alternative and heavy hard rock vinyl in shinjuku or shibuya?

It does not really get any cheper than Disk Union and Recofan but after those you could try your luck in some of the smaller stores in the area: Red Ring, Nat Records, Shinjuku Records (http://blog.cdandlp.com/2011/07/shinjuku-record-shinjuku.html) and Vinyl Japan are all within walking distance in Nishi Shinjuku.
Again, not cheap but maybe you'll find a lost gem waiting for you.

Record Boy and Base in Koenji are good Metal/Punk stores. Record Boy also has exclusive releases.
Considering you're asking since weeks, have you even been to Japan yet?

HM-2
Record Boy and Base in Koenji are good Metal/Punk stores. Record Boy also has exclusive releases.
Considering you're asking since weeks, have you even been to Japan yet?

thank , i will try.

i will be in japan next week,
it's golden week in japan (long weekend holidays)
, lots of people but everythings is on sale.
i hope japanese yen will fall further.

JRyall
perceptiongroovewhere can i find cheap alternative and heavy hard rock vinyl in shinjuku or shibuya?
It does not really get any cheper than Disk Union and Recofan but after those you could try your luck in some of the smaller stores in the area: Red Ring, Nat Records, Shinjuku Records (http://blog.cdandlp.com/2011/07/shinjuku-record-shinjuku.html) and Vinyl Japan are all within walking distance in Nishi Shinjuku.
Again, not cheap but maybe you'll find a lost gem waiting for you.

thank you so much,
i am ready for japan.

which store is recommended and still present for electro-records?
i´m looking for aphex twin, autechre and similar music on vinyl - no cd´s.

tmboe
which store is recommended and still present for electro-records?

Try Jet Set in Shimokitazawa, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jet-Set/121426797941432

thank you. notated. how about crate diggin in tokyo? is it possible to finde second hand stores, flea markets or something like this for cheap vinyl?

not really but Disk Union have clearance bins. I found Jet Set highly disappointing btw. The main store in Kyoto is much, much better but it's a long shot from Tokyo obviously. I would also recommend Disk Union and Technique for your electronic wants.

Heaps of clearance bins in Recofan (Shibuya). You could loose yourself for days in there. The Disk Union Shimokitazawa store always has several racks of cheaper stuff. Most stores have some cheapie bins somewhere.

need help on this one.
please translate japanese to english / thank

http://file.blog-shinjuku-acc.diskunion.net/Img/1462437458/

perceptiongroove
need help on this one.
please translate japanese to english / thank

http://file.blog-shinjuku-acc.diskunion.net/Img/1462437458/

Can't read japanese but I got one of these before. It usually means that the accessory shop in Shijuku will give you a 10% discount on your next purchase.
It's on the 2nd floor of the 7 storey Disk Union building.
They sell all kinds of sleeves for vinyl records and cd's, boxes, styluses, cleaning materials and so on.

JRyall
perceptiongrooveneed help on this one.
please translate japanese to english / thank

http://file.blog-shinjuku-acc.diskunion.net/Img/1462437458/

Can't read japanese but I got one of these before. It usually means that the accessory shop in Shijuku will give you a 10% discount on your next purchase.
It's on the 2nd floor of the 7 storey Disk Union building.
They sell all kinds of sleeves for vinyl records and cd's, boxes, styluses, cleaning materials and so on.

thank,