Best record stores in Tokyo

Every day we select for you three record stores from around the world. Our growing online community makes this possible. In this list you will find the best record stores in Tokyo submitted by our friends.

Explore it and tell us if you think there is any record store missing. Let us know in the comments.

– Disk Union

Established in 1967, Disk Union is a sprawling network of vinyl shops spanning Shinjuku, Ochanomizu, Shibuya and since 2015, Osaka city. These are a diggers paradises with floors dedicated to every music subculture imaginable.

– Jet Set Tokyo

“Opened in 2002. Moved in 2009 for renewal. As one of the leading vinyl shops in the city that offers newly released vinyls of all genres, we attract customers throughout the Kanto area. From the online shop that carries a massive catalog of HipHop, House, Techno, Jazz, Soul and Indie Pop music, our collection extracts the essence of brand-new releases. We also have a good collection of Japanese Indie with a focus on self-produced releases. Because of the shop’s location where many club houses and recording studios gather densely, it is working as a space to exchange information for people. Main buyers of each genre are always on duty and provide a sound concierge service”.

– Big Love

Record store and label with the latest indie music from around the world.

– Coconuts Disk

Record store with locations in Ekoda, Ikebukuro, Yoyogi, and Kichijoji. Coconuts Disk has a great range of used records. Check its 60s and 70s Japanese rock and pop selection.

– Lighthouse Records

Record store focuses on house, techno and disco. The owner, DJ Yasuhara Morihiro, has a good selection of rare and difficult to find used records. Lighthouse Records is the ‘house’ of Local DJs.

– Dub Store

Established in 1993. Dub Store was named after Jamaican legendary Studio One label’s catalog.

“When you step in to the shop, you will be greeted by ALTEC’s vintage speakers, amplifier, mixer, STUDER’s 2 track deck and RCA’s dubplate cutting machine. Our sound system is one and only in Japan. Also our prolific archives, such as rare posters and signboards of Jamaican record companies, are displayed to give you a nice Jamaican atmosphere. We stock a lot of brand new and used titles as well as top end vintage items you’ll never find anywhere else. All titles can be listened to on the turntables provided”.

– Manhattan Records

Manhattan Records is the HOME of hip hop in Tokyo. Established over 30 years ago, it is one of the area’s oldest record stores.

– HMV Shibuya

Opened in August 2014, HMV is a digger’s paradise. The store stocks up to 80,000 titles.

– Technique

The choice for many local DJs, Technique has a wide selection of electronic music including progressive house, D’n’B, Dub Step and nu-jazz.

– Nat Records

Small record store with a great selection of punk and hardcore records.