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Must-visit record stores Japan!

Updated: 5 days ago


Vinyl Store Hunting in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka)

with Stack Records


Japan offers something for everyone! It is undoubtedly a paradise for vinyl enthusiasts, collectors, DJs, and admirers. The country boasts a plethora of record stores, cafes, bars, and listening spaces to meet all your vinyl desires. While you may already know about the famous Tower Records and HMV, we have selected some record stores we discovered while exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, which we believe are must-visits if you are in the area.


 

Next Records (Shibuya, Tokyo)


Next Records is a second-hand record store specialising in original 12-inch singles. It offers a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, disco, rock, pop and beyond. Specialising in rare and hard-to-find records, the store features disco hits from the '70s and '80s, club and radio favourites from the '90s, and a handpicked collection of hidden gems, there was even a live DJ when we visited which added to the ambience. In this section of Shibuya, you will find other brilliant record store which includes Face Records, Manhattan Records, Disk Union (mentioned below) and more.


Address: Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 11−11, Ryukou Building, 2nd Floor



Next Records
Next Records, Shibuya

 

Disk Union (Shibuya, Tokyo)


Disk Union Shibuya Jazz / Rare Groove Hall specialises in a wide range of records, including jazz, soul, Brazilian, Latin, reggae, soundtracks, French, and rare groove. The store offers rare items carefully selected by knowledgeable staff, along with records sourced from overseas and hard-to-find deadstock. It's a go-to spot for unique and high-quality used records. There is areound 50 Disk Union stores in the franchise throughout Japan, some offering different specialities.


Address: Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 30−7 5F



Disk Union
Disk Union Shibuya Jazz / Rare Groove Hall

 

Record Station (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo)


Record Station is a used vinyl record store offering a wide range of genres, including soul, jazz, rock, disco, hip-hop, Japanese music, house, techno, Latin, and city pop. Located in Shimokitazawa, an area known for its vibrant music scene with 26 record stores and counting, it’s a must-visit spot for vinyl enthusiasts.


Address: Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−30−1 下北沢かどやビル 2F



Record Station
Record Station, Shimokitazawa

 

Harunoame Cafe & Records (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)


Located in Togoshi/Nakanobu, this shop offers a unique combination of records, coffee, and craft beer. Specialising in relaxing ambient music, it provides a welcoming space to unwind and enjoy the simple beauty of everyday life.


Address: 6-5-1 Toyomachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0042


Website: harunoame.com


Harunoame Cafe & Records
Harunoame Cafe Records, Shinagawa-Ku (Photo by Koushigyorai)

 

Jazzy Sport (Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward)


Jazzy Sport Kyoto, part of the creative collective "Jazzy Sport" with locations across Japan (including Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, which we loved), operates under the concept of blending real music and sports. The Jazzy Sport also operates as a record label that presses some amazing records, with their headquarters in Meguro. The Kyoto store offers a selection of carefully curated records, along with CDs, T-shirts, and various goods, along with a cute balcony where you can enjoy coffee with a look over the city.


Address: Japan, 〒605-0086 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Benzaitencho, 19 y gion 5F



Jazzy Sport
Jazzy Sport, Kyoto (Photo by Jazzy Sport Kyoto)

 

Hachi Record Shop and Bar (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto)


Hachi , located near the historic Gojo Bridge that spans the Kamo River, is a unique blend of history and modern design. Known for its connection to the famous tales of Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune) and Benkei, the area also offers stunning views of the Higashiyama mountains and is near Takase River, featured in Mori Ogai's novel Takasebune. The space itself is a beautifully renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse, combining the echoes of the old pleasure quarters with the design of a modern Western-style building.


Hachi Record Shop and Bar is an analog record store and bar lounge, and is the third sister shop following BEFORE9 Craft Beer & Sake in Kyoto and ANOTHER8 Craft Beer & Sake in Meguro, Tokyo.


Address: 19 Hiraicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8118, Japan


Website: sakahachi.jp

Instagram: @hachi_kyoto


Hachi Record Shop and Bar
Hachi Record Shop and Bar, Kyoto

 

Jet Set (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto)


JET SET Kyoto, the main store opened in 1998, is one of the largest vinyl megastores in Japan. It offers a wide range of high-quality music from both Japan and abroad, spanning genres like Hip Hop, House, Techno, Jazz, Soul, Reggae, and Indie Pop. With daily imports directly from overseas, JET SET Kyoto is known for its fast-growing collection and up-to-date stock. The store also carries a selection of CDs, primarily from domestic indie artists, featuring a diverse range of self-produced albums.


Address: Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimomaruyacho, 410番地 ユニティー河原町ビル 4F

Instagram: @jetset_kyoto


JET SET Kyoto
Jet Set, Kyoto

 

Meditations (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto)


Meditations Record Store in Kyoto that embodies ambient music from the curated music collection to the space and small details. Located in the stunning Kamigyo Ward, you will find an excellent collection of ambient, experimental, psychedelia, drone, minimalism, field recordings, world music and more. You will fins some great merch, aswell as incense and other goodies to aid your vinyl listening experience.


Address: 253-3 Demizucho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0862, Japan


Instagram: @meditations


Meditations Record Store
Meditations, Kyoto (Photo by Paula Valdez)

 

Wonderful Noise (Kita Ward, Osaka)


Wonderful Noise Productions, founded by Kenji Sakajiri in 2006, is an independent label that embraces genre diversity, focusing on high-quality dance music. The label has an abundance of releases from Aotearoa (New Zealand) artists, helping bring their unique sounds to a wider audience. Address: Japan, 〒530-0041 Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenjinbashi, 2 Chome−5−14 ビギンビル 201号室

Instagram: @wonderfulnoise


Wonderful Noise
Wonderful Noise, Osaka

 


Groovenut (Osaka, Shinsaibashi)


Groovenut Records, located in Shinsaibashi, has been catering to music lovers and collectors worldwide since 2010. The store specialises in original pressings of used vinyl, including LPs, 12-inch singles, and 45s. Genres offered include Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rare Groove, Disco, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Latin, and Rock, alongside a selection of Japanese records.


Address: #201 Shin-Sumiya Bldg 2-17-13 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 5420086 Japan


Groovenut Records
Groovenut Records, Osaka

 

Newtone Records (Osaka, Shinsaibashi)


Newtone Records specialises in imported vinyl 12-inch records, offering a diverse selection of global dance music. Their collection includes alternative house, disco, techno, dubstep, electronic beats, and more. They also feature fringe and crossover sounds. Nearly all records are available for preview, giving customers a chance to listen before purchasing.


Address: 1-10-33 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka  542-0086, Kitatanya Building 2F


Newtone Records
Newtone Records, Osaka

 

Flake Records (Nishi Ward, Osaka)


Flake Records is a well-regarded independent record store specialising in a wide variety of vinyl records, offering a mix of rare and classic albums across various genres.


Address: Japan, 〒550-0015 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Minamihorie, 1 Chome−11−9 SONO四ツ橋ビル201

Instagram: @flakerecords


Flake Records
Flake Records, Osaka

 

Side Quest: Tobira Records (Kasai, Hyogo)


This record store is a tribute to the tactile, memorable experience of physical music. While music itself is invisible, there’s something about hearing it on vinyl, cassette, or CD that leaves a lasting imprint on the mind. In an age where streaming dominates, this store offers a space—both online and in person—that re-centers the joy of intentional listening.


Their website highlights the latest arrivals, but stepping into the physical shop reveals a treasure trove of used records and other carefully selected goods. They also ship worldwide and do their best to keep postage affordable, inviting music lovers from anywhere to explore their thoughtfully curated collection.


Address: 142-9 Hojo, Hojocho, Kasai, Hyogo JAPAN


Instagram: @tobirarecords


Tobira Records
Tobira Records, Hyogo (Photo taken from @tobirarecords)

 

Please see our map below which you can use in your travels. Comment your must visit stores and we will add them to our list.



 
 
 

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