One of the smaller Kinokuniya Bookstores that I've visited (it's a corner shop in Uwajimaya grocery store), but it still gets the job done! Studio Ghibli merch area right upon entering the shop, of course, of course. Decent selection of pens (I got a couple). The second level is dedicated to English-translated manga books as well as anime/video game art books and knick-knacks (sorta all in random assortment.....gotta do some thorough browsing). Since it is a small shop, the aisles are a little cramped. Kinda stuffy too, especially on the second level. Polite staff! read more

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I have been a Kinokuniya Bookstore member for many years and recently renewed my membership while purchasing 10 books. At the time of purchase, I specifically asked about the return policy and was told that returning books would be "no problem" as long as they remained unopened in their original plastic wrapping. When I later returned to exchange or return three of the books 10 days later, I was told that I could not do so because I did not have my receipt. This requirement was never mentioned when I asked about returns. As a longtime member, my purchase is documented through my membership account, so it is disappointing that this record could not be used to verify the transaction. I find this level of customer service unacceptable. If a receipt is required for returns, customers should be clearly informed of that at the time of purchase, especially when they specifically ask about the return policy. read more

This bookstore is absolutely amazing. It is packed with lots of toys, quirky fun things, collectibles, and has many Manga in both English and Japanese. If I had more room in my suitcases I would've bought more. This place is definitely worth the visit. read more

Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My oldest son made sure we stopped at this bookstore in Seattle before heading home to Nevada. The bookstore is located inside a large grocery store. The store itself was two stories. Everything was easy to find and nicely maintained. The staff were friendly. My son picked up a couple of posters and books. I would say the much sought after items were fairly priced. read more

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A bit different from its NYC counterpart as it's located within a food market with a Seattle tax price point. Drinks are not allowed in the store and guests must park their drinks by the front. The first floor is full of books and studio ghibli inspired gifts. The second floor had a lot of manga and life sized decorations of some manga characters. Definitely a fun area for books and manga enthusiasts. We were able to see the Pochacco Seattle themed items here! There are also Miffy themed items, too. read more

Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle - Exterior - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Kinokuniya is such a welcoming and cute place. I have been here on and off since I was 14. Im 30 now. It's one of the only places I know to get good manga and other cute nicknacks. Prices are fair. Not super cheap but Seattle is pricey so they deserve it. Service has always been fast and the workers have always been nice. Worth a visit! read more

Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle - Manga Romance - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Are there really larger Kinokuniya Bookstores out there in th US? This one is the largest that I've ever visited even though it's inside the Uwajimaya grocery store. There are two floors and a wide selection of merchandise. They had a really large selection of art supplies including the beautiful Blackwing pencils - which they let you test out at the back of the store at the counter & now I'm hooked. There was also a good amount of fun and interesting items on the sale rack. I wanted to give a shout out, kudos, and applaud the bravery for the store clerk who calmly checked the bag and caught a shoplifter trying to run off with a yellow notebook. You never know what people may do nowadays so this young man just doing more than his job should entail just deserves props ... and really people don't steal, it's not worth it and if we want nice stores to stay in business, so pay for stuff you want! read more

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I've been shopping at Kinokuniya since the old Uwaji's when it was upstairs. I normally have great service in which staff will walk me to the product and look at the inventory in the system. Today, a gentleman putting away boxes appeared very lazy and didn't seem to put much effort into helping me. I returned to ask for stickers and there was a white staff that pointed at the sticker section. As this is fine, there was no effort. He was also sitting down by the pen section. I share this as a learning opportunity since the other staff appeared to be working a lot harder. read more

Amazing Japanese bookstore inside Uwajimaya. So many great books and novelty items at reasonable prices with friendly staff. They have two floors, so be sure to take a bit of time to check the entire store out. Also for frequent customers, there is a membership club with discounts. read more

Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle - Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I know there's Kinokuniya everywhere but this is one of my favorite places in Seattle. Every time I come here, there's something new. There's a lot of cute merch (plush, blind boxes, figurines, stickers, and high quality stationery) from Japan as well as books by Asian authors. The store is also curated pretty well, though it does get crowded on weekends. They have member days where there are additional discounts, plus you get the coolest membership card. read more

Cute reliable bookstore next to Uwajimaya. I am able to pick out Japanese text books easily and find cute stuff animals.

--Location/Parking-- Street parking in the international district. --Ambience-- Bookstore with various subject matters all in japanese. There is a huge anime, stationary section --Service/Staff-- Staff are vary Japanese nice and will help you with you items. --Food/Products-- If you are looking for unique stationary or hard to find anime. This is your place. --Capacity-- Some rows/aisle can get very tight. I don't recommend bringing in a backpack or drinks --Overall-- Looking for books in japanese. Anime or stationary supplies. This is your spot to go to. read more

This place is SO CUTE! They had so much Studio Ghibli stuff (actually from Japan, not the stuff you see at Box Lunch). The prices are a tiny bit high, but definitely worth it in my opinion considering where the items are from. They also have a ton of blind bags and plushies of all different characters. Their Snoopy section was a little limited and they didn't have any Sylvanian Family. The anime section is huge and have books, figurines, etc. My partner was looking for Shangri La Frontier merch, but they didn't have any. I would definitely come here again! read more

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Huge store!! Has two floors with so many books, trinkets, plushies, anime, etc. Could browse around here forever. Went early on a Saturday and it was already slightly crowded so just beware of coming here on busy days! read more

they have so many fun and cute items. i used to buy a ton of art supplies, stationary supplies, anime merch etc from here and still like to go here sometimes. this store is pretty pricey, but it's a good place to get gifts from. read more

I came here earlier today to look for a gift and got accused of stealing because "the way i pivoted made me look so suspicious". i've gone here a few times before and saw a section i haven't seen before so i decided to check it out, but im a generally anxious person and i was afraid it was a staff only section. i saw that the staff member was right behind me and i assumed i went the wrong way so i turned around quickly. when i left the store i heard yelling and everyone in the store was staring at me and she came up to me with an aggressive tone telling me to open my bag because i looked "so suspicious". i went through everything in my bag TWICE, she saw i didn't steal and didn't apologize to me. there's a security guard watching the door and he even told me that i didn't look suspicious to him and this is something that she does. the security guard was so sweet and apologized on her behalf but i felt so humiliated as this has never happened before. what's the point of having a guard if you have staff doing this? make sure if you come here you know where you're going or you'll get screamed at and accused of stealing! i literally had a journal in my bag that i bought from here a week prior, this store is cute but i wont be returning. read more

Not pleased on how difficult it was to have items returned. I specifically asked if the item could be returned easily upon checkout and they said it wouldn't be a problem as long as it was unopened and unused. Which it was. I bought duplicates and was unsure about if I would use it all. Upon returning, even though the item was not listed in their list of final sale items. They were not wanting to take it back even though its only been a few days. I had to talk to the manager for several moments, and if I was not explicitly told it I wouldn't of had this issue I would not of purchased the item. Just beware of your purchases as they may not take it back. Things here are overpriced, if you compare it with competitors they definitely upsell their items. Also they had sold me a label maker, but didn't sell any of the labels? So you had to specialty order them from another retailer. Meh, pass. read more

I love coming here! Whenever I'm in Seattle I always think about this place. They have the cutest stickers, stamps, pens, and notebooks. Of course among many other things. I love that you can buy manga, and I've purchased my Japanese textbooks for school from here as well. Certain things can be pricey, but I don't mind it overall. Last time, I had a really fun conversation with the cashier when getting my textbooks. This time around, I was happily wandering the shelves of stationary, and eyeing the many fountains pens and travelers notebooks. I bought a sheet of cute paleontology stickers and new journal I can't wait to come back again to restock for some scrapbooking and journaling supplies, and maybe some manga read more

We always stop in a Kinokuniya where ever we are. We have one that is located in the Bay Area where we live but always stop in as you never know if you'll find something that you haven't seen in the Bay Area location. My son always purchases the model kits and picked up a few for his next project. It's a good store that has a load of books and stuffies. read more

Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Had several items from Japan that I've been looking for. Glad to see this store is still around

Love the selection here! Lots to see and wish I had enough money to buy. Everything was quite expensive. read more

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Tons of fun stuff! Alot of writing material, pens, markers. Lots of cute random things. Huge selection of anime upstairs.

If you love anime and manga, you need to come here! As soon as a stepped in, I saw Totoro and I was so happy :D they had so many cute products!! I saw Pusheen products, some smaller business products, Smiski, and more. Downstairs would have to be more of the stationary goods, home goods and clothing but upstairs is heaven to a anime/manga fan like me haha. Upstairs you can see cut outs of characters, manga, funko pops, and figurines. I really enjoyed walking through every aisle. They have so much! They also have full sets of manga. There were some deals as well that I saw regarding buying a certain amount to get a discount which was neat. The people working here were also kinda and efficient at helping people check out :) I would definitely come here again if I'm ever back in the area! read more

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Everytime I stop in "just to browse", I walk out with manga or some cute anime thing. Downstairs is a normal Japanese bookstore with supplies, regular books, plushies, and other fun items. While upstairs there is a great selection of manga, gaming books, and figurines. I only wish I could find more volumes of Maid Sama to complete my set. But when it comes to Attack on Titan, MHA, and other popular Shonen comics, they have all the copies you need! The store is well kept, and the staff has always been friendly. It was fairly empty the last time I stopped in, but I have seen it get quite crowded on the weekends. read more

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Really fun bookshop & they keep it clean by making everyone park their bobas & eats at the door. Lots of cute gifts like stationary, fancy pens. Reading glasses & TONS of anime & studio Ghibli, Miffy etc. Jaii okanese book selection too & manga upstairs. it's only not a 5 star experience because: staff aren't really friendly and it's more of a fandom shop than an all around bookstore. I was hoping to find more contemporary Asian American studies especially given the rich local Asian Am history in Seattle . read more

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This is the largest Kinokuniya I've ever been to! It's a full two stories. Beyond the usual selection, they consistently collaborate with incredibly talented artists I'd never even heard of. It's amazing to see their work in person rather than just online. I'd happily visit again anytime. read more

This bookstore is two floors of awesomeness! The first floor is stationary, mangas, plushies, and so much more. The second floor is figurines and more manga. I could spend hours here looking at everything. My husband got a groku figurine that he has never seen before and it is not on Amazon. I got these cute totoro erasers. Since the groku figurine was in a glass case upstairs, when we went to the cashier, they had to go upstairs and grab it. The cashiers were very respectful and made sure it fit appropriately in the box. I definitely recommend checking out this bookstore if you're in the area. read more

I finally found it - the Nausicaa hardcover 2 volume slipcase set! Apparently I got lucky because one of the staff there told me they keep selling out of those as soon as they arrive. So happy! I also picked up some Midori inserts and a set of Blackwing pencils. But that's not all they have! Shelves full of manga and other books of various genres. Aisles of cute figurines/plushies/etc. A whole Miyazaki section. Tons of papercraft and journaling material. And the big surprise for me: an AWESOME collection of fountain pens! It was great to see the fountain pen I use (a Pilot Custom 742) in the display case alongside many other amazing pens. And they sell the inks there too. Great place to stop by - friendly staff and great selections! read more

I consider this Kinokuniya to be the flagship location of the Pacific NW due to its sheer size and frankly overwhelming selection of items. Like it's (baby) sister store in Beaverton, OR, it has undergone several transformations over the 20-or-so years I have been coming here, but fortunately, it has fared better. The upstairs section, which once hosted the most robust selection of Japanese music I've found anywhere, has whittled down to a well-pruned collection of the most popular artists and albums. Figurines and an expansive library of manga (in both English and Japanese) has taken over like an out-of-control kudzu. If you can't find a title here, it probably isn't worth your time or money! Similarly, the anime and Japanese cinema sections have also trimmed down to the essentials, including what I can only assume is their best-selling collection: Studio Ghibli movies. In fact, Ghibli memorabilia occupies a sizeable portion of the store, namely near the checkout counter and the windows near the entrance. The magazine section remains entrenched in the same location it always has always, underneath the stairs, but it does feel somewhat slimmer than before. Perhaps it was just overflowing to bursting before, but it does seem slightly anemic. Could also be just nostalgia tinting my memory goggles. The rest of the lower floor is a labyrinth of stationery, kitchenware, clothing, plushies, souvenirs and books, Books, BOOKS! Most of the offerings here are Japanese or Japan-adjacent products, with a healthy sprinkling of local Seattle merch, and the occasional oddball chotchkie. I could (and have) spent the better part of a day (and the better part of the contents of my wallet) here, on more than one occasion. There is just so much to see, so much to covet! Be warned! You will be spending money here, and probably more than is conventionally wise. The Seattle Kinokuniya is the closest experience I have found to replicating the experience of shopping in a store in Japan; a feeling I sorely miss. There is a level of quality (both aesthetic and functional) to Japanese products (even stupid cash-grab trinkets and gadgets) that is not replicated anywhere else in the world, and this is one of those places where you can catch a glimpse of the Japanese culture of excellence. I hope that, even as the store continues to evolve over the years, the heart and soul that makes Kinokuniya unique (in the US, anyway) never changes. read more

This bookstore was a great surprise! Manga, collectibles, posters galore!! I absolutely love the choices. Only thing is because they are packing in so many selections there are books everywhere!! Tables are filled up. They deserve so much more space for all the entertainment and materials they are providing us!! read more

An excellent collection of Japanese literature in both native and English language editions. Obviously they import lots of product from overseas so costs are more than you would expect on Amazon, but in all reality with VATs and other bs taxes, prices are actually great and fair. Personally, I am a huge kaiju fan. The Gojira/Godzilla products available are tucked into an upstairs corner-- a 3x5ft display case and similar size bookshelf contain all Godzilla related products. I was really hoping for more figurines but that is not the situation here. Lots of Monsterverse products but currently it's all Kong from Godzilla vs Kong... I purchased the one product I wanted from the display case (All Godzilla posters from 1954-Shin Godzilla in a nice package) which was very reasonably priced compared to a quick google check. Highly recommend this business because they have so much more to offer than just Godzilla. read more

Cool book/hobbie store. They have a lot of books and toys, especially from Japan. A lot of Totoro items, toys and pretty gift items. The store had a lot of merchandises and people that it was often difficult to walk around, but was able to kill time here, definitely. read more

I came here mostly for the stationary products. They have a fantastic selection of paper, notebooks, pens, pencils and other stationary related things. They have a large collection of fountain pens. Not only do they have the Japanese brands (Pilot, Uni-Ball, Zebra, Pentel, Sailor and Platinum, etc.) but they also carry German made pens as well (Lamy, Kaweco et al.). I've only spoke with one employee, but she was friendly, helpful and actually asked me questions, so she could find out what product would be best for my needs. I wish I could remember her name. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because the prices are quite high. I realize that this is brick-and-mortar, and not Amazon. Taking this into account, I still feel the prices are too high. read more

Who knows when BTS is coming to Seattle so in the meantime if you or your friends are looking for merch there's an endcap dedicated to them in this bookstore. After checking out Daiso I decided to stop by Uwajimaya since I haven't been back in over 2 years. I was really surprised to know they did a remodel. The bookstore layout hasn't changed much though. Still has a good rotation of gifts and merch. They have stuff you'd find in Fuego, Fireworks, and Archie McPhees. It was a little messy because it was the weekend but I'm sure if you go right when they open their shelves and tables would probably be a bit more organized. read more

Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle - BTS merch - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I came by on a Sunday after shopping at Pink Gorilla (for video games) beforehand, with my younger brothers and boyfriend in tow for a quick birthday stop and shop. While I completely understand that, given the area/location and amount of foot traffic, theft is probably a common occurrence, I do not believe blind accusations and public embarrassment is an acceptable way to address the issue. My brothers and boyfriend stepped foot into the store with a small bag carrying our purchases from Pink Gorilla. Before they had a chance to fully enter, the sensors/alarms went off. It may have been because our other purchases had not been decensored. An associate came to speak with us, and we were more than happy to communicate/assist/provide any information they wished, as we did not want any trouble. With that said, my brothers and boyfriend were immediately accused of theft (without even having fully entered the store!!!). Before we could get a word in, in full view of everyone in the busy store, WITHOUT ASKING, the associate began reaching into our bags and removing our items, looking through our things, accusing us of theft. Again, in full view of EVERYONE-with 2 children who were confused and upset. She did not pull us aside, or ASK to touch us or our things; simply put her hands on our PAID FOR items from ANOTHER STORE and began removing everything from our bag. We were let go with our things, as we had not, in fact, stolen anything from the shop. I called later that night once we'd arrived home to speak with the General Manager to express my concern/upset at the situation. I was met with long minutes of silence, and a feeble apology, alongside some half-hearted words of 'it is just for security reasons'. I did not ask for anything other than a conversation to be had with the staff. I understand the staff was trying to remain diligent, and again that this is probably a common occurrence (I've worked retail; I understand the struggle). But this is NOT the way to go about things. My little brothers left traumatized and upset, when this was a weekend spent in an effort to celebrate their birthday. The worst part is that there was no responsibility or accountability taken. Not only will I never be returning, I'll be sure to share my experience with everyone I know moving forward, as I would never want to put someone else in the position we were put into that day. read more

Super cute shop and has some of the best stationary items in the area, and cute little trinkets. I think in Seattle they have the largest arrangement of miffy, studio ghibli, and blind boxes that are real. I do think the location makes it a little more suspicious, and security is always watching or checking certain people. Watched two people get caught shop lifting here so that's a whole star on its own because they do not mess around hahaha. As for books, it's one of the smaller Kinokinuya spots I have been to, but to be fair the NYC one is just huge. read more

this bookstore is super cute. We decided to go check it out after hearing from our tour guide about Uwajimaya and realizing these are next to each other. Although we didn't buy anything, it was cool to see the variety of stuff they have in there such as books, anime, and more. I saw a lot of people going in and out so it seems pretty popular. Store was also really clean and it was aesthetically calming. read more

I always stop by this bookstore whenever I am in Chinatown! I love perusing through their spectacular range of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English goods of both books and adorable accessories. Categories of books include manga, cookbooks, arts and crafts, literature, health and wellness, travel, and much more. Of course the foreign books are expensive due to import costs; for example the Chinese cookbooks are $25 - $30. Currently only the entrance connecting to Uwajiymaya is open. A table with hand sanitizer greets you with a sign requesting to limit the stay to 30 minutes if crowded. The store is generally popular and thriving with activity, so it can be a bit hard to check out certain aisles. read more

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My nieces and nephews are into anime and this is a place I found just from searching 'anime' here on yelp thanks for all the good reviews and pictures those really added to their anticipation and excitement for experiencing this shop if you haven't been here, think of barnes and nobles but anime good now be careful what you put into your basket cuz it can go from 0 to 100 real quick real quick We came in on Black Friday and it wasn't too bad. There were a lot of bodies but nothing crazy like Pikes Place or a box store with discounted TV's I don't have an anime preference but seeing the smiles and other happy expressions on my nieces and nephews faces made this a 5 star experience We loved this bookstore a lot and was impressed by the selection and variety they offered and have already made plans to come back and experience some more Oh yeah and upstairs was coo too Malo read more

Great bookstore. This place had so many things to see. With two floors, we spent a lot of time browsing all areas. They have a little big of everything. Anime, stationary, books, and movies to name a few. We spent a lot of money here. Store was packed with people. Employees were friendly and efficient. Would definitely come back here if I'm in the area. read more