When I travel, I can't resist popping into a new book store to see if they have anything interesting. I can tell you that KinoKuniya is checked the "interesting" box. This store is all things Anime - Manga and more. It also puzzles, stationary, small character related collectibles, and a fairly extensive pen/fountain pen collection. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. Pricing was reasonable for DTLA. I would definitely visit this store again. read more

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Take a look, it's in a Kinokuniya Bookstore and this is one you definitely want to explore. Located at The Bloc in Downtown LA, Kinokuniya Bookstore - DTLA has an extensive collection of books, manga, magazines, posters, art, art supplies, novelty items, stationary, gifts, collectibles and more. Since its birth in Tokyo, Japan, during the age of the roaring 1920s to its overseas reach in the late 1960s - Kinokuniya has been gracing the world with emporiums of knowledge w/ some flare. I hadn't been to the Bloc in a minute, but making more of an effort to explore the city I was born in and our Downtown area, especially at social hubs like The Bloc. And I love some novelty items, art and tools for/of reading, even more so when it's very affordable. The Studio Ghibli is pretty nice as are various sections for music, history, spiritual and comic related things. Literally was whelmed with great finds, but decided to make my first trip (of many) in a leisure one to get familiar with the store. Great stationary. Great service and just great overall. Some of the isles can feel a little congested when there's an influx of foot traffic, put are still easy to navigate through as well as around. Kinokuniya has events, contests and updates on their website for their various locations. They also offer magazine subscriptions you can pick up in person. More incentive to stop inside for all the in-person bliss this book space has to offer. Open from 11AM to 8PM, seven days a week. read more

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My sons both love going to Japanese stores and bookstores. My youngest thought it was at the old location in little Tokyo but we later found out it's at the Bloc. Good thing about this location is parking. The store is nice and laid out well so it's easy to find items. My son was able to find a book he was looking for. We came late before they close so there wasn't a lot of people. We were here on last month on a Saturday night. read more

Kinokuniya - Photo of the front area of the store - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was so excited to come to this location since the other on in Little Tokyo shutdown. This store is in a perfect location with lots of food places nearby. I wish I knew prior that you can park in the parking structure dedicated to The Bloc and then get my parking validated! Overall great place to go around read more

Kinokuniya - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I have been coming to this bookstore for DECADES! I used to come here with my best friend in junior high and high school to buy cute stationary, pens and Japanese fashion magazines. Then in college, I would get stickers, tote bags, graphic novels and art /design books. Now, I am bringing my niece here and we are buying children's books, language books and toys. This place is nothing short than amazing. I can easily get lost in time here, just looking at different books, gifts and stationary. Staff has always been friendly and helpful. I believe this location opened in 1977 and hope that it continues on! I don't buy books as I tend to get books at the library but when I do buy for my personal library, this is one of the many bookstores in LA that I will purchase from . read more

Kinokuniya - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Kinokuniya is my favorite bookstore in the world, and I always make a stop whenever I'm traveling. Visiting this location while in LA from NYC, I noticed it's a bit smaller and more conservative in layout, with a more limited selection compared to the NYC store. Still, they manage to pack in quite a bit--especially when it comes to fountain pen inks and stationery. The prices are consistent with other locations, and I appreciated being able to use my membership discount. The store sees a good amount of foot traffic. The staff here weren't quite as attentive as at other branches--maybe just busy--but I was still able to grab my favorite Sailor ink and a few nice supplies. All in all, a solid stop for stationery lovers. I'll definitely come back if I'm looking for something new. read more

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The best casual/diverse Japanese bookstore & gift shop in town. Good selection of popular books, manga, and now I see them having different themed sections such as Totoro, Star Wars. There are also many fun and unique items for personal use or gifts. read more

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One of my favorite stops whenever we go to Little Tokyo. This is one of the best bookstores. I have so much fun walking in and exploring as they seem to have everything here - a wide selection of books and gifts, both mainstream and unique. They also have a great selection of pens here, and this is where I like to go whenever I need new ones. Overall? Super cute and super fun. You'll always find something worth buying here. And then you can roam around Little Tokyo. Definitely recommend. read more

Place is moving. Excited about the new place supposedly opening mid August. Hopefully Parking situation will be better because this place is difficult. read more

Kinokuniya - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I ADORE Kinokuniya. Just don't make the same mistake I did and go to Little Tokyo, the little Tokyo location is closed and they moved temporarily to the Bloc in LA. It's an easy walk from the parking structure. The new location is smaller but still has all the manga, book, anime merch, jellycat, stationary and art supplies that you need! There's so many wonderful things to buy here, and everything is organized so well. I believe they are getting their permanent location back soon but for now, head to The Bloc for this little slice of heaven! read more

I am a huge Kinokuniya fan, ever since I moved from Costa Mesa to Pasadena and started frequenting their Santa Anita Mall location (back in Costa Mesa, BookOff on Baker was the place to go, for sure). I have been to this Little Tokyo location about two or three times already, and although it is a bit more of an inconvenience to get to if you live in the SGV like me, I think it is worth the trip, since it is about twice as large with maybe 3 times as many things as their Santa Anita mall. Their comic book and manga selection is huge, both in English and in 日本語, they have stationery items, art books, video game guidebooks, toys, plush toys, etc. They even have a dedicated children's books section in Japanese and even a fantastic (but neglected and not as well-stocked as I'd like) Japanese language section in the back of the store (I am going to take the N4 this upcoming December, so I got a few prepbooks here). Everyone is courteous and friendly, the patrons themselves are great too. And I happened to have gone on Nissei week, which made it so that there was people in cosplay and whatnot. Interesting experience and interesting location. Will for sure be back if I am in the area again (had to park like 3 blocks away, on Omar and 3rd Street and walk over) and I am willing to put up with how much of a nightmare parking in the area is. 10/10 for the service, product selection and overall layout of the store! read more

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They have Japanese language! If you take the metro, get off at the 7th St exit ( red B line) and cross the street. It's super close. I get my markers ( tombow) and some tarot decks and book here! I always stop by, and they have really cute stuff if you need to buy cute unique gifts read more

It's fun to walk through, but like other reviewers have stated, the inflated prices make it pretty unwise to actually buy anything. Doubly so if you're looking for Japanese language texts, since you can just buy it more cheaply from any number of places online--while the selection here is painfully small. I get it, this Kinokuniya is in a tourist location, but like 90% of the space is taken up by manga and anime merch. read more

Kinokuniya - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Whenever I'm in Little Tokyo, Kinokuniya is one of my regular stops. It's so much fun to peruse their stationery, the random Japanese toys they have in aisles of the stores, and the Japanese books. If you're a fan of anime or manga, then this is the ultimate store. I enjoy Haikyu, a volleyball anime/manga, and I was able to find books featuring animation from the series and 10th anniversary books that were sold in Japan last year. If you like stationery, they have tons of pens, notebooks, and things that can keep you occupied for many, many minutes. Overall, it's a fun store to peruse at Weller Court in Little Tokyo. read more

Kinokuniya is stacked to the brim with anything Japanese book or anime/manga related you could think of. Tons of books, manga, magazines, and merch. Their selection of exclusive merch is really cool too. I'm glad I can rely on Kinokuniya for official smiskis and other collectibles without worrying about fakes. I'm not sure if it was just cuz I visited on a weekend, but it's extremely crowded inside with customers. It's to the point where it's difficult to even maneuver inside the store, and I'm discouraged to buy anything since the line to check out is so long. read more

The selection is very awesome! The plaza is clean and the staff were very nice and welcoming. If you are looking for tamagotchis- you found the right place. The stationary is also very neat- and right now they are giving out free magazine, come get it when you can. read more

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This is a little bookstore tucked away on the top of a shopping center. They have all the types of books you need, plus more! The aisles are a little crowded but well organized. read more

This little bookstore on the second floor of the Weller Court Plaza, located just above the Tokyo Central market is a must browse for many many reasons whenever you're visiting this particular courtyard. Their selection of books ranging from everything anime, manga, cookbooks, culture, and literature, fiction and non-fiction of every Japanese author is unparalleled in the city. On top of that, they have a remarkable stationary pen and pencil inventory along with all the supplemental products required to support these writing tools. Staff members here are also very knowledgeable about everything they sell. We'll find samples of the best writing instruments available to test and supplies ranging from every form of pencil lead to inks for every imaginable writing style. And gift boxes and surprise bags shirt to delight any gift recipient. Prices are very reasonable and the exceptional service here more than makes up for any discounts you might find online. They have a generous rewards program and can validate the parking in the structure below. read more

Kinokuniya - Kurotoga Advance mechanical pencil - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Rude cashiers talking bad about me in Japanese. Said my makeup was scary, I understood it all. One had blue hair and another was old. It definitely ruined my expirience, very rude. Good selection of books it's a shame the workers there feel like they can belittle people for no reason. Sad. read more

Everything was great! Service was nice. Selection is good on anything stationary. Quality is also good as well

Great selection and very helpful staff. They knew where to find all the books my daughter was looking for and they let my son take a quick nap in the corner. Very hospitable and clean. 9/10 would recommend. 5 stars. read more

Kinokuniya - Front - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

wow! what a store even for someone who has no particular interest in manga, etc.! you could never be at a loss shopping for a gift here, as the product ranges from manga (of course) books & related merch (of which there is an infinite variety.) as well as anime-related dolls (sorry: action figures) &plushies, in addition to a respectable art supply dept, for budding manga creators, as well as, gift miscellany like these awesome vintage botanical print-based puzzles from a san francisco publisher. these puzzles would be a go-to present for the person who has everything... they also stock kikkerland knick-knacks which are always suitably quirky. plus high-end fountain pens (also for thet manga creator, i assume) read more

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If you are looking for a huge selection of magazines as well as little gifts for family or friends this bookstore has it all. Not to mention they have a lot of movie books and guides. There's also a huge section of cute anime toys and plushes. It doesn't look big on the outside but when you walk in, the store is pretty deep. Conveniently located in a small outdoor mall, there are two big grocery stores filled with Japanese snacks and goods so if you're hungry it's right here! Will definitely come back again ! read more

Around 43 years ago, when I visited this store for the first time while studying Kendo for several weeks in LA, I began building my collection of manga series and Kendo journals. When it came time for me to go back home to Seattle, Kinokuniya gave me a stack of yellow postcards on which I could request any books I wanted. For years they not only quickly sent me anything I requested -- they simply enclosed the invoice and TRUSTED ME to send the money. That's how beautifully Kinokuniya treated me! Who couldn't love this store?! These days I can just go downtown to the excellent Kinokuniya branch in Seattle, but I could never forget the splendid LA mother church where I began. I truly adore this store. read more

Doesn't just have English manga, has Japanese and Chinese books. Absolute gem, I love this place so much read more

Kinokuniya - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is the spot for manga and fun stuff in little Tokyo. Was able to find issues my daughter was looking for that no other place had. And honestly the air conditioning was so nice on a hot day. read more

Super friendly and helpful cashiers with the exception of the man with the pony tail working the fountain pen counter. He seemed agitated by inquiring customers but did reluctantly help when asked. Great selection of stationary items with lots of pens, markers and stickers to choose from. Prices were fair and not overpriced. New location is nice and clean. All but one of the restrooms were working so there were long lines. The restrooms are shared with the other businesses in the plaza and are just outside of the store itself. The vending machines were also out of order in the plaza so that was a bummer. read more

Good selection of manga and collectibles. Nice staff. Friendly atmosphere. We found a bunch of stuff we haven't seen elsewhere.

This store is inside a plaza on the ground floor. The workers there are so kind and helpful. I was here buying a birthday gift for my niece. She loved her gifts and my experience was perfect. read more

Great for anyone interested in Japanese culture especially manga and anime. I like art, photography, design, ceramics. Store to relocate in the future. Looking forward! read more

Good bookstore. Good prices and huge selection. Comics manga and collectible sold here.

Great variety of products, friendly staff and ok prices. but WHY cashless? Why are you fomenting that. No thanks​, will find another company. read more

This bookstore has been around for a long long time and I am glad to still see it alive and so full of people today!!! We came in to browse some books and grabbed some Japanese magazines. The aisles are very small so there won't be space for any strollers. We left our baby stroller outside while we shopped inside. It's generally a safe area so we shopped without worrying about the diaper bag, etc. (of course bring in your valuables). The staff here rather friendly once you talk to them. Overall a nice clean store with lots of manga, books, magazines, and stationaries that you won't find in a typical American bookstore. The value here is rather fair as well. A lot of their books are plastic wrapped. There are some that has samples but most of the time, they're all sealed. They also have stickers everywhere with instructions if you need anything or wants to see the inside of certain books, you're more than welcome to notify the staff. read more

Such a nice bookstore. I find myself always looking around at all the mini figures and all the pens they have to offer. Yes I know it's a bookstore... but it's everything else that catches my eye. I love that the staff is always friendly and welcoming. The prices are reasonable and not to mention.. parking. It's great. Would highly recommend. Of course they won't have the popular books like the major retail stores, but it doesn't hurt to call and as, or stop by anyway. read more

i absolutely LOVE Kinokuniya. This location is much smaller than the Seattle location and does not have the same amount of variety, but it's such a great store nonetheless. The fountain pens and ink alone are worth a trip. They've got a pretty nice selection - Pilot, Lamy, etc. And not just the cheap ones too - they carry the Pilot Custom line (one of my favorites). Not as good of a price as I can get at other shops, but it's great that they carry them. They've got good inks too - plenty of Iroshizuku for decent prices. If you like journaling, there are a couple of sections for that too. Lots of different sizes and brands, and they carry paper in addition to embellishments. Lots of Traveler's brand when I visited. In addition to the wide variety of pens and pencils, they have stationary as well. Very cute stuff. Much of the rest of the store is dedicated to books of different genres as well. Parking for us was metered on the street. This location is in a plaza with a bunch of other great stores as well. But definitely worth a visit if you're interested in what they have and are in the area! read more

Amazing if you love stationary and scrapbooking and stationary. Everything is imported so it might cost a little extra but it is worth it.

I've geeked out about books since the second grade- from weekly pickups and drops at the Bookmobile, perusing favorites at the school and city libraries, to shopping at the plethora of shops, including the original Borders Books. Used bookstores also appeal but as all these wonderful shops get 'Amazoned' and disappear, it's refreshing to find stores like this in Little Tokyo where the printed word still has an honored place. Fun fact, there's an amazing market below the bookstore... but this is about the love of books and stationary and pens and fun toys and things. If it wasn't Covid-19 precautions I'd have camped out for hours. What's guaranteed, however, is that I will make a point of returning again and again. To compensate for loss for words I'll let my photos be a silent essay. Needless to say, their selection of anime is a highlight, and all sections are nicely curated and displayed. I was especially happy to see young kids enjoying their time in the store and they definitely keep a brisk pace with customers despite current limitations. read more

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I LOVE THIS PLACE! So many books and manga! If you're an avid reader or love anime or love manga, this place is definitely worth checking out! Exterior Patio is aesthetic and inside the store is very spacious! There's so many stationary, puzzles, themed collectibles for example they have a Studio Ghibli and Demon Slayer collection and have books on arts and crafts or learning new languages! The employees are also very friendly and they accept cash and card! I got a couple Demon Slayer folders for $8.95 per and they are such high quality and have multiple flaps! I love the designs as well!! I also got Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner because it was on my reading list!! There's parking below that's $2 per 15 mins and max charged per day is $10! read more

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Really neat Japanese bookstore with many, many books, novelty items, and more. I'm not fluent in Japanese but I wanted to make a stop here out of curiosity. The store holds many books in the original Japanese language, which just shows how authentic the items are. Although I didn't make a purchase on the day of my visit, it's really refreshing and nice to see that this business is staying true to its cultural and traditional roots. read more

Kinokuniya - Love the aesthetics of Japanese book covers. - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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this bookstore is filled with an assortment of japanese goods, such as books, stationery, plushies, trinkets, sonny angels and more. it's slightly expensive but has good quality items! the employees are also nice and were patient despite me taking 5 minutes to organize my money. T_T read more

Kinokuniya - calico critter and mofusand books - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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