It’s been ten long years since Kyoto’s best bookstore closed it’s doors… but now Maruzen is coming back! Kyoto’s legendary bookstore occupied a special place in the hearts of expats because of it’s huge English language book section. Locals too were sad to see the historic shop close down, for Maruzen had occupied a spot on Kawaramachi Street since 1907.
The new Maruzen store will occupy two basement floors of the renovated Bal building which reopens on August 21st. Apparently it will include a cafe, western books and stationary – and it is going to be huge. This is a team effort with Junkudo, so we will have to wait and see if the new shop really has that old Maruzen magic. I’m going to be there on August 21st to find out though, and I’m sure a lot of other Maruzen fans will be there too. You can find a map for the Bal building and other details on the Bal Kyoto website here: http://www.bal-bldg.com/bal-kyoto/
Thanks to Mewby for giving me the hot tip on this breaking news!
Alison Tokita says
June 30, 2015 at 9:28 pmThat’s great news! Thanks for passing it on. Ogaki Shoten chain will have to look out!
Flash McDonnell says
August 10, 2015 at 9:30 amThe old Maruzen closed down a month after I left Kyoto for the first time. Now it’s opening again just after I leave for the second time. It’s too much of a coincidence.
Cookie says
September 7, 2015 at 9:53 pmNostalgia abounds. My father always brought home gifts for us from Maruzen (mostly Tokyo branch) and stocked his library from there. Next visit to Kyoto in Jan., I’m heading there to take in the pleasure!
Snowflake says
September 16, 2015 at 1:11 amMaruzen is back? You just made my day. I used to practically live there; it was home whenever I needed a break from school. And now with a café? Brilliant.
Ronald McCoy says
November 15, 2015 at 5:29 amI was wondering if the building had reopened. Last time I was in Kyoto, it was closed. So I googled, and found your excellent post! Thank you so much! Now I know!
Michael Lambe says
November 18, 2015 at 10:10 pmGlad to be of service. 😉