Vinyl Reverie: The Coolest Record Stores to Visit in Japan
Japan doesn't just sell records; it curates experiences. In a landscape where precision and storytelling matter, flipping through wax in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka becomes more than shopping; it's a ritual. Here's where to go when you want your sound on vinyl and your soul stirred.
Disk Union – Tokyo's Sonic Kingdom
You can't talk about records in Japan without mentioning Disk Union. This legendary chain has multiple stores across Tokyo, each specialising in genre, from punk and metal to jazz and classical. It's a choose-your-own-adventure for collectors, with staff who are as knowledgeable as they are passionate.
Go for Rare Japanese pressings, pristine-condition imports, and entire floors dedicated to genre deep dives.
Kankyo Records – Ambient Dreams in Sangenjaya
Tucked away in a peaceful Tokyo neighbourhood, Kankyo Records feels more like a gallery than a store. Specialising in ambient, experimental, and environmental music (yes, that's a thing), this is where you go when you want your vinyl to double as a meditative portal.
Go for Japanese ambient, field recordings, and beautifully designed cassettes you didn't know you needed.
Next Records – Shibuya's DJ Haven
If your vinyl dreams come with BPM, Next Records is your destination. Focused on 12-inch singles, it's a goldmine for DJs and R&B heads alike. It's low-key, tucked into a quiet street near Shibuya, but the selection speaks volumes.
Go for Hip-hop, house, and rare R&B singles from the '80s and '90s.
Jet Set Records – Kyoto's Indie Vinyl Authority
In Kyoto's laid-back Inokuma district, Jet Set Records is a must-visit for anyone chasing the indie, electronic, and Japanese underground scene. With listening stations and refined curation, it has the vibe of a boutique record salon.
Go for Indie gems, J-pop oddities, and curated staff picks that hit differently.
Rare Groove – Osaka's Sonic Time Capsule
Walking into Rare Groove is like stepping into a crate-digger's fever dream. This shop is about deep cuts and unexpected finds, from psychedelic rock to obscure funk. The staff are collectors, so expect recommendations you'll never hear on Spotify.
Go for Jazz fusion, global funk, and records that look as good as they sound.
Japan's record scene isn't just alive; it's thriving. These stores aren't just shops; they're cultural portals where every sleeve tells a story, and every track has a soul. Whether you're a serious audiophile or a curious browser, these spaces invite you to slow down, listen deeply, and fall in love with music all over again.