Kinokuniya Bookstore - Santa Monica

This branch was really disappointing. It's just a tiny portion of the larger Japanese supermarket. It has some Japanese stationary, pens, toys, and books, but a small collection. It wastes too much of its small space on non-Japanese stickers, keychains, and other things, that could be bought anywhere. I have been to the branches of this store in SF and Portland, which were way better.

Love this store! It’s inside Mitsuwa market. Great selection of books, pens, stickers, stationery. If you become pay to become a member you can get regular discounts. Many gift items. Japanese manga and other Japanese niche items. Friendly service. Easy to park.

Love this little shop so much! They always have great stationery first and foremost. So many notebooks including Traveler’s Notebooks. & lots of adorable gifts as well as Japanese language books. Keep in mind their hours are separate from the grocery store though.

I've loved the Kinokuniya bookstore in Little Tokyo for years. This was my first foray to this one and I love it just as much. FYI: it's located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace, so when you see that, you're headed in the right direction. I'm a pen junkie, and Kinokuniya has everything I could ever want. I've learned that the Japanese really love their writing implements and are great at developing all types of pens for optimum writing experience. Of course there's manga aplenty, along with tons of awesome blank books, journals, stationery, plushies, cute tote bags (check out the Gojira/Godzilla one). The sales staff are really friendly too. Definitely worth a second and third trip. Plus, right next door is a market specializing in all Japanese food and sundry items, including fresh sushi to go, as well as shops with all manner of Japanese fast food. Shop then eat. Sounds like a plan.

absolutely a delight, I would e bought more if I didn't have a budget. the staff was knowledge, cute and helpful. , thanks

I really liked this place. It has books, stationery, book books, toys and more. Perfect place to get a gift for someone or to get the materials to start journaling. The quality of the notebooks is impressive as expected from Japanese products. And after that you can enjoy a delicious meal in the food court next to it.

The store is small compared to some of the other Kinokuniya branches I've had the pleasure of visiting, but it packs a punch. Has a little bit of everything. It is incorporated with a grocery store and a small food court area. Easy to find and very helpful staff.