BOOKOFF Japan is one of the country’s best-known second-hand shop chains, selling everything from books and manga to video games, clothing, toys and electronics.
You’ll find branches across Japan, but they’re not all the same. Some are fairly small bookshops, while others are enormous, with second-hand sports equipment, musical instruments and all sorts of household goods.
There are three main types of BOOKOFF and knowing the difference will help you find the right store for what you’re interested in.
BOOKOFF vs BOOKOFF Plus vs BOOKOFF Super Bazaar
BOOKOFF Japan operates three main store formats, with different sizes and product ranges.
| Store | What you’ll usually find |
|---|---|
| BOOKOFF | Books, manga, CDs, DVDs, video games and some electronics |
| BOOKOFF PLUS | Books and games alongside clothing, bags, shoes and fashion accessories |
| BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR | A much wider selection, including toys, sports equipment, musical instruments, clothing and household goods |
A regular BOOKOFF is usually enough if you’re interested in manga or games. Branches range from small neighbourhood shops to larger stores with several floors.
BOOKOFF PLUS adds more second-hand clothing and fashion accessories, while Super Bazaar is the largest format. Some Super Bazaar locations have hundreds of thousands of items, so they’re worth considering if you enjoy looking around second-hand shops.
The descriptions above are a general guide. Individual branches can carry additional categories, and the stock changes as people buy and sell things.
What Can You Buy at BOOKOFF Japan?
Books, Manga and Video Games
Books and manga are still the main attraction at many Bookoff stores.
You’ll find Japanese novels, children’s books, magazines and shelves of manga, including older volumes that might be difficult to find elsewhere.
Most books are in Japanese, although some branches have English-language titles. Even if you can’t read Japanese, an original Japanese edition of your favourite manga can make a nice souvenir.
BOOKOFF also sells second-hand video games and consoles, including older Nintendo and PlayStation titles. Some stores have particularly good retro gaming sections.
Just check compatibility before buying anything to take home. Japanese games don’t always have English-language options, and downloadable content can have regional restrictions.
If you’re buying a console, check the exact model too. For example, Japan has a Japanese-language-only Nintendo Switch 2 that is intended for domestic use.
Toys, Figures and Children’s Souvenirs
BOOKOFF can be useful for finding inexpensive souvenirs, particularly if you’re travelling with young children.
Little kids don’t necessarily care whether a toy is brand new, so there’s no reason to spend a fortune if you can find something second-hand that they like.
Depending on the branch, you might come across Pokémon figures, toy cars, model trains, dolls, anime characters and other Japanese toys.
The larger stores can have extensive toy sections, and you may find older items that aren’t commonly available anymore.
These also make good presents for children back home, especially if you want something a little different from the usual souvenirs from Japan.
Not everything is cheap, though. Rare figures and collectors’ items can be expensive, and it’s worth checking second-hand toys for missing pieces or damage.
Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments
One of the advantages of the larger Bookoff stores is that they can be useful when you’re starting a new hobby and don’t want to spend too much money.
Many years ago, when I was learning to ski, I visited a huge BOOKOFF in Nagoya’s Minato Ward.
I needed skis, boots and poles, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune when I was just starting out. I managed to buy the whole lot for under ¥10,000, and the equipment ended up lasting me for years.
Considering how much use I got out of it, it was excellent value.
Some Bookoff Super Bazaar branches sell skiing and snowboarding equipment, golf clubs, tennis rackets, bicycles and other sporting goods.
Naturally, anything safety-related needs checking carefully. Used ski bindings, for example, should be inspected and adjusted by a qualified professional before use.
Musical instruments are another good example.
If your child wants to learn the piano, you might be able to pick up a cheap second-hand keyboard rather than spending a lot of money on something new. If they lose interest after a few months, at least you haven’t spent too much.
The same applies to guitars and other instruments, provided they’re in good working condition.
If you’re visiting Nagoya, there’s a particularly large BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR at Cains Mall in Minato Ward. Bookoff lists around 500,000 items at this branch, including sports equipment, musical instruments, toys and clothing.
Clothing, Bags and Electronics
BOOKOFF PLUS and SUPER BAZAAR are the better options if you’re interested in second-hand clothes.
You’ll find Japanese and international brands, from everyday clothing to designer pieces. Some Super Bazaar branches advertise women’s clothing from ¥200 and children’s clothing from ¥100 before tax, although these aren’t standard prices across every store.
Japanese clothing sizes can differ from those used elsewhere, so check the measurements before buying.
Selected branches also sell branded bags, watches, jewellery and electronics such as cameras, headphones, smartphones, TVs and computers.
If you’re buying something electrical to take home, check the voltage. Japan uses 100V, and appliances designed only for the Japanese market may not work safely in certain countries without a suitable transformer.
Is BOOKOFF Cheap in Japan?
It certainly can be, particularly for ordinary second-hand books, manga, clothes and equipment that people no longer need.
However, don’t assume everything is a bargain. Rare manga, popular video games and collectable figures can cost considerably more than you’d expect.
For me, some of the best value comes from everyday items that would cost much more new. Sports equipment, children’s toys and musical instruments are good examples.
If you’re shopping for a particular item, it’s worth comparing prices rather than assuming second-hand automatically means cheaper.
How to Find a BOOKOFF Store in Japan
The easiest way is to use the official BOOKOFF store finder.
You can search by city, prefecture or station and filter branches by the types of products they sell. This is particularly useful if you’re looking for sports equipment, musical instruments or other items that aren’t stocked everywhere.
Google Maps is another option. Try searching using the Japanese names:
- ブックオフ – BOOKOFF
- ブックオフプラス – BOOKOFF PLUS
- ブックオフスーパーバザー – BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR
Add your destination, such as 名古屋 for Nagoya or 大阪 for Osaka, to narrow the results.
Individual store pages also provide addresses, opening hours and accepted payment methods.
Things to Know Before Shopping at BOOKOFF
As most products are second-hand, check their condition before paying, especially with electronics, toys and more expensive purchases.
BOOKOFF generally doesn’t accept returns simply because you’ve changed your mind. If something is faulty or not as described, contact the branch where you bought it and keep your receipt.
Many stores accept credit cards and electronic payments, although the available methods vary.
You don’t need to speak Japanese to shop at Bookoff, but a translation app can be useful for reading condition labels and product information.
Can Tourists Shop Tax-Free at BOOKOFF?
Yes, some BOOKOFF branches offer tax-free shopping to eligible overseas visitors.
The minimum qualifying purchase is ¥5,000 before tax at the same participating store on the same day, and you’ll need your passport.
Japan changed its tax-free shopping system on 1 November 2026. You now pay the full price, including consumption tax, at the shop. The tax equivalent is refunded after customs confirms that you’re taking the goods out of Japan when you leave.
You must complete the customs confirmation within 90 days of purchase. BOOKOFF also applies a handling fee for tax-free purchases, which can vary by branch.
You can find participating locations through BOOKOFF’s tax-free store directory.
I’ve explained the process in more detail in my guide to tax-free shopping in Japan.
Is BOOKOFF Worth Visiting as a Tourist?
If you’re interested in manga, games or second-hand bargains, BOOKOFF is worth a look.
A regular branch near your hotel is easy enough to visit without taking much time away from sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
BOOKOFF usually focuses on books, manga, CDs, DVDs, games and mobile phones. BOOKOFF PLUS adds a stronger clothing range in a larger store, though individual branches of either can vary.
It’s worth it if you want a broad browse across clothing, sports gear, electronics and household goods in one large store. If you only want books, manga or games, a regular BOOKOFFf nearby is usually quicker.
Standard Nintendo Switch cards are generally region-free, except for certain China-specific products. PlayStation 4 and 5 game discs are also generally region-free. DLC has to match the game’s own region, and your Nintendo Account country determines which eShop you can access. The cheaper Japan-only Nintendo Switch 2 model only supports Japanese and requires a Nintendo Account set to Japan. Check the model carefully before buying one.
A regular BOOKOFF usually has a narrower range than a Super Bazaar. Super Bazaar is closer to a small department store, with entire floors for clothing, sports equipment or household goods. It commonly holds hundreds of thousands of items.
