Best Antiques in Tokyo

With great reverence for old literature and books, the Gyokueido Shoten is the place for ardent collectors of rare literature. It specializes in old books and manuscripts - mostly printed but if you're lucky (and can afford it) you can find gorgeous handwritten texts or hand-illustrated books. Books date back as far as the 13th Century - if you have the yen, you can find a beautifully crafted, handmade book that you can treasure for a lifetime. Credit cards are accepted for purchases over JPY20,000

Book lovers are spoiled for choice in the Jimbocho area, with over 140 booksellers competing for their attention. Tamura Shoten is one of the oldest and the best-known - it was founded in 1904 and Yoshio Okudaira, a member of the founding family, still runs it. The first floor is primarily Japanese books but the floor above contains books in English, French and German, in a variety of topics. There is also a gorgeous display of first editions, featuring signed volumes from Proust amongst others; also, Tamura Shoten bids in overseas auctions - a great opportunity to get that book you've always wanted. Credit cards are accepted for purchases over JPY7000.