Digging in New York: Five of New York and Brooklyn's best record stores

Hitting record stores while in New York is a must. Despite heading there a few times over the years, I've always had a crammed agenda with “work”, so I never really had the time to do some proper digging. This time around, I was so focused on our event at Public Records, and digging took a bit of a back seat again. I ended up nearly missing my flight home by cramming in as many stores as possible up to the last minute. And with that rush, I didn't really have the time to take nice photos (some stores don't even allow it) or make this a much richer article, similar to my dives into Tokyo and Osaka record stores.

But, given the overwhelming choice of record stores in this city, it's worth me compiling this list for anyone going for the first time, especially if you're into the same music as you find here (and maybe I can continue to update it after another trip).

I would have loved something like this before planning my weekend... So, here's a hit list of stores I managed to hit and come recommended if you’re looking for records on the more ambient and electronic spectrum (rock, punk, jazz and hip-hop, etc can also be found at some of these stores).

Octopus Records

Octopus Records

This store is a bit of a trek if you're staying anywhere downtown or Manhattan, but if you're Brooklyn side, it's not too bad. Beginning as a Discogs seller and evolving into a physical location, Octopus is the most closely aligned to my kind of music, with a superb curation of ambient, downtempo, and all things in between. It had an ASIP label section at one point, but speaking to the owner now, the stock has been cut back lately (and I hope to fix that!) This is a quintessential neighborhood record store, with a knowledgeable, approachable owner, cats enjoying the space, and a warm vibe that makes you want to spend all day digging (then hit a nice Taco joint around the corner - let me know if you need the tip).

I could have purchased a lot more from this store, but it was my first hit, so I was trying to keep some cash in the bank. I managed to pick up this album from my Wantlist by Uf0, which I have yet to see in the flesh, and with no copies available in the US on Discogs, it was a nice little find to kick things off.

Ergot Records with a used copy of one of our early releases - ASIPV003.

Ergot Records

I was staying in Brooklyn, and I wasn't sure if I would get into Manhattan, but I'm glad I did. We showed up at opening time on Sunday, but no one was there after 15 minutes. Burger at 'Hamburger America' it was then just a short walk down the road [damn, it's a good Smashburger].

Heading back to Ergot after a near heart attack, the store had now opened, and as soon as I walked in, a section dedicated to "Future Dance" focused my attention. After browsing a solid chunk, I could sense the store's curation intention, with music from the likes of Brian Leeds and his Loidis album, Djrum, Ali Berger, and many others in today's world of artists blurring the edges of dance music, techno, ambient and IDM. This section also featured artists and labels who call New York home, so it made sense that Ergot would cater to this crowd. In addition, Ergot continued to draw on similar styles throughout its racks, with the likes of minimal techno, experimental, disco, drum and bass, and many more sections in the electronic world to get busy in.

The guy working the desk was spinning the new album by SnPLO, a lovely 3X12"of Chain Reaction-esque techno, so I had to pick that up, along with an original used Peter Michael Hamel LP of his infamous Berlin-School trip, Colors of Time, some lovely brooding ambient by Civilistjavel (thanks for the tip Juan!). And lastly, the third Tranquilizer EP by Terre Thaemlitz - highly sought after before a recent repress.

A1 - Records

An institution, no doubt, so a visit was a must. I knew it would be heavy on hip-hop given its history and what I’ve seen in the press before, but I was there for the house music if anything. At this point, my time was running out, and I only managed to go through the top bins, leaving the knee-breaking bottom rows for next time. As you would expect from a record store that has been around since 1996, the choice was deep and extensive. With speed of the essence now and my flight approaching, my eyes went to the wall, where record stores would normally place their most expensive records, but in this case, records that don't otherwise fit in any of the existing genre racks, maybe? An early Blu Mar Ten record - a classic that is hard to find in the US with only one on Discogs right now at over $250... purchased for just $40.

Upon checkout, the cashier asked what it was - apparently, the owner had brought it into the shop recently from his own collection, and the cashier had meant to give it a spin. So he stuck it on the turntable, gave me an approving nod, and then said he would be finding it on Spotify. Wait, what? Don’t you work in a record store? My loaded question was met with a resounding NY response - "Are you aware how small NYC apartments are? I can only take home so many records!".

Fair.

Stranded Records

Stranded Records

Probably one for the calm aesthetics rather than my music choice, but this nice sub-street level spot was a nice vibe to look through, despite not finding anything of substance for my own taste. And being just around the corner from Ergot, it's worth a shot for anyone in the area. There is plenty of jazz, as well as more pop-oriented records, but anyone looking for something that straddles early experimental, synth, or similar might have some luck here, as the recent arrivals bins were a nice mix of early electronic records, and you know when you can just tell it’s the type of place to get a few gems every now and then?

ASIP artist OKRAA digging at Captured Records

Captured Records Shop

More of a classic ‘anyone can find something in here’ store, akin to the Amoeba Store’s on the opposite coast, it was probably the largest store out of the bunch I visited. This meant a healthy selection of all genres, but I was pleased to find sections for house and techno 12"s specifically, meaning a lovely variety from the cheesiest stuff of the 90’s to the more underground techno of late. Nothing really hit home, but I did find a nice DJ Food album for a friend who tries to snap up anything on Ninja Tune.

Razor N Tape

A bonus mention if you’re already in the nighborhood. Technically, it is a label-specific store, and this small space is run by the label namesake but also features some other select curations. I'm calling it out, as it's just around the corner from Captured Records, and owning a small label shop is a dream of mine. They also had some quality merch that I tried to get in my size, to no avail.

~

On my hitlist for next time:

Face Records - if it's as good as the Tokyo store [see here] then a must hit.

Archivio Records - appointment only, I didn't plan too well and missed any open spots.

What did I miss? Where else should I add for next time?

Brooklyn Record Exchange has two shops, full of world, abstract and proper digger territories.

Digging in Japan: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo's best record stores (part two)

Back in July 2018, I had somewhat of a pilgrimage to Tokyo and spent an entire week visiting record stores, resulting in the first feature here on ASIP covering ten of my favorite record stores.

Five years later, I was lucky enough to visit Japan once more, this time with a best friend who also loves music. Our visit was sandwiched between two DJ shows I played in Tokyo and Osaka, allowing me the option to also explore Kyoto and Osaka stores more. What follows, are some of my favorite stores from the trip, that are in addition to those covered in the first post linked below.

Read: Digging in Japan: Ten of Tokyo’s best record stores

Plenty has happened in the five years since I went to Japan last, most notably, a global pandemic… Whether directly related or not, two of my favorite stores had since closed. Technique in Shibuya shut its doors in 2022, almost certainly as a result of Japan’s strict restrictions surrounding the pandemic. The techno-forward store was a mecca for any electronic DJ and is sorely missed. In addition, cult-favorite Disc Shop Zero shut down due to the unfortunate death of E-Jima san. The owner of the store passed away without passing the reigns, and now Japan is without one more very special record store.

This trip included repeat visits to Lighthouse Records, Face Records, Next Records (all Shibuya), Jet Set, City Country City, and Disk Union ( all Shimokitazawa), all of which were covered in the previous article so won’t be called out again here. All of these shops appeared relatively unchanged this time around and are all still highly recommended visits.

So, on to the new shelves…

Kankyō Records (Tokyo)

One thing that’s evident since 2018, is the increased proliferation of ambient music in physical form, especially the popularity of Kankyō Ongaku, or “environmental music” - a Japanese genre of music that was established in the 1980s as a reaction to the rapid urbanization and economic development of the time, and now seemingly having a resurgence. Unrelated to any of the reissues, but obviously inspired by the term and genre, Kankyō Records stocks many styles of ambient and experimental music, and goes deep. The store, located in what seems like a quiet student neighborhood, was hidden just off the main road on the ground floor of an apartment building. Stepping through the doors, the shop is small, with an entrance to remove your shoes and a pristine white interior - somewhat of a stark contrast to the busy record stores found elsewhere in Japan. A small crate of second-hand records meet you as you step in and remove your shoes, then a single wall of new vinyl, a wall of tapes, and CDs, all meticulously evenly spaced and presented.

Kankyō no doubt focuses on highlighting some of the many smaller tape labels in the scene - many of which come from Japan - but you can also find American labels such as Constellation Tatsu taking up a lot of that lovely white real estate along with a wide selection of ambient music on vinyl, precisely curated.

Brilliant stickers too.

Average cost: $$$ (many imports)
Specialty: Ambient, Drone, Experimental (Vinyl, Cassettes and CDs)
https://kankyorecords.com/

Ella Records Warehouse (Tokyo- Shimokitizawa)

We saw a fellow tourist in Disk Union Shimokitazawa and gave the digger nod, and an hour or two later, found ourselves in a chance meeting outside of a coffee shop. Noticing us again, he stopped and asked if we had got anything great, and we got talking. I can’t remember his name, but he was a DJ from Montreal back in the day and ended up recommending Ella Warehouse, which was just 5 minutes up the road. I had saved Ella Records previously on my list, but this seemed to be a new location near the station and a ‘warehouse’ if it wasn’t already obvious. Four floors up, the entrance is (surprise surprise, unassuming and easily missed, and took us two trips up the stairs to finally try the big heavy metal door) but when you enter, the space is noticeably more spacious than the typical store characteristic in Japan and reminded me of a store you might find in the UK.

Two people cleaned and filed records without even glancing up, and with crates at two levels (yes, the knee busters were out in force), it was clear we had our work cut out. Looking at the other customers, it was clearly a DJ-forward shop, and the collection went on to reflect it. Split in two, with house and techno on one side and hip-hop the other. There was plenty of 00s dance music to be found, including the more commercial stuff (including big trance and house hitters) so it was definitely more of a quantity-over-quality vibe. I ended up picking up and listening to about five records, but none really shouted at me to grab them right there and then, and so I left empty-handed. Don’t take that as a negative though - definitely a store worth visiting and going by the huge backstock shelves, it likely switches things up more often than other stores, so timing is everything.

Average cost: $$ (all used but generically priced in levels)
Specialty: House, Techno, Trance, Hip-hop.
https://ellawarehouse.com/

Meditations (Kyoto)

If Technique was a techno lover’s mecca in Japan, Meditations in Kyoto is quickly becoming the ambient lover’s mecca. Away from the Temples and small streets that make Kyoto so endearing, Meditations floats upon the second floor of yet another unassuming building a bit further north of the tourist hustle of downtown.

As you’d expect from such a name, it was a calm space, but also has a very active webstore by my experience, meaning the owner was busy packing records as we dug in - the sound of tape being ripped slightly jarring against the beautiful music and smell of incense. But, I was here at work (aka to dig) not to meditate...

The standing racks featured just about every adjacent genre to ambient music and within them an amazing selection of well-curated, new releases, some of which are hard for me to even find in US stores. Plenty of Music From Memory, Astral Industries, Imp Rec, and a surprisingly big Boomkat-related distro selection (think Sferic, 3XL etc) - impressive ambient labels of today that are hard to find outside of Europe. Under the racks, was a selection of Japanese and world music but second-hand records were few and far between. Ironically, I think I got my least ‘ambient’ records in this store and finally picked up the Death Is Not The End London Pirate Radio editions. With new records, it’s always hard to stretch your ears into unknown territories without taking a $plunge, and I had only really just got started on the trip…

After Meditations, there was another record store just around the corner from Meditations, which we sat patiently (in a nearby bar that the owner kindly kept open for us) waiting for the store to open, only to find they were shut for the week. It came recommended by a local friend, so may be worth stopping by the link above if you already hit Meditations.

Average cost: $$$ (mostly new, and many imports)
Specialty: Ambient, Experimental, Drone/Noise, Japanese + World
https://meditations.jp/en

Jazzy Sport (Kyoto)

I didn’t end up going to Shimokitazawa’s Jazzy Sport this time around (we tried, but it was shut despite Google saying it was open) so I made sure to visit the Kyoto outpost instead. It was also very close to my hotel, so no excuse. Up on the 4th floor above a beautiful district on the east side of the river, this spot is more of a DJ and merch store than a record store, but it gave an overall pristine and luxury vibe with new records, crossing funk, jazz, world music and plenty of local label support too so worthy of a call out here. The picture just about captures the amount of vinyl on offer, albeit with a few more crates underneath. I debated a compilation featuring all local Kyoto artists that they played for me on the system, but it didn’t hit the spot. Worth a step inside, if even for the cool merch and view from the top floor.

Average cost: $$$ (mostly new)
Specialty: Funk, Jazz, World, electronic.
https://jazzysportkyoto.com/

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Newtone (Osaka)

With the second DJ gig of my travels in Osaka being on the day before we left, it meant I only got to dig here for one afternoon, but we went pretty hard and hit gold.

Newtone is an electronic music fan’s haven. Well stocked (sometimes too much - you know, when you can’t even flick through) Newtone has philosophically replaced Technique as the DJ’s mecca in Japan and is a one-stop shop for any new release. With bottom shelves organized by distributors, you get a sense (if you know that world atleast) of how many distro’s this store is buying from, and it’s pretty much all of the biggies. Meaning, there’s no shortage of UK, US and EU records available here - a big deal if you’re local to Japan or visiting from Australia (or even the US like me). The prices reflect it, given the imports, but there are definitely some bargains to be had, and given you’d be paying expensive shipping yourself if you normally buy from the UK or EU, it works out just as good if not better. Also, one of the few stores that actually had a rack with new arrivals/recommendations - typical of a classic DJ-focused record store. However, listening wasn’t really an option given so many were new and sealed, so people were visiting the computer to grab audio clips.

Give yourself a couple of hours to truly rummage around in this one and get your headphones at the ready…

I was happy to also find a copy of Striê & Scanner’s ASIP LP in here too.

Average cost: $$$ (mostly new)
Specialty: Techno, Minimal, House, Ambient + more
https://www.newtone-records.com

Raregroove (Osaka)

I’ve long heard about Raregroove, and it was a must-visit for my short trip this time around. Often known for stocking some of the best Japanese Pop and Ambient, Jazz, World Music, and of course rare groove, it didn’t disappoint. If you’re more of a purist in that sense and going to Japan for the OG or regional presses then this is your spot. It’s world-renowned as one of the best record stores for a reason and if I had time to come back, I would have snapped up quite a few pieces in hindsight, but little did I know my time was about to run short.

Situated in a building shared with about five other record stores, once you’re finished in here, it’s the equivalent of walking into a new office down the hallway to find a whole new set of crates, but unfortunately for me, they were mostly hip-hop focused.

Hope to chat to you again soon, Norio!

Average cost: $$
Specialty: Japanese Pop, Ambient, Nuwave, House, Groove, Jazz etc
https://raregroove.jp/

Revelation Time (Osaka)

Perhaps my most successful dig happened to be the last store in Osaka at Revelation Time. This was, after now visiting quite a few stores over the years, perhaps a reflection of the quintessential Japanese record store you can come to expect.

Unassuming building, hidden away on the 4th floor.
One small room
Focused on records, not decor or merch.
Owner behind a desk, cleaning the records and simultaneously DJing.
Second-hand crates well curated and featuring notes / great tagging.

The entire center aisle was full of records I have never seen in the flesh before and the best thing was they made the genre and keywords very clear on the small writeups, which made it much easier to take a chance on a record and listen to it. A record that is simply categorized as “Trance” in many other stores, is less attractive than a record that says “Banging Belgium Trance Classic from 1995”… I’m in… and the wallet shared the pain. I ended up finding a few classic digs, but also some early IDM LPs that I’ve longed for, including Bola and u-ziq, Sensorama and an amazing rare ambient 12” by Haruomi Hosono (member of Yellow Magic Orchestra among many other influential projects).

Average cost: $$
Specialty: Ambient, IDM, Techno, House, Japanese Pop etc.
https://revelationtime.myshopify.com/

~

At this point, we were done, tapped out, and off to DJ in Osaka at an amazing party with Muzan Editions at Bar Wols. Ironically though given the weight being pulled behind me, without any turntables at the venue!

But as with all trips to Japan, I left with a crate full of special music for future listening, and unforgettable memories, longing to be back already.

Raregroove Osaka

Face Records Tokyo

Meditations Kyoto

Next Records Tokyo

Read the first feature from 2018, which includes ten more record stores in Tokyo, here.

Jazz Kissa - Tokyo Record Bars

Currently, about 100 jazz kissa and jazz bars are open in Tokyo. The number of such rooms in the region began to increase in the early 1960s and peaked in the late 1970s. At the peak, an estimated 200 jazz kissas were operating in Tokyo, but only about 20 remaining rooms have been in business since the 1960s and 1970s. - In Sheeps Clothing

I’ve been obsessed with the documentation of Jazz Kissa lately, thanks to the photography collection by Katsumasa Kusunose. Since my last trip to Japan documenting some of my favorite record stores, I stumbled across this series and never really got to fully embrace its culture whilst traveling in Tokyo (instead opting for record stores) but thanks to the amazing documentation in this series, I’ll definitely be on the hunt for some Jazz Kissa next. time I visit Tokyo. However, after reading these books, it turned out I did visit a couple, without really knowing it, such as Dug, in Shinjuku, pictured below.

If you’re looking to pick up some copies of the photo books (no text so don’t worry about translation!), try the Jazz City store, and a few have also landed stateside at In Sheeps Clothing, who have also hosted a great interview with the series founder.

Charmant

Dug

Digging in Japan: ten of Tokyo's best record stores

**New, Part 2 now available with updated + new stores from March 2023**

I just returned from a dream trip to Tokyo, traveling alone, allowing me the complete freedom to do what I've always wanted to do; spend my entire time in some of the many great record shops Tokyo has to offer, listening to music and taking pictures of a pastime I admire. Tokyo is renowned for being an audiophile's dream in both store and equipment terms, and I'm sure by the end of this you'll see why. 

There were ~25 record shops/locations on my shortlist to visit. This Resident Advisor article was a good start for research along with some great venues too, along with this one on Discogs. Some general internet digging and a couple of hot tips from some of you also helped. I had been to Tokyo a couple of times before, but I never had the time to truly dig in, so a few stores had been on my 'must revisit' list for a few years. Now, it was time for a visit with nothing on the agenda other than "DITC". 

I managed to get around to about 15 shops in total. One of them was no longer around and one was a new addition after stumbling across it by accident. Ten of them, I felt were worth capturing here for future reference. At the very bottom of this article you'll find the full list I amassed. I only really scraped the surface...

This series was originally published as a series of photos on Instagram (@astrangelyisolatedplace) and I will continue to add stores to it via the #ASIPRecordStores hashtag, as life and digging goes on. 

Technique (Shibuya, Tokyo)

**Update, now permanently closed**

Technique is undoubtedly the best store in Tokyo for electronic DJ’s. There's not much you can’t find here if it has anything to do with the best of the deep and dark stuff. Technique stocks a bunch of the latest techno, local labels and an extensive used section - where I ultimately spent most of my time, as the staff on the day didn't speak much English, so I didn't want to waste my time asking him for some obscure Japanese bits. 

I came for the techno, but walked away with a copy of Arovane's ‘Tides’ (still missing from my collection) and Pete Namlook's ‘Definitive Ambient Collection’. They were also spinning Eternal Beams feat Laraaji whilst I was shopping, and as with most record store experiences, I had to pick up a copy to remind me of the time I spent browsing. 

Average cost: $$$ (3/5)
Specialty: Techno, used and new. 
http://www.technique.co.jp/

Big Love (Harajuku, Tokyo) 

If you can find it, two floors up and set back into the Harajuku neighborhood, you’ll think you just stumbled across someones living room. You wouldn’t be wrong - it’s the record collectors dream living room.

Records from the Big Love label, plenty of independent rock, pop and a decent electronic and ambient/experimental section (Northern Electronics on full albeit expensive show) plus a small bar serving up Japanese Craft Beers (IPA's, Ales etc) and a lovely selection of merch to rep the shop, if you can ever drag yourself away from this haven. 

Pretty sure they do food too, but that tips plate made me worried about trying to do anything else other than buying music. 

Average cost: $$$$
Specialty: Independent rock, pop and alternative with a good selection of ambient and electronic. 
http://www.bigloverecords.jp/

Disc Shop Zero (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo)

**Update, now permanently closed due to unfortunate death of E-Jima san :-(**

20+years in existence, E-Jima san tells me he went to Bristol many years back and continued to make friends, falling in love with all kinds of bass music, from Dubstep to drum & bass.

This shop is hard to walk around but you only need your arms to dig through the many hundreds of records - often left in their promo boxes, sent from his UK friends. Signed albums adorn the walls from many of Bristol’s biggest bass and dubstep musicians. And because people probably don’t come here looking for electronica, I found some great stuff hidden amongst a neglected electronica section, including: a Metamatics 7”, an Autechre ATP compilation, a Static Caravan picture disc and a classic ISAN album.

Average cost: $$$
Specialty: Bass, dubstep, jungle, electronic. 
http://www.discshopzero.com/

Next Records (Shibuya, Tokyo)

Without a doubt the most pristine, meticulous, well curated used house section I’ve ever come across. 8x2ft of perfectly alphabetized pristine House records, with many first presses in perfect condition. 

From the early days of Mr Fingers and Frankie Knuckles up until the prime-era of Strictly Rhythm and Masters at Work (the good years!) they have it all. Many are ordered per pressing or edition so you can walk out with 2/3 copies of the same record if you’re after the originals plus other versions. This is the kind of place that spins a record whilst you're on the floor, and your eyes look up after hearing an early house sample you didn’t even know existed as its own record. Learn "What's playing right now?" in Japanese before going here.

Average cost: $$$$
Specialty: Used Jazz, Hip-hop and House
http://www.nextrecordsjapan.net/

Lighthouse Records (Shibuya, Tokyo)

Overlooking the busy streets of Shibuya, Lighthouse is another DJ oriented shop similar to Technique, but focused more on House, Nu-Disco and all things Balearic. A rare and unusual gem to find in the busy streets of Tokyo, as soon as you step into the store it emits warmth, space and calm. Big speakers and a legit turntable setup, the space also sells some audiophile merch and headphones like Phonon. 

I managed to find the classic drum’n bass remix of The Beloved's Sun Rising, by Tom Middleton, and Vol.3 of the Italian Dream House compilation (the first two volumes are bankers!) Lighthouse is also the perfect home for Japanese selector, Chee Simizu (video). 

Average cost: $$
Specialty: Balearic house, Disco, Nu-Disco.

Face Records (Shibuya, Tokyo)

Another little gem in Shibuya across the street from Next Records, this shop has a bit of everything and apparently (although I seemed to have missed it) some brilliant Japanese ambient. I did however manage to score some cheap dub-techno classics from Arovane, Basic Channel and Monolake. Also a great Discogs seller with many titles not on the shop floor.

Average cost: $
Specialty: Techno, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Japanese Ambient. 
http://www.facerecords.com/

Jet Set Records (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo)

I turned up in the lovely neighborhood of Shimokitazawa way too early, quickly learning that record stores in Japan don’t open until about 1-2pm. But if it wasn’t for trying to find Jet Set that early (I walked past it twice) I wouldn’t have spent all morning exploring and walking around the lovely neighborhood.

Jet Set features mostly new music, curated from popular western labels and new Pop from Japan. Apparently the Jet Set store in Kyoto is much bigger and has a more extensive selection as a home base. 

Average cost: $$
Specialty: Pop, Hip-hop, Rock, Japanese artists and new releases. 
https://www.jetsetrecords.net/

Jazzy Sport (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo)

Half store, half record label (and Yoga studio by the looks of things), this is a small outlet with more of a merch selection than records, with that island above, the center piece for the store. 

I didn’t find any vinyl of interest as it seemed more hip-hop and jazz focused, but I did have fun not fitting into some XL Japan size t-shirts. I have no doubt the selection here however is good given the collective behind the store apparently run some of Tokyo's best parties.

Average cost: $$$
Specialty: Hip-hop, Jazz.
http://www.jazzysport.com/

Be-In Records (Koenji, Tokyo)

I stumbled across this shop by accident whilst exploring the Koenji neighborhood, spotting the sandwich board as I stumbled down a mall of vintage clothing stores. Not exactly my style of music, but a very fun browse.

If you’re a fan of the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, welcome to heaven. They have entire sections devoted to individual band members, and many expensive first pressings adorn the walls priced $700+. I have no idea what I'm looking at when it comes to pop music, but the sheer organization and scale of the obsessiveness was enough to keep me peering through the crates for a good hour. The guy behind the counter obsessively scrubbed and cleaned records behind his mask the entire time I was there. This is serious collector business.

Average cost: $$$$$
Specialty: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and anything to do with that era.

City Country City,  (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo)

The very first shop I visited on my visit this time around, known to the locals as 'CCC'. After sitting at a coffee shop waiting for it to open, I was first through the doors, as the blankets were slowly lifted off the shelves on a hot Tokyo morning. 

Most people seem to come for the amazing pasta that's cooked freshly in a small kitchen, and local coffee whilst soft folk, ambient, or jazz music plays in the background. An old piano sits in the corner and a member of staff cleans the records ready for sale, as the smell of freshly cooked garlic mixes with the dusty scent of used vinyl.

I picked up my biggest haul from CCC, including some classic Detroit house and techno, but it was probably the inviting environment that kept me going, urging me to find more. not only that, but I was able to have a beer, eat good food, and meet up with friends after a couple of hours in the crates, without even leaving the building. 

Average cost: $$
Specialty: House, Jazz, Folk, Experimental. 
http://city-country-city.com/about-en/

Bonus! Disk Union (various locations)

You can't mention record shops without mentioning Disk Union. Whilst it may seem like the commercial equivalent of a megastore, its second-hand selection is second to none. If you're looking for essentials from any genre, or classic albums from your favorite artists, this is your spot. I found a first pressing of BOC's Hi-Scores 12" amongst many other things. I made the mistake of going here last and went way over budget as a result. You can't walk out of here empty-handed…

Average cost: $$
Specialty: Everything (even our own ASIP releases!)
http://diskunion.net/

 My full Tokyo record store hit-list (July 2018)

• Technique (Shibuya) [listed above]

• Disk Union (Shibuya, Shimo and Shinjuku) [listed above]

• Face Records (Shibuya) [listed above]

• Next Records (Shibuya) [listed above]

• Lighthouse Records (Shibuya) [listed above]

• Hi-Fi (Shibuya) [Visited, but only old classic jazz - pictured above)

• Guhroovy (Shibuya) [PERMANENTLY CLOSED]

• El Sur Records (Shibuya)

• Tower Records (Shibuya) [Visited, but mainly CDs + pop/chart music]

• Recofan (Shibuya)

• Dessinee (Shibuya)

• Manhattan Records (Shibuya) [Visited, but mainly rap, hip-hop, RnB]

• Big Love (Harajuku) [listed above]

• City Country City (Shimokitazawa) [listed above]

• Disc Shop Zero (Shimokitazawa) [listed above]

• Jazzy Sport (Shimokitazawa) [listed above]

• Flash Disk Ranch (Shimokitazawa)

• Jet Set ((Shimokitazawa & Kyoto) [listed above]

• Coconuts Disk (Various locations)

• Be-In Records (Koenji) [listed above]

• Ella Records (Nishihara)

• Meditations (Kyoto) [Comes highly recommended, but no time this time around - see Part 2 for an update on this store]

• Neds (Shinjuku) [Comes highly recommended, only open 7-9pm, but missed out this time - see you soon Tokyo!)

Interested in what records I purchased? See the Discogs list here. Overall, I didn't get any special Japanese editions or extreme rarities, but that's not my style. Interestingly, I did the math based on the lowest selling price on Discogs right now, and it worked out I probably overspent by around $150. However, that doesn't take into consideration the condition of the records for sale (all mine were 'A/B / excellent) nor does it take into account any postage prices if you bought through Discogs. And most of all, it doesn't take into consideration the very action of spending time in a record store, searching through the crates, and finding a record you've wanted for ages - that's priceless!

What did I miss? What were your favorites? Let me know in the comments below so I know for next time. Just off to start my life savings again... 

Also, listen to our latest Portal’s feature ‘Stories from Tokyo’ which includes some of the many field recordings from this trip in one mix alongside some awesome Japanese ambient music.

>>**Read an updated continued article from March 2023 that includes stores in Kyoto and Osaka**