Tokyo vinyl and audio suggestions

Disk Union and Audio Union are chain stores that sell music and high end audio respectively. They are in shinjuku and ochanomizu, as well as many other locations. You can google them to find where. When I lived there they were regular haunts of mine. They sell used gear and used music as well as a pretty awesome selection of new stuff. I lived in Chiba city where they have both Unions side by side. Japan is an awesome place for shopping for these kinds of things, but the exchange rate is really poor right now so it might not be worth it.

I live in Tokyo now and have purchased a lot of jazz and other vinyl here. Check out the Disk Union shops is Shinjuku, , and Shibuya. I've been to most places here and this is by far the best.

This is an email from my buddy Kingpin....

tell your friend to go to "Vinyl Japan" in "Nishi Shinjuku" area.

here is a blurb with directions i found online:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/3/28/121450/279/travel/Tokyo+Record+Stores%3A+Reader+Request+Edition

go to "Vinyl Japan#3" simply an amazing place...

once there, tell him to get lost in that general area (and eat "Ramen" if he sees people lining up in that area in front of "Ramen" shops...it will be delicious); there are a ton of record stores.

he should also ask around to other record shoppers in the area and get advice because the shops change locations all the time and there are new ones here and there that pop up. there are books as well but unfortunately for the most part are in japanese. there are other areas in / around tokyo with record stores. have him ask at "Vinyl" and they should be able to point him in the right direction for what he is interested in. that's the first step; find out what he is interested in and the he can get shop suggestions.

there are other places outside of this area / outside of central tokyo but a little difficult to find / navigate.

"Vinyl 3" and that area in "Nishi Shinjuku" will keep him busy for his entire trip...just go from there and explore. lots of stuff and he will find stores as well; tell him to look for the record shop displays on the street. wont' miss them.

Fromunda: I'll check here for any Japan audio suggestions you or your buddy can post. Thanks!

I spend some time in Japan and have found google to be helpful. Maybe look for an audiophile club?
Use your Google Foo

To get you started:
http://www.twee.net/countries/japan_shops.html
http://www.tokyoreporter.com/2010/10/10/on-the-record-japans-last-vinyl-factory-administers-proficiency-exam/

For Jetset click on type of music, then at the top of page click on LP
http://www.jetsetrecords.net/

Also you can usehttp://www. google translate to help, just enter url
http://www.jetsetrecords.net/products/rock_pops_60s_90s/rock_60s_oldies/format/lp/condition/new/sort/-recommend
and... google maps, enter Jetset to see their location.
https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&q=Kyoto,+Japan&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x6001a8d6cd3cc3f1:0xc0961d366bbb1d3d,Kyoto,+Kyoto+Prefecture,+Japan&gl=us&ei=0H7FT6rsF-qa2gWU9uTwAQ&oi=local_group&ved=0CL4BELYD

Hey..I have a good buddy who lived in Japan for 10 years and knows many many places for you to check out.Not sure how we can connect..maybe you could locate my email through Agon site? I would love to put you in contact with my friend.

There are tons of sellers of Jazz Vinyl on Ebay located in Japan.I would spend some time making a list and sending some emails.You might connect with some private dealers and they could refer you to some retailers in the area you will be located in.Keep it simple as the language barrier is still an issue,unless you speak the native tongue.

I've been in Tokyo for several months but I have not found any place, not even the Japanese XRCD format. Everything is more expensive than the US, even for Japanese made goods. Tagging along.

QN

Oops. I meant to say, in the second paragraph: "Kyoto and the surrounding area of Southern *Japan*."