The Best Libraries in Japan

Kanazawa, Toyama and Gifu

Ishikawa Prefectural Library on the outskirts of Kanazawa opened in 2022; a circular hall rises through several floors of open shelves. Toyama City Public Library is in the Kirari building by Kengo Kuma, built with cedar and glass, together with a glass art museum. Gifu Media Cosmos, by Toyo Ito, has a wooden ceiling of domes over the library floor.

Akita

Nakajima Library on the campus of Akita International University is a semicircular wooden building with a radial cedar roof over tiered shelves.

Shikoku and Kyushu

Yusuhara Community Library in Kochi Prefecture, by Kengo Kuma, is built mostly of local cedar. Takeo City Library in Saga Prefecture shares its two-storey hall with a Tsutaya bookstore and a café. Miyakonojo City Library is in a renovated former shopping building.