[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for The Waseda International House of Literature (The Haruki Murakami Library) (Updated Jun)

Located within Waseda University, the "Murakami Haruki Library" not only houses the author's manuscripts, translation drafts, and rare collections but also creates a tranquil space dedicated to the soul of literature. The library's design exudes Murakami's everyday philosophical charm, with wooden bookshelves, jazz music, and warm yellow lighting weaving a captivating atmosphere that makes visitors reluctant to leave. Beyond the books themselves, the library's gift shop is equally stylish: tote bags printed with Murakami quotes, notebooks featuring blue cat designs, and bookmarks and washi tapes inspired by book pages make perfect souvenirs for yourself or fellow book lovers. Among them, the special notebook with a "Norwegian Wood" cover stands out, with its faux vintage leather embossing, resembling a book waiting to be filled with inspiration. Visiting here is not just about immersing yourself in reading but also taking home a piece of the "Murakami universe" in the form of a refined keepsake.

I’ve always wanted to check out the Haruki Murakami Library (officially called the “Wasada University International Literature Museum”), not only because I love his novels, but also because I want to get a feel for the world behind the text. This time I finally managed to match it, so I specially arranged an afternoon to go on a pilgrimage. The library is located on the campus of Waseda University in a quiet, academic setting. As soon as you enter, you will see a wooden building designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It is simple and warm, and the whole space is filled with natural light and is very comfortable. There is also a rotating bookshelf at the door, full of Murakami's writings and translations, the smell of books is really strong. I felt like time had stopped at that moment as I sat down in the reading area on the second floor, looking out the window at the greenery of the campus, quietly turning to a collection of Murakami’s essays. There will also be his favorite jazz music playing there, and the whole person relaxes, as if he has really entered the world of his novels. No need for tickets, remember to book online in advance (not open every day), and you can’t bring drinks in. The interior space is not too big, but every corner is designed to be very delicate, suitable for walking slowly and feeling slowly. What I love about the library is a small exhibition area on the ground floor of Murakami’s creative journey, where you can see his manuscripts, old computers, writing tools, and even sketches he drew while translating Carver novels, and it feels like you’re peeking at him writing a manuscript next to his work desk. Before leaving, I bought an iced latte from a nearby coffee shop, sat on a campus bench, and continued reading, quiet and contented as the wind blew by. If you are a fan of Murakami, it is really worth a walk, not in a hurry, walking quietly, there will be many unexpected little touches. Address: 1-6-1 Nishi Waseda, Shinjuku, Tokyo (inside Waseda University Toyama Campus) Opening hours: Usually 10:00～17:00 (closed on Sundays and university holidays, it is recommended to make an appointment online and check the open day) Access: About 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro “Waseda Station” #Tokyo Attractions

#Tokyo Attractions Location: Wasedacho, Shinjuku District, Tokyo Waseda University International House of Literature, also known as the "Haruki Murakami Library", is a cultural space created for literature lovers that specializes in collecting Japanese and world literature. The museum opened in 2021. It houses a large collection of Haruki Murakami's works and literary materials, making it an ideal place for readers to interact with literature. 🌟 Highlights • Unique architectural design: Designed by Kengo Kuma, the interior space design combines wooden elements with open bookshelves to create a warm and artistic reading atmosphere. • Interactive experience space: It has a reading area, coffee corner and literature lecture area, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of literature in a relaxing atmosphere. 📸 Photography Tips • Architectural appearance: Photograph the building designed by Kengo Kuma, which combines wooden structure with modern style and is very artistic. • Reading Corner: Capture the moment of quiet reading in front of the warm wooden bookshelf and feel the rich literary atmosphere. 🚶♂️ Transportation and Tips • Transportation: Take the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Waseda Station and walk about 5 minutes from Exit 3a. #Waseda University International Literature Museum #Haruki Murakami Library #Literature Lovers #Tokyo Cultural Attractions #Kengo Kuma Design

📍Haruki Murakami Library, Tokyo The "Haruki Murakami Library" opened on October 1, 2021 on the Waseda Campus of Waseda University. The library was designed by Kengo Kuma! The bookshelves on the large staircase located in the center from the first basement floor to the second floor create a space like a wooden tunnel💫 (For Kuma, the world of Murakami's works seems to be an image of a tunnel, so the library is designed to spatialize a tunnel😊🤍) There are many books and dwarfs on the walls of the tunnel♡ It's fun to take pictures from various angles, such as from the basement, the first floor, or the second floor, as the impression changes depending on the angle of view♡ The library has a collection of about 3,000 published works by Haruki Murakami and related books, both in Japanese and non-Japanese📚 (open to the public as well as Waseda University students) The Sheep Man from his works is painted on the wall, and there is a room that recreates Haruki Murakami's study, making it a library worth seeing! ! I go to libraries when I travel abroad, but this was a wonderful space that was just as good♡ Add excitement to your everyday life: 🌙📚 Murakami Haruki Library📮 Building 4, 1-6 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Waseda University International Literature Museum)🚃 7 minutes walk from Exit 3a of Waseda Station, Tokyo Metro🕙 10:00-17:00 (closed on Wednesdays) Closed from Tuesday, December 26, 2023 to Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Closed from Monday, January 22, 2024 to Thursday, February 29, 2024👛 Free admission - - ☑ Share the exciting spots you've actually visited ☑ Save the places that interest you and make them your next outing candidate...✈ #besttrip2023 #wintertrip #girlstrip #tokyo #tokyotourism #tokyotrip #library #domestic travel