5 Most Beautiful Libraries in Japan

Do you love books? Japan has around 4,000 public libraries open to everyone.
Among them, there are many “beautiful libraries” known for their remarkable architecture and design scattered across the country.
Whether you are a book lover, an architecture enthusiast, or a traveler looking for unique places to visit, here are five must-see libraries in Japan!

1. Kanazawa Umimirai Library (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa)

This cube-shaped library is famous for its striking design, with about 6,000 round windows covering the exterior walls. Natural light softly fills the space during the day, while at night it glows beautifully with illumination.
In 2012, it was selected as one of the “25 Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the World.”

2. Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos (Gifu City, Gifu)

Designed by world-renowned architect Toyo Ito, this library features a wavy wooden lattice ceiling made of local hinoki cypress. Inside, 11 distinctive globe-shaped lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
With over 530,000 books and about 900 reading seats, it has even received the “Library of the Year” award.

3. Musashino Place (Musashisakai, Tokyo)

A futuristic building with white walls, evenly spaced circular windows, and a curving design that doesn’t look like a library at all.
Beyond being a library, it functions as a community hub, offering music and dance studios, meeting rooms, a café, coworking spaces, and more to support activities for people of all generations.

4. Kumonoue no Toshokan – “Library in the Sky” (Yusuhara Town, Kochi)

Designed by Kengo Kuma, the architect behind Japan’s New National Stadium, this library emphasizes natural wood, with warm beams, floors, and bookshelves. Visitors remove their shoes to relax in its cozy atmosphere.
The glass-walled first floor lets in natural light and harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding nature.

5. Matsubara City Library (Matsubara City, Osaka)

This unique library floats in the middle of a pond, resembling an ancient burial mound. The shimmering reflections of the water create a dreamlike atmosphere inside.
The building is designed in harmony with its environment, offering views of the pond from decks and terraces. Additionally, the circulation of water around the library contributes to maintaining the pond’s water quality.

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Did you find a library that caught your eye?

These libraries are not only places to read, but also architectural landmarks worth visiting.
If any of these caught your interest, check the details through the links and be sure to visit them on your next trip to Japan!

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