A Blissful Space Surrounded by Your Favorites! A Guide to Enjoying “HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA”

A Blissful Space Surrounded by Your Favorites! A Guide to Enjoying “HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA”

Last update :
Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

When people think of Shibuya, they imagine an area brimming with the latest trends.
Right in the heart of this district, “HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA” is a dream destination for those who love supporting their favorite stars.
In addition to offering a wide range of CDs, DVDs, and books, the venue frequently hosts events where you can actually meet your favorites.
The store is full of hand-made displays created by staff members eager to share the charms of the artists they love, making it easy to stumble upon new favorites just by visiting.
This article offers an in-depth look at everything “HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA” has to offer—essential reading for any music or pop-culture fan.

What Is HMV&BOOKS?

Features

HMV&BOOKS is an experiential facility that combines a wide variety of products, including books, CDs, DVDs, and assorted merchandise.
With about 200,000 items in stock, it represents a new form of store merging literature and music.
Some say, “If you come here, you’ll learn about what’s trending in Japan right now,” because it’s a great place to check out the hottest entertainment content.

At the entrance, newly released items are lined up.
At the entrance, newly released items are lined up.

“HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA” is distinctive for its layout that transcends boundaries among product categories.
For example, in the Korean cosmetics section, cosmetics are displayed alongside CDs released by the artists who model for them.

CDs can be listened to while watching music videos.
CDs can be listened to while watching music videos.

Because all items related to your favorite stars are grouped in one place, you can efficiently find what you need. At the same time, it’s exciting to be surrounded by your favorites, enjoying a special moment in that unique space.

A “Sanctuary for Fans”?

The fifth floor blends entertainment merchandise and event space—truly a “sanctuary for fans.”
You’ll find a broad selection of photo collections, music magazines, and live concert videos related to idols and artists, letting you pick up all kinds of items devoted to your favorites.
There’s also an event space that brings fans closer to their idols, hosting handshake sessions, autograph events, and more. It’s a dream environment for any fan.

Even on weekdays, many people visit, creating a lively atmosphere inside the store.
Even on weekdays, many people visit, creating a lively atmosphere inside the store.

On the sixth floor, you’ll find one of the largest bookstores in Shibuya, covering just about every genre except textbooks.
From classic bestsellers to social-media sensations, the range of titles reflects current trends.
The store constantly updates its layout based on customer feedback, aiming to be “the place to see what younger generations are into.”

Poetry collection corner featuring trending tanka, reflecting the short-poetry boom
Poetry collection corner featuring trending tanka, reflecting the short-poetry boom

3 Experience-Based Attractions Found Only Here

SHIBUYA” special, let’s look at three kinds of exciting experiences it offers.
The store features free pop-ups as well as paid museum areas.

1. Pop-Up and Special Exhibitions (Free) for Anyone Who Drops By

The pop-up space hosts regular events like anime-character merchandise sales or celebrity panel exhibitions, letting you casually enjoy the latest content.

In the pop-up area, collaborative DVDs sold exclusively by HMV line the shelves, along with related books.
In the pop-up area, collaborative DVDs sold exclusively by HMV line the shelves, along with related books.
A special exhibit staged in conjunction with CD and DVD releases
A special exhibit staged in conjunction with CD and DVD releases

2. Rare, Immersive Content (Paid) That Requires Advance Reservations

The museum section offers valuable exhibits, such as displays of stage costumes by certain artists or showcases for tokusatsu hero series.
There’s one museum on the fifth floor and another on the sixth, both requiring advance ticket purchases via Lawson Ticket.

Even buying a ticket for the popular museum can be a major hurdle.
Even buying a ticket for the popular museum can be a major hurdle.

3. Almost Daily Events Where You Can Meet Your Favorites

HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA holds fan-centered events nearly every day.
Expect handshake or autograph sessions, gift handover events, talk shows, and more, featuring popular artists, actors, VTubers, and voice actors.
Exclusive release events for buyers of special-edition CDs and video-call events with VTubers are part of the unique lineup.
With everything from free gatherings to premium affairs, there’s a wide array of plans to choose from.

Each event where you can meet your favorite star draws a big crowd.
Each event where you can meet your favorite star draws a big crowd.

4 Reasons Fans Love It Here

Why is “HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA” so beloved by those who love supporting their favorite stars?
A large part of the answer lies in the store’s layout and approach.
Let’s look at a few examples.

1. A Space That Reflects Staff Members’ Deep Love for Their Favorites

What’s especially interesting about “HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA” is that the staff themselves have favorites.
Each staff member works creatively—from hand-made promotional displays to custom merchandising—aimed at sharing their passion.

The store interior, adorned with promotional displays, is lively and endlessly interesting to browse.
The store interior, adorned with promotional displays, is lively and endlessly interesting to browse.

Because these displays are packed with insider knowledge only a real fan would know, visitors sometimes travel from afar just to see them.
Such staff-driven touches lead to new discoveries and encounters, a unique joy you’ll only find here.

2. A Book Section Where You Can Catch Young People’s Trends and Stumble Upon Something New

In the bookstore section, titles are arranged by author rather than by publisher, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Different types of books—such as paperbacks and hardcovers by the same writer—are grouped together in one place.

Shelves are arranged by individual authors.
Shelves are arranged by individual authors.

Staff can handle basic English, and if you have more complex needs, they can loan you a translation device.

An English-enabled search terminal is also available.
An English-enabled search terminal is also available.

According to one author, it’s “the most appealing bookstore I’ve visited recently,” reflecting how thoughtfully it’s curated.
Feel free to wander around like you’re on a treasure hunt and discover new favorite books.

They carry not only the latest manga but also many classic titles.
They carry not only the latest manga but also many classic titles.
Books in the Japanese culture section are also popular as souvenirs.
Books in the Japanese culture section are also popular as souvenirs.
A visitor-participation corner where you can write freeform comments on sticky notes
A visitor-participation corner where you can write freeform comments on sticky notes

3. A “VTuber Corner” Full of Items That Make Outings with Your Favorites More Fun

This corner was introduced in 2022 and has been steadily expanding thanks to high demand.
A wide selection of VTuber-related merchandise is available.

Each corner features a wide lineup of plush toys.
Each corner features a wide lineup of plush toys.
There are also many handwritten POP displays showcasing the staff’s favorite picks.
There are also many handwritten POP displays showcasing the staff’s favorite picks.

They also carry exclusive HMV merchandise you won’t find elsewhere.
Keep an eye on official HMV and HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA social media for release information.
Top sellers include plushie pouches and protective clear files that keep acrylic stands safe from damage—items that make outings with your favorites more fun while treating them with care.

Next to the plushies, they sell protective cases perfectly sized for them.
Next to the plushies, they sell protective cases perfectly sized for them.
A well-stocked area for goods to support your favorite stars
A well-stocked area for goods to support your favorite stars

4. A “CD Corner” That Can Lead You to New Favorites

The store puts effort into creating a space where customers can discover new talent.
Agencies differ in their approach—some focusing on good looks, others on edgy music or a warm group dynamic—so it’s common for fans to take interest in other artists from the same agency as their favorites. This corner is designed with that in mind.

From artist-centered support to agency-centered support
From artist-centered support to agency-centered support
They also carry Korean magazines rarely found in typical bookstores.
They also carry Korean magazines rarely found in typical bookstores.

Many Products with HMV-Exclusive Bonuses

HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA also excels in offering exclusive bonuses with many of its items.
Past examples included an original logo tank top bundled with the “Bohemian Rhapsody” DVD or a lottery ticket for a director Makoto Shinkai–signed poster with the “Weathering with You” DVD.
These irresistible extras epitomize the passion of the staff who love their favorites.

HMV&BOOKS in Other Areas

In Japan, besides the Shibuya location, you can also find HMV & BOOKS in Shinjuku, Shinsaibashi, Itami
Airport, Hakata, and Okinawa. It can be fun to include each shop in your travel itinerary, as they offer
unique sales floors and merchandise only available there. Be aware that events and pop-up shops vary by
location. Details for each store are as follows:

Tax‑Free 10% (TAX FREE) + Tote Bag Gift Campaign

When you make a single purchase of at least 5,000 yen, you qualify for tax exemption.
Additionally, if you show this screen to the staff when making a tax‑free purchase, you will receive an original tote bag as a gift!
Valid through August 31, 2025

*The tote bag is limited in quantity, and the offer ends once supplies run out.

Receive an original tote bag with a single purchase of 5,000yen or more!
Available until August 31, 2025 — limited quantities only.
Receive an original tote bag with a single purchase of 5,000yen or more!
Available until August 31, 2025 — limited quantities only.

Wrap-up

HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA is a richly entertaining spot where you can immerse yourself in the latest trends and support the stars you love.
It’s a place you can enjoy even if you drop by without a specific goal in mind, but if you already have favorites, you can delve deeper into their world here.
Each HMV&BOOKS location has its own unique flavor, so consider visiting not only the Shibuya store but others around the country as well.