The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library has a collection of around 2.25 million volumes of materials with around 350,000 volumes freely accessible. The library is open to the public, but users are not able to take any materials out of the library. For research on the history of Tokyo, they have a large collection of rare materials, showcasing over 40,000 documents pertaining to the history of Tokyo (Edo), some of which date back over 400 years.
The Setagaya ward's public library system is available to those who live, work, and/or study within Setagaya. The Shimouma branch library is within a 5-minute walk from our TUJ campus, and the Central Setagaya Library is located near Sakura-shimmachi station. To make a library card, stop by a library desk and inquire about a registration form and library card (図書カード).
Library website (webpage translation tool in upper corner)
The National Diet Library (NDL) is the parliamentary library of the National Diet of Japan and was founded in 1948. Similar to the function of the US Library of Congress, the NDL serves the central library function for Japan and is a significant resource for researchers. Anyone can visit, though people living in Japan can use their personal identification card to create an NDL library card. Items cannot be borrowed but research on-site and photocopying is permitted for some items.
Be sure to check their usage and registration information before visiting:
Temple University Japan Campus Library 1-14-29 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 154-0004
Tel: 03-5441-9867 Fax: 03-5441-9811 Email: tujlib@temple.libanswers.com Web: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/library