Praise

"This place easily becomes one of the best bookstores that I have been to in the world. It welcomes guest with a smell of fragrant incense and a sound of water steadily flowing from a small artificial waterfall by its entrance - the kind of genuine sense of peace I sometimes feel from temples. The shop is filled with beautiful quotes any book lovers would look and grin at. I came across this place by chance and initially thought that I wouldn't buy anything. Soon later, I find myself very happy with three books and my hands, heading to the cashier. As the owner is a Buddhist, there is a wide selection of great Eastern philosophy books. This bookstore is relatively small. But their books are well-selected. The store clerk is also very approachable, sophisticated, and kind. From now on, whenever I look back to my first time in San Francisco, I will remember Forest books fondly." - Ornwara T.

 

"I absolutely love Forest Books. This book shop is tucked away in San Francisco's Japan town ... The titles they carry are often rare, and out of print. Things like this must be cherished. Appreciate literary works, as they are often unknown, lost, and forgotten treasures. Support your local businesses."

 

"I love Forest Books. I make it a point to visit it whenever I go to Japantown. Sometimes I go to the area just to check out the bookstore. It’s a lovely place with very kind people and full of hidden treasures (and not so hidden treasures too!)" - Lucca S.

 

"A beautiful, well organized, well stocked, and comfortable book store. Loved the selection! Definitely worth a visit!" - Hunter S.

 

"This is the most gorgeous little bookstore, with a stunningly vibrant and carefully chosen collection of books. The staff are immensely helpful, whilst allowing you to browse at length. Book shopping here is good for our Amazon-sullied souls. Thank you for being open!" - Detroit R.

 

"For me, this is the outstanding used book store in San Francisco due to its discrete, peaceful character. There are some exquisite volumes on Japanese subjects here but do not view this as a specialist store; the collection is broad and there is the opportunity to acquire some rarely-seen gems, particularly in the art section. A short conversation with the owner made a strong impression and was a highlight of my time in the city." - David T.

 

"It's unusual to find an independent bookstore so well curated. The selection of used and collectable books is very fine, obviously the produce of refined taste in whoever stocks the store. If you enjoy book store visits as a kind of exploration or treasure hunt, this is a very nice spot to add to your list. While in Japantown, the selection is broad, and I find the photography, art, design, and architecture sections a real treat." - Alexander C.

 

"Magical magical place..
Great selection of books and the people working there are just amazing.
:-)" - Federica V.

 

"Definitely a hidden gem of a bookstore. I always enjoy stopping by here when in J-town. It has a nice ambiance. Variety of rare finds ranging from art, music, poetry, culinary, etc. They also carry unique postcards." - Christine D.

 

"...It's rare to find stores like this in this day and age. It's a crystal hidden amongst a dark cave."

 

"AMAZING USED BOOK STORE. There is a mix of new and old books in a very nicely kept environment. Would highly recommend for anyone in the area to stop by." -BoYee C.

 

"One of my favorite bookstores in the world: curated books, wide selection, wonderful setting & location. Don’t miss talking with the beautiful soul of this place, Jakushu Gregory Wood" - Ignacio M.

 

"a wonderful, homely, comfortable book shop
the owner is very kind and down-to-earth. there is an abundance of classics and nostalgic books." - Vi C.

 

"Very interesting book store in Japantown. Unique and has a collection of rare books..." - Shashank D.

 

"A great bookstore with a kind workers. Cool location too." - Kaden S.

 

"Great bookstore for high quality books. Owner very knowledgeable and helpful in finding books that are in your areas of interest." - Gerald S.

 

"Lovely place, wonderful collection of books and helpful staff" - Dakota S.

 

"This book store is amazing. And take it from us, the owner is a rock star."

 

"One of the best bookstores in San Francisco. Hard to leave without buying everything!" - Sam B.

 

"Such great energy!!! Thank you for being in Japantown. Love all the wisdom books" - Nina B.

 

"Great atmosphere and interesting books, well worth a visit" - Ku S.

 

"A peaceful city retreat for book lovers looking for their next good read." - Linda L.

 

"Great books and very friendly staff"

 

"A place whose owner is as engaging and knowledgeable as its offerings. Decades deepen the respect..." - Carla F.

 

"Great selection for books and cards!" - Tahmida N.

 

"It's very peaceful and calm"

 

"Great place.. lots to see!" - Sandy P.

 

"Wonderful. Worth discovering for yourself." - Ev S.

 

"Great" - Pritha S.

 

"Hidden treasures!" - Rosario M.