Kitamura Camera in Shinjuku, Tokyo is a Must-See Shop for Photographers

Kitamura Camera in Shinjuku, Tokyo is a Must-See Shop for Photographers

1594 897 James Tocchio

Kitamura Camera has just opened a new shop in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and it is six stories of pure bliss. Like a Disneyland for photographers, it’s got everything a photo geek could want. New cameras, vintage cameras, an entire floor dedicated to Leica and rarities, multiple studio spaces, event spaces, a repair facility, a book shop and reading area, and a Starbucks coffee shop – this new flagship Kitamura Camera is simply overwhelming.

I reached out to Kitamura Camera and they were kind enough to provide me with photos of the stunning new store. These beautiful shots of the new space were shot by Satoshi Asakawa, and are published here with permission.

Take a look, and feel free to daydream of finding and buying that mint condition Fuji TX-1 you’ve always wanted. That’s what I did. And once this pandemic eases up, why not book a flight to Tokyo, visit Kitamura, and make that dream a reality?

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James Tocchio

James Tocchio is a writer and photographer, and the founder of Casual Photophile. He’s spent years researching, collecting, and shooting classic and collectible cameras. In addition to his work here, he’s also the founder of the online camera shop Fstopcameras.com.

All stories by:James Tocchio
15 comments
  • Troy Phillips August 3, 2020 at 1:34 am

    Beautiful looking dream store

    Reply
  • Steven Bleistein August 3, 2020 at 2:15 am

    Thanks for sharing this, James. Kitamura had a similar shop in at the Daikanyama T-Site, although much smaller, which they closed last year much to my chagrin. The Shinjuku shop looks amazing, and the location should give the business a lot more foot traffic. I’ll be sure to check it out. The used merchandise at the Daikanyama shop was beautiful and in great condition. However, the prices were definitely on the high end from my experience. If you are looking for a good deal on used gear, there are better shops to visit in Tokyo.

    Reply
    • James Tocchio August 3, 2020 at 7:39 am

      Steven, please let me know what it’s like when you visit! What you say about their pricing makes sense to me. I was in Japan many years ago, and spent quite a bit of time and money perusing electronics stores. The big, fancy shops were quite expensive as you say. What was so amazing to me were the smaller shops, which were little more than stalls or basement rooms packed floor to ceiling with incredible electronic rarities. Unusual old gear that I couldn’t find anywhere else in Akihabara. It sounds like there’s a similar situation around cameras? Something I’d love to report on. Thanks for commenting, and be well.

      Reply
    • John Yokoyama August 3, 2020 at 8:29 am

      Hello Steven, I’d like to tag along if you don’t mind. Photographers world is small over here. 😉 johnnyonwheels25@gmail.com

      Reply
  • Arthur Gottschalk August 3, 2020 at 11:05 am

    Japan has the inventory, but will they continue to have the buyers? I do find their merchandise to be overpriced, but competition and the difficulty of finding parts and repairs (Fuji, Contax etc) should drive prices down.

    Reply
  • mmarquardt August 3, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    Fantastic!

    Reply
  • Yanna August 3, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    Fantasy land for photographers.

    Reply
  • nataliesmartfilmphotography August 4, 2020 at 7:36 am

    Wow! 🤩

    Reply
  • Stefan August 5, 2020 at 2:32 am

    Is it open to the general public? It looks like the type of place I have to tell the doorman: “The password is… ‘fidelio’. By the way, what’s the shoe policy; off or on?”

    Reply
  • Huss August 5, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    Hot dang!

    Of course the prices will be higher – that place must have considerable overhead.

    A must visit..

    Reply
    • Stephen August 6, 2020 at 7:37 am

      The great mystery in Japan is that they often create an amazing place like this, but then they neglect to tell you exactly where it is. Shinjuku is a large area. East? South? Near the Apple store? next to Isetan? How about a clue? and please don’t say..next to the convenience store!

      Reply
  • Steven Bleistein August 6, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    3-chōme-26-14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0022
    https://goo.gl/maps/6LJEUdSTAd3VHT7A6

    Here’s a Google Maps link to the Japanese address.

    Reply

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James Tocchio
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James Tocchio

James Tocchio is a writer and photographer, and the founder of Casual Photophile. He’s spent years researching, collecting, and shooting classic and collectible cameras. In addition to his work here, he’s also the founder of the online camera shop Fstopcameras.com.

All stories by:James Tocchio