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18 Must-Read Books Set in Japan

Japan has such a fascinating history and I love how books can transport you right into the heart of the country and its past.

This list brings together some of the best novels set in Japan, covering everything from war and tradition to love and family. I’ve tried to include historical fiction novels and contemporary stories exploring modern life in Japan.

So, if you’re looking to explore Japan through your reading, here are some brilliant books to get you started.

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Memoirs of a Geisha

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Arthur Golden

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1997

Amazon Rating: 4.6/5

Street of a Thousand Blossoms

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Gail Tsukiyama

Buy: Amazon | Blackwells

Published: 2007

Amazon Rating: 4.4/5

The Old Capital

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Yasunari Kawabata

Buy: Amazon | Blackwells

Published: 1962

Amazon Rating: 4.3/5

Shogun

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: James Clavell

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1975

Amazon Rating: 4.7/5

The Makioka Sisters

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Junichiro Tanizaki

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1936

Amazon Rating: 4.4/5

Fifty Words for Rain

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Asha Lemmie

Buy: Amazon

Published: 2020

Amazon Rating: 4.3/5

The Samurai’s Garden

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Gail Tsukiyama

Buy: Amazon | Blackwells

Published: 1994

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5

Cloud of Sparrows

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Takashi Matsuoka

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2002

Amazon Rating: 4.4/5

Musashi

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Eiji Yoshikawa

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1981

Amazon Rating: 4.8/5

Pachinko

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Min Jin Lee

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2017

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5

Beautiful Shining People

Genre: Science Fiction

Author: Michael Grothaus

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2023

Amazon Rating: 4.2/5

Convenience Store Woman

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author: Sayaka Murata

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2016

Amazon Rating: 4.0/5

Coin Locker Babies

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author: Ryu Murakami

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1980

Amazon Rating: 4.3/5

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author: Yukio Mishima

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1963

Amazon Rating: 4.6/5

Kafka on the Shore

Genre: Fantasy

Author: Haruki Murakami

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2002

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5

Spring Snow

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author: Yukio Mishima

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 1969

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5

Strange Weather in Tokyo

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author: Hiromi Kawakami

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2001

Amazon Rating: 4.2/5

Before The Coffee Gets Cold

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Buy: Amazon | Waterstones

Published: 2019

Amazon Rating: 4.1/5

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