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CD Shopping
If you’re looking to buy Western music, the big Japanese record shops carry most major releases, often with bonus tracks especially for Japan. There are also a number of good independent shops which are especially worth checking out if you’re interested in the weird and wonderful world of Japanese music beyond SMAP and Shakalabbits. A couple of points to bear in mind: Japanese CDs have prices printed on the back which are followed very rigidly. Only after CDs have been on sale for a certain amount of time can retailers change the prices. Also, looking for CDs will be a whole lot easier once you’ve mastered katakana! Good luck!
After All Records
This is a great shop if you’re looking for anything alt rock related. They sell CDs and vinyl from Japan and abroad and stock everything from rockabilly (the music Toyama was once famous for!) to hardcore noise. The owner, Yamazaki-san is very friendly and helpful. Coming from Toyama Station, go south along Route 41, turn left down Heiwa-dori (平和通り), continue past Nishicho (西町) and you’ll find it on your left opposite the YMCA.
Guriro Records
Sells mostly reggae and dancehall and almost everything is on vinyl, though they do have some DVDs and anime soundtracks(!). Cross the street from After All and go down Muromachi-dori (室町通り). It’s on the left.
Black Puzzle Records
If you’re looking for hip hop or club music, this should be your first stop. Good range of stuff from Japan and abroad. You can find it next door to Guriro.
Under the Stage
So called because there’s a live venue upstairs. Mostly sells “J-core” (Japanese punk pop) and “indies”. The live venue puts on the same kind of stuff. Some of the acts are pretty famous in Japan. Upcoming shows are advertised outside. Walk east down Sogawa shopping arcade (総曲輪通り) and turn left into Ebicho (蛯町). It’s on the left.
Disc Beat
Sells all kinds of CDs, vinyl and DVDs of a wide range of genres from Japan and the rest of the world. It’s a great place to rummage through the racks in search of something interesting. From Toyama station go south along Route 41. Turn left down Hanamizu-dori (花水通り). Continue past the elementary school and you’ll find it on your right.
Tracks/Second Beat
Disc Beat’s sister shop. Tracks (downstairs) sells second hand CDs, mostly rock and pop. Second Beat (upstairs) sells hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, house and reggae. From Toyama station go south along Route 41. Turn right down Heiwa-dori (平和通り), then left into Sengoku Mall (千石モール). It’s on the left.
Record Market
This is another great place to go for a good browse. They sell vinyl, CDs and magazines, new and used. There’s a good range of genres but the jazz section seems to be the most expansive. From Toyama Station go south down Route 41 until you reach Heiwa-dori (平和通り). Turn right and go straight until you get to Hatago-machi (旅籠町). It’ll be on your immediate right.