The Best Tokyo Books for Kids

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

While I Was Away

By Waka T. Brown

A girl navigates identity and belonging in 1980s Japan, caught between two cultures.

310 pages· 65,800 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,088 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Waka is sent from Kansas to Tokyo to reconnect with her roots. Struggling with language and fitting in, she faces culture shock and a strict grandmother. As the 'smart Japanese girl' in America and the 'dumb foreigner' in Japan, Waka questions where she truly belongs. Can she find her place in a world where she feels like an outsider?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Raid of No Return

By Nathan Hale · Book #7 in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series

A daring WWII mission: bombers launch from a carrier, risking all for a secret strike on Tokyo.

128 pages· 9,347 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,732 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the midst of WWII, stunt pilot Jimmy Doolittle leads a perilous mission: launching bombers from a carrier to strike Tokyo. With fuel running low and Japanese forces closing in, survival is uncertain. Will these brave pilots complete their mission and find safety in China, or will they fall into enemy hands? Experience the tension and heroism of the Doolittle Raid, a tale of courage and ingenuity against overwhelming odds.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Tessa Miyata Is No Hero

By Julie Abe · Tessa Miyata series

A broken heirloom unleashes chaos. Can Tessa save Tokyo from a vengeful samurai god?

352 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 368 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Tessa Miyata's summer in Japan takes a wild turn when she accidentally releases a vengeful samurai god. Teaming up with reluctant ally Jin and a mischievous nine-tailed fox, Tessa must navigate a hidden world of gods and myths to save Tokyo. As the clock ticks, can they stop the malevolent spirit before it enslaves the city forever? Dive into a thrilling adventure where the stakes are high, and the unexpected awaits at every corner.

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

Dodsworth in Tokyo

By Tim Egan · A Dodsworth Book series

A nervous traveler and a clumsy duck explore Japan with hilarious mishaps.

48 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 330 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Dodsworth and his quirky duck companion embark on an adventure in Japan. As they navigate Tokyo, the duck's antics lead to chaos—bumping rickshaws, splashing into koi ponds, and toppling wagashi trays. Can Dodsworth manage the mayhem and enjoy their journey? Discover the humor and heart in this delightful tale of friendship and travel mishaps.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1979

Mystery of the Samurai Sword

By Franklin W. Dixon · Book #60 in the The Hardy Boys series

A stolen samurai sword and a vanished tycoon lead to a dangerous mystery.

192 pages· 35,485 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 813 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: The Hardy Boys face peril as they unravel the mystery of a vanished Japanese tycoon and a stolen samurai sword. With danger lurking at every turn, can they connect the dots and solve the puzzle before it's too late?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–6 · 2016

The Sound of Silence

By Katrina Goldsaito

A boy seeks silence amidst Tokyo's bustling symphony of sounds.

40 pages· 665 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,356 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the heart of Tokyo's vibrant chaos, young Yoshio embarks on a quest to find the elusive sound of silence. Amidst the city's cacophony of squishing shoes, whooshing trains, and beeping cars, he wonders if tranquility can exist in such a bustling place. As Yoshio navigates the urban symphony, will he discover the beauty of silence, or is it just a fleeting dream? Join him on this lyrical journey through the city's noise, where every sound tells a story and the search for peace becomes an adventure.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2007

The Mystery at Mount Fuji

By Carole Marsh · Book #7 in the Around the World In 80 Mysteries series

A trip to Japan turns mysterious. Can they solve it?

131 pages· 16,027 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 26 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Christina and Grant's journey to Japan takes a thrilling turn when they stumble into a puzzling mystery. As they explore the vibrant culture and history, unexpected clues emerge, challenging their wits. With the stakes high, can they unravel the secrets hidden in this foreign land? Join them for an adventure filled with suspense and discovery, where every chapter leaves you wanting more.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Tokyo Night Parade

By J.P. Takahashi, Minako Tomigahara (Illustrator)

A magical night parade beckons, but will Eka's journey from New York to Tokyo be her last chance to join the yokai festivities?

40 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 520 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Eka eagerly awaits the magical night parade in Tokyo, a celebration filled with swirling yokai spirits. Living in New York makes it harder to attend, and she fears this might be her last chance to join the festivities. As the ground trembles and the air fills with the sounds of paws and claws, Eka must decide how to make the most of this enchanting night. Will she find a way to return to her beloved parade, or is this farewell? Dive into a world where the mystical and the real collide in a dance until dawn.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Fumiko and a Tokyo Tragedy

By Susan Griner, Wendy Tan Shiau Wei (Illustrator) · Book #26 in the Girls Survive series

A young girl faces chaos and survival after a devastating earthquake in 1920s Tokyo.

105 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 94 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1920s Tokyo, 12-year-old Fumiko admires the modern Moga girls, but her life takes a drastic turn when the Great Kanto Earthquake strikes. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Fumiko must navigate a world turned upside down. Can she survive the fires and confusion, and what will this disaster mean for her future? As she battles the elements and societal expectations, Fumiko's journey is one of resilience and transformation. Discover the gripping tale of survival and change in a city shattered by nature's fury.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12

Tokyo City Trails

By Anna Claybourne, Alex Bruff (Illustrator), Matt Taylor (Illustrator) · Lonely Planet Kids: City Trails series

Discover Tokyo's hidden wonders through themed trails and surprising adventures beyond the usual tourist paths.

104 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 15 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join explorers Marco and Amelia on a vibrant journey through Tokyo's hidden gems. From bathing in chocolate to meeting giant robots, uncover secrets beyond the usual tourist paths. Each themed trail offers a unique adventure, revealing the city's fascinating history, quirky culture, and technological marvels. Will you dare to explore the spooky stories or dive into Tokyo's tech wonders? With surprises at every turn, this adventure promises to ignite curiosity and inspire discovery in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Embark on a trail of mystery and excitement in Tokyo!

The Best Tokyo Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Tokyo

While I Was Away

Raid of No Return

Tessa Miyata Is No Hero

Dodsworth in Tokyo

Mystery of the Samurai Sword

The Sound of Silence

The Mystery at Mount Fuji

Tokyo Night Parade

Fumiko and a Tokyo Tragedy

Tokyo City Trails

Great books, picked for their age.

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