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Whether you’re looking for something fun to read before you go to get you in the mood for your holiday, a book for the plane or when relaxing in your room, or you miss Japan and need your fix, this list of novels set in Japan contains the titles for you.
They’re all easy-to-read and great page turners – but, as they are all set in Japan, they also make the perfect companion to your Japan trip.
Now, there a LOT of novels set in Japan, and they’re not all on this list (and yes, I know some classics are missing), so, let me just clarify what’s in this post…
These are what I class as easy-reads – ie good, holiday books that will grip you from start to finish – but are also great to read on a plane, or in your hotel, when you’re not really sure what time, day or even week it is as you’re a bit jet lagged!!
Relax before your trip with one of our novels set in Japan
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging – particularly the type of surprising, surreal or dark fiction that Japanese authors do so well, then head on over to our Fiction Bookshop page where you’ll find a list also containing some other classic Japanese novels.
There will be a full post on those too one day – but I’m still doing all my reading!!!
That’s another reason why this list isn’t as full as some of the others you might have seen, I’ve read all of these myself and I only have so much time!!! You should see the TBR pile that’s to my right right now – I’ll be adding those as I finish them!!
You can also find some amazing non-fiction books about Japan (including lots of great travel tales) in our Non-Fiction Bookshop.
Easy-to-Read Novels Set in Japan
The Last Tea Bowl Thief by Jonelle Patrick
Robyn is an antiquities expert, Nori is trying to work out how to keep her family’s crockery business alive – a 300-year-old tea bowl brings them together. Weaving timelines from modern-day Japan, wartime years and the feudal era, this will keep you gripped.
Buy The Last Tea Bowl Thief here
The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin
This is the perfect holiday, or airplane, read. Travel writer Caplin manages to weave it tips on where to go in Japan with the perfect lightweight romance set in Tokyo. You’re not going to be surprised, but you will be charmed and inspired.
Buy The Little Teashop in Tokyo here
Bullet Train: A Novel by Kotaro Isaka
Now a film starring Brad Pitt, this thriller about five-hired killers on a bullet train leaving Tokyo is a lot more fun than it sounds. You’ll really end up rooting for some of the characters; others – not so much. The end is fantastic. I read it in two days – and it’s very different from the film!
Buy Bullet Train: A Novel here
The Phonebooth at the End of the World by Laura Imai Messina
Yui loses her mother and daughter in the 2011 tsunami in Japan – so, when she hears of phonebox in a small town that is helping people come to terms with their grief, she decides to visit. I found it a bit hard to get into, but others adore the detailed way this hopeful book is written.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Keiko has never fitted in, until she starts working at her local Smile Mart convenience store and finds the rules and corporate structure allow her to confidence to grow. There’s a reason why this book appears on all these lists – it’s wonderful.
Buy Convenience Store Woman here
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
This book by Arthur Golden is a little bit controversial now, as, the geisha upon whom it is based has said she’s not keen on the portrayal of her art – but it’s still a compelling book telling the story of young girl and her life as one of Kyoto’s most famous geisha.
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
I read this a long time ago, and trying to explain the plot, in the space I have here feels impossible – so I’m just going to say that if you like books like Life After Life where mutliple timelines cross paths, and you really aren’t sure where things are going, you’ll love it.
Buy A Tale for the Time Being here.
Tokyo Every After by Emiko Jean
Okay, I confess – I love YA books and this one is super cute. It’s the story of Izzy, who discovers she’s descended from the Japanese Royal Family. Her father wants to meet her, but, how will the rest of the family take the news? Buy for any teen girls in your party (then steal it).
Nightshade: An Only in Tokyo Mystery by Jonelle Patrick
This is the first in Patrick’s detective trilogy and focuses around a serial killer targeting the misfits in Tokyo society. Patrick’s genius is the ability to explain the complexities of modern Japan while managing to also tell a blooming good story. I buy all her books the day they come out now!
Buy Nightshade: An Only in Tokyo Mystery here
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Now also an Apple + TV series, this multi-generational tale takes us from a small Korean fishing village in the 1900s to the Pachinko parlors of modern Japan. It’s a gripping tale, that explores the sometimes difficult relationship between Korean immigrants and the Japanese.
So, that’s it for now – but, I’ll keep adding to this list as I’m often reading a book set in Japan. But while you go, if you love books as much as I do – check this out…
Save Money on Books and Audiobooks
If you’ve got a few of these books on your wishlist, you might save money trying one of Amazon’s membership deals – and it costs nothing to try them out for a month (or sometimes even two).
Kindle Unlimited
Lets you read as many e-books as you like on your kindle for a small monthly fee.
It can pay for itself even if you read as few as two books a month.
And you don’t have to have a Kindle for it to work – you can also read via the Kindle app on your phone or tablet.
Sign up for the free trial here to see what books are on offer.
Audible Plus
Many of the titles we’re suggesting are also available on audiobook, so, if you prefer to listen to your books while you walk or travel, then you might want to have a look at Audible Plus
This gives you access to unlimited audiobooks (and podcasts) for a monthly fee.
Sign up for the free trial here to give it a try.
Amazon Prime
If you prefer to buy paperback or hardback books that you can hold in your hand, then Amazon Prime can save you in postage.
Plus, it comes with other benefits like Amazon TV – home to the brilliant show Our Man in Japan by James May; access to a library of ebooks and audiobooks – and more.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve travelled to Japan nine times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 50 towns and cities. My last visit was in April 2026, so everything here is pretty up to date.
The best book set in Japan written by a foreigner is a recent one – ‘Tokyo Noir: Neon Identity’ by Nick John. Not for the faint-hearted, though. Superbly well-written.
I haven’t read that yet, but I’m going to add it to my list – thanks for that.