Flash Disc Ranch

A classic style vinyl record store with plenty of stock, albeit a little light on turnover. The albums are fairly diverse, but can be diluted by many copies of quite obscure releases. Singles are more focussed, with many collectors favourites available regularly. My only criticism is that the price tags are adhered to often very important sleeves on singles, which could be done better. However, I love browsing in this place.

One of my favourite spot in Tokyo with great music on the sound system, customers speaking in hushed tones, and highly knowledgeable advice from the owners. This is an audiophile’s paradise, scores of boxes crammed with vinyl piled on top of each other. One section specialises in pop, rock and a big selection of Japanese artists, while the other is more eclectic: new recordings and reissues of little-known world music, jazz, funk and electronic.

Terrible store. Owner is rude and racist. The guy asks for my bag, which hilariously you couldn’t fit a record in even if you broke it in half. Then stares at me the whole time. Soon after 3 Japanese guys come in with full record bags from other stores. He just lets them browse freely. By far the worst record experience I had in Tokyo. Avoid.

Very rustic but charming record store that holds mostly US and UK pressings, but also has some japanese music. I picked up some japanese heavy metal and glam metal records. Worth a look if you're into that kinda stuff. Also carries some City Pop. The woman at the counter was very nice and gave us cold towels while browsing the store, as is was a hot day. To everyone visiting the store: You should put your backpack on the shelf by the counter so you can browse freely and not bump into other customers.

Fantastic record store with a huge selection to look through. The owner is really friendly and super knowledgeable! It's a tight space so don't bring any luggage and leave your bag in a cubby by the entrance

The vibe of the shop reminded me of an artist and their workshop, which is apt, as it seems like the owner travels to the US to bring vinyls back here. He also picks the store background music himself which makes the vibe even more personal. There are some good deals on cheap records but there are also some rare records here that require time finding. It’s not like a normal store where the valuable item is placed front and centre. Instead, finding it through the rows of vinyl provided a sense of awe, like finding treasure. We didn’t end up purchasing that expensive one in the end, but we did still purchase a rare find. As others have said the owner can be slightly abrasive at first, but you can’t really blame him, especially in Tokyo where tourists can be extremely obnoxious. I saw someone get told off for taking a photo in store when there was clear signage not to and the customer talked back at him. I myself was told off for staying in a narrow space which could be dangerous, but I just sumimasened and moved on. Apparently this record store was featured in a movie recently so that might also be why the owner is apprehensive. Take it as a lesson to not be an obnoxious tourist and you’ll be fine. The owner also speaks english so if you have any concerns just speak with him first.

Great selection of 60s 70s records, found a few gems. I was offered a cooling towel while browsing, it was a hot summer humid day… love it!

Tokyo has a lot of record stores and I don’t claim to have visited all or even most of them on my trip but this one was one of the coolest and charismatic. The owner may seem cold and intimidating at first but if you engage with him it’s obvious he loves and appreciates music and will give you recommendations if you ask him. I was looking for a rare Yasuaki Shimizu record which he didn’t have but he quickly went and pulled a Mariah record which I hadn’t heard and which Yasuaki Shimizu was a member of. I heard someone else was asking about a song that was playing in the store and the owner kindly went to the bins to look up the record (it was by Laidback). While I was there I also fell in love with a song I hadn’t heard before which the owner played like twice I think: “Cry” by Goldey & Creme. This is the kind of old school record store with a grumpy owner where you go not only to find the records you know but do discover music you were not aware of before. He also gave me a recommendation for a cool vinyl bar in the neighborhood. I wish I can come back to this store again one day.

First stop every time I'm in the area. Super chill vibes and you can find a lot of OBI presses which was what I was looking for. Lots of weird Beatles and 80s US bands, if that's what you're looking for. Crossed a few finds off my list. Fair prices and helpful staff.

Great selection and super kind owners. I love New Wave and their selection was awesome. Found some cool records in the 800¥ bin - you can get three of these for 2000¥! Loved the vibes inside as well. Will definitely return on my next trip to Tokyo.