Guitar enthusiasts know that Japan is one of the best places in the world to buy their favorite instrument. Japanese guitar brands like Ibanez and ESP are among the most popular globally, and music stores in Japan, such as Kurosawa Gakki, offer a huge selection of both new and vintage guitars from around the world. Looking for the best places to buy guitars in Japan? Our guide has you covered.
Guitar culture in Japan is incredibly vibrant. The guitar is one of the most beloved instruments in the country and plays a key role in shaping modern J-Rock and J-Pop. High-quality guitars, whether made by Japanese brands or leading international manufacturers, are deeply appreciated in Japan. That is why Japanese guitar shops are such an attractive destination for anyone looking to purchase an instrument, whether it is a classical guitar, an acoustic model, a bass guitar, or an electric guitar.
Outside Japan, people are usually familiar with popular marketplaces like Digimart. But stores like Kurosawa Gakki, Shimamura Music, and J-Guitar can be a real discovery for many. All of these are recommended shops by ZenMarket, so you can easily order genuine guitars from them without even leaving our site.
Guitar stores in Japan offer a wide selection of new, used, and vintage instruments that cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top places to buy guitars in Japan.
Kurosawa Gakki: A Paradise for Rare and Vintage Guitar Fans
The store Kurosawa Gakki is a true find for fans of unique guitars. If you like vintage guitars, you will find many rare instruments here that are difficult to get anywhere else. Kurosawa Gakki sells not only new musical instruments but also rare vintage guitars from the 1960s to the 1990s.
You will also find modern reissues of vintage guitars and limited-edition Japanese models from well-known brands that are impossible to buy in other countries. If you play acoustic guitar, Kurosawa Gakki also has something to interest you. It is the only distributor in Japan of the Martin brand, known for its high-end acoustic guitars.
💡 Also read: How To Buy Guitars From Japan: Top Stores and a Detailed Guide
Why Should You Buy Guitars from Japan at Kurosawa Gakki?
- Wide Selection of High-End Guitars: Both new and used models
- Rare Vintage Models: These models will impress even the most demanding collectors
- Proven Reputation: The store was founded in 1957 and has since delighted guitar lovers with some of the best instruments on the market
- Professional Approach: All Kurosawa Gakki staff are experts in guitars and vintage culture, ensuring you receive genuine products exactly as described
Who Is It For: Experienced guitarists, collectors, and anyone looking for rare guitar models
Buy Guitars from Japan at Kurosawa Gakki
What To Buy?
- Steinberger GP-2S ~Black~ 1985 Model: A rare guitar that was produced only from late 1984 to 1987. Despite being over 40 years old, it is in good condition and still impresses with its V-shaped body and headless neck design.
- Fender Japan TL52-75 BSB 1986 Model: A vintage guitar made by Fender in Japan. This particular piece is even more valuable because it bears autographs from Japanese musicians Shōzō Ise, Masumi Ono, and singer Hiromi Ota, a true gem for collectors of unique guitars.
- Fender Made in Japan Limited Telecaster Pink Paisley: A modern reissue of the legendary vintage Fender guitar from 1968 to 1970. This limited Japanese model will delight you not only with its classic sound but also with its stylish pink body design featuring beautiful patterns.
- Martin DJRE: A high-quality acoustic guitar from a well-known brand, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade to a truly premium instrument.
💡 Also Read: How To Buy and Ship Guitars from Japan with ZenMarket?
Shimamura Music: The Best Store in Japan for Beginners
If you want to buy your first guitar, or if you are a beginner guitarist looking for a better instrument, then Shimamura Music is the right choice for you. This company started in 1962 as a music school, and from 1969, it began selling musical instruments to its students, thus beginning the history of Shimamura Music.
That is why they offer an excellent selection of guitars for beginners, but also have expensive exclusive instruments. Today, Shimamura Music is a large network of dozens of stores across Japan. The company still teaches music to students and organizes many events that give beginner musicians the chance to perform in public.
Why Should You Buy Guitars from Japan at Shimamura Music?
- Wide selection of classic acoustic and electric guitars from well-known brands: Yamaha, Ibanez, Fender, and more.
- Shimamura Music has had its own music schools since the company was founded, so the store sells affordable beginner-level instruments that are perfect for newcomers.
- Option to buy guitar starter kits that include all the necessary guitar accessories and equipment for beginners.
- Own guitar brands HISTORY and CoolZ: Made in Japan, these are more affordable alternatives to popular models like Gibson Les Paul or Fender Stratocaster. They offer good quality and great hardware but at a lower price.
Who Is It For: Beginner guitarists, amateur players, families enrolling children in music school.
Choose Guitars at Shimamura Music via ZenMarket
What To Buy?
- Yamaha Pacifica 012 (15-piece beginner’s set): An affordable set including a beginner-level electric guitar and all the necessary accessories beginners need: combo amplifier, cable, tuner, picks, and more.
- Yamaha Pacifica 612VIIFM IDB Indigo Blue: A more expensive guitar model suitable for those who want to upgrade their instrument.
- Ibanez GSR205 Black 5-String Bass (15-piece beginner’s set): A starter set for those wanting to begin playing a 5-string bass guitar.
- CoolZ ZST-V Made in Japan: A guitar from the in-house brand CoolZ, offering an excellent balance of price and quality.
💡Also Read: How To Buy at Shimamura Music
J-Guitar: A Specialized Japanese Guitar Marketplace for Enthusiasts
True guitar fans should definitely check out J-Guitar: a marketplace created in 2001 by a guitar enthusiast for like-minded people. It is a hidden gem for all guitar lovers, as the site serves as an invaluable source of information about this wonderful instrument and where to buy the best guitars in Japan.
The J-Guitar community has access to information on more than 300 guitar stores across Japan, where you can find both high-end new guitars and rare vintage instruments, as well as Japanese workshops crafting unique boutique guitars.
Why Should You Buy Guitars from Japan at J-Guitar?
- Over 300 Japanese guitar stores in one place: Now you can search this huge selection directly on the ZenMarket site.
- Ability to buy both new, as well as used, vintage, and boutique guitars.
- Interesting and rare models: Headless guitars, 7- and 8-string guitars, double-neck guitars, aged guitars, and a wide range of quality musical equipment: From combo amplifiers to effect pedals and various types of pickups.
- Free guitar lessons available: A free guitar course on the site helps beginners master basic playing skills.
- Clear and convenient system for evaluating used guitars.
Who Is It For: All guitar enthusiasts, collectors, and lovers of vintage and boutique guitars.
Buy Guitars on J-Guitar now
What To Buy?
- Fender Japan ST71-85TX: A vintage guitar from the early 2000s in excellent condition, recreating the design and sound of the Fender Stratocaster from the 70s.
- Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul Gold Top Dark Back Light Aged 1957 model: A very rare vintage gold Les Paul that was produced only from 1952 to 1958.
- Suhr Modern HSH Custom Color Blue Sparkle: A premium craft guitar from the well-known American Suhr workshop.
- Ibanez S540LTD Black 1995 model: A classic vintage Ibanez made in Japan.
💡Also Read: How to Buy Guitars on J-Guitar
Digimart: Japan’s Largest Music Marketplace With a Great Selection
The very popular musical instrument marketplace Digimart unites more than 500 stores across Japan, and the number of items on the site exceeds 350,000! If you’re looking for where to buy guitars in Japan and want to get the widest selection, then you definitely should check this out.
Why Should You Buy Guitars from Japan at Digimart?
- Huge selection of new, signature, used, and vintage guitars from all over Japan by leading Japanese and global brands.
- Convenient system for rating used products.
- Also available are guitar accessories, equipment, and other musical instruments: synthesizers, drums, wind instruments, DJ consoles.
- Ability to easily compare prices and products.
Who Is It For: Both amateurs and professionals.
Buy Guitars on Digimart With Us
What To Buy?
- YAMAHA CG182S: An excellent starter guitar to comfortably begin learning to play classical guitar.
- Ibanez TOD10N-TKF: The famous signature classical guitar with a pickup from Tim Henson, allowing you to authentically play his popular tracks like Playing God.
- Gibson SG: New and vintage models of the iconic guitar loved by many heavy metal musicians for its powerful tone and great sustain.
- Ibanez ICHI10 VWM Vintage White: A stylish instrument with a headless design, the signature guitar of popular Japanese YouTube guitarist Ichika Nito.
💡Also Read: How to Buy on Digimart
Conclusion
Guitar stores in Japan offer a wide selection of the best instruments: from beginner guitars to unique vintage rarities. Whether you are a passionate collector or simply looking for your first guitar, Japan is one of the best places to buy high-quality original guitars. Explore and discover your ideal guitar with us!
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