Tsutaya Bookstore in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysians are no strangers to Tsutaya. The largest book chain from Japan opened their first store at Pavilion Bukit Jalil back in July 2022, and it looks more like an upscale art gallery cum teahouse. Now, there’s another Tsutaya to visit in Kuala Lumpur – Tsutaya Bookstore, the brand’s more casual sister branch.
Located at Intermark Mall, Tsutaya’s second outlet in Malaysia may be smaller in comparison. But it offers an impressive range of neatly stacked paperback books, along with Japanese drinks and scrumptious pastries at an in-house cafe called Ivy Tokyo.
An extensive collection of paperback books
Often dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Tsutaya Bookstore is now open on Level 1 at Intermark Mall. Similar to the brand’s first outlet in Malaysia, this bookstore is certainly a feast for the eyes, with neat shelves and Terracotta-inspired colour scheme.
The bookstore spans 6,000 square feet, and is the first Tsutaya Bookstore in Southeast Asia, joining 47 other bookstores of its kind worldwide – this is not to be confused with the premium Tsutaya Books outlets, like the one in Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
Located in the city centre, this Tsutaya Bookstore boasts a vast paperback selection, with a special focus on humanities, including classics such as The Art of War by Sun Tzu and Odyssey by Homer. These soft covers are typically priced between RM50-RM60.
Book worms can also look forward to exploring a diverse collection of genres, including lifestyle, historical fiction, and even children’s books. Most books here are arranged face-forward, so you don’t need to pull out each interesting find to know more about them.
If you’re into Asian literature, there’s a section here dedicated to works by authors from the region, including The Accidental Malay by Karina Robles Bahrin and the Before The Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Stationery from Japanese brands & an in-house cafe
In addition to a wide selection of books, Tsutaya Bookstore also offers an extensive range of stationery – from office supplies to fine writing instruments. Whether you’re looking for pens, washi tapes, candles, or greeting cards, journaling aficionados especially can discover aesthetically pleasing stationery to inspire and entice you.
Like Tsutaya Books, there’s an in-house cafe serving a tasteful menu of drinks and pastries. Find beverages such as Matcha Lemonade (RM18) and the classic Cafe Latte (RM14), as well as freshly baked goods including Pain Au Chocolate (RM17) and Matcha Chiffon Cake (RM14/slice).
You can take your meal and sift through your new purchases at a lounge area, with regular and bar-height seating.
Tsutaya Bookstore is now open at Intermark Mall
With the never-ending to-do list and the hustle culture of city life, reading a book provides a temporary escape into a world far beyond reality. So, if it’s been a while since you touched a physical tome, consider visiting the new Tsutaya Bookstore in Kuala Lumpur.
P.S.: With each receipt, you’ll get a free Tsutaya Bookstore bookmark to accompany your new reads.
Address: Level 1, Intermark Mall, 348, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Tsutaya Bookstore’s Instagram
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Photography by Janet Cho.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia