I love Forest Books. I make it a point to visit it whenever I go to Japantown. Sometimes I go to the area just to check out the bookstore. It’s a lovely place with very kind people and full of hidden treasures (and not so hidden treasures too!)

Nice book shop in the centre of Japantown with a great collections of old and new books

I absolutely love Forest Books. This book shop is tucked away in San Franciscos Japan town. There are many of great ramen/sushi restaurants surround it. The titles they carry are often rare, and out of print. Things like this must be cherished. Appreciate literary works, as they are often unknown, lost, and forgotten treasures. Support your local businesses.

This place easily becomes one of the best bookstores that I have been to in the world. It welcomes guest with a smell of fragrant incense and a sound of water steadily flowing from a small artificial waterfall by its entrance - the kind of genuine sense of peace I sometimes feel from temples. The shop is filled with beautiful quotes any book lovers would look and grin at. I came across this place by chance and initially thought that I wouldnt buy anything. Soon later, I find myself very happy with three books and my hands, heading to the cashier. As the owner is a Buddhist, there is a wide selection of great Eastern philosophy books. This bookstore is relatively small. But their books are well-selected. The store clerk is also very approachable, sophisticated, and kind. From now on, whenever I look back to my first time in San Francisco, I will remember Forest books fondly.

Great selection. Hidden treasure. Should be a 2021 visit. Keep indie bookstores living.

A great bookstore with a kind workers. Cool location too.

Well organized store with an interesting selection of quality used books.

A cute affordable mostly(?) Used book store. Nice selection, pretty organized, and decently priced.

A beautiful, well organized, well stocked, and comfortable book store. Loved the selection! Definitely worth a visit!

Forest books is located in Japan center off of Geary close to Fillmore avenue as you can see Buchanan avenue runs on the backside this bookstore as incredibly unique with a diverse selection I believe anyone can find something of interest in the store however if you are interested in ideas more liberal oriented or interesting finds that youd find nowhere else this is certainly the place to browse the current hours are posted in my pictures however due to covid I would call to be sure of hours and openings and remember in less than a month California should be fully open from this pandemic and hours should return to normal but double check with Forest books just to be sure

This is the most gorgeous little bookstore, with a stunningly vibrant and carefully chosen collection of books. The staff are immensely helpful, whilst allowing you to browse at length. Book shopping here is good for our Amazon-sullied souls. Thank you for being open!

Lovely place, wonderful collection of books and helpful staff

A treasure chest if you are seeking novels that are out of the ordinary. The librarian in the store is very well versed with various genres, talk to her and get reading!

Absolutely wonderful bookstore filled with many hidden gems and an owner with great passion for the knowledge he has curated.

For me, this is the outstanding used book store in San Francisco due to its discrete, peaceful character. There are some exquisite volumes on Japanese subjects here but do not view this as a specialist store; the collection is broad and there is the opportunity to acquire some rarely-seen gems, particularly in the art section. A short conversation with the owner made a strong impression and was a highlight of my time in the city.

Such great energy!!! Thank you for being in Japantown. Love all the wisdom books

One of best indi bookstores around that goes out of its way to make its customers feel like part of a community of readers and writers. I especially love their readings. I know when I go to a Skylight reading Im going to encounter top notch writers whose work has current impact. My only wish is that the place were bigger so that I could always get a seat at a reading!

Lovely bookstore specializing in the Asian subcontinent. There are all types of books from novels, to cookbooks, to non-fiction war stories. The shopkeeper is especially knowledgeable and approachable. Highly recommended stop when visiting Japan Town.

The owner here is friendly, and converses easily with customers. Book selection is great, you can go in not knowing what you are looking for and come out satisfied. I have to restrain myself from buying more than three books every time I go there.

Definitely a hidden gem of a bookstore. I always enjoy stopping by here when in J-town. It has a nice ambiance. Variety of rare finds ranging from art, music, poetry, culinary, etc. They also carry unique postcards.

Its unusual to find an independent bookstore so well curated. The selection of used and collectable books is very fine, obviously the produce of refined taste in whoever stocks the store. If you enjoy book store visits as a kind of exploration or treasure hunt, this is a very nice spot to add to your list. While in Japantown, the selection is broad, and I find the photography, art, design, and architecture sections a real treat.

This little bookstore is like all great bookstores . There is something for everyone . Youll find books you never expected but they catch you with their quality . A great place to visit whether coming for Japantown or not .

Great books and very friendly staff

One of my favorite bookstores in the world: curated books, wide selection, wonderful setting & location. Don’t miss talking with the beautiful soul of this place, Jakushu Gregory Wood❣️

AMAZING USED BOOK STORE. There is a mix of new and old books in a very nicely kept environment. Would highly recommend for anyone in the area to stop by.

A wonderful, homely, comfortable book shopthe owner is very kind and down-to-earth. there is an abundance of classics and nostalgic books.

A place whose owner is as engaging and knowledgeable as its offerings. Decades deepen the respect...

This book store is amazing. And take it from us, the owner is a rock star. ⭐️

A peaceful city retreat for book lovers looking for their next good read.

Very interesting book store in Japantown. Unique and has a collection of rare books. Pretty location surrounded by good japanese restaurants.

One of the best bookstores in San Francisco. Hard to leave without buying everything!

Great bookstore for high quality books. Owner very knowledgeable and helpful in finding books that are in your areas of interest.

Small library in the heart of the SF Japan Town. Although Ive to say this neighborhood wasnt my favourite in particular this library was cozy and had some interesting books which are hard to find.

Forest Books moved from the Valencia St. Area to Japantown and it was a good move - for them and Japantown. They have a great collection of spiritual books and also conduct meditation classes or sittings. Greg is the owner and is very hospitable. Love the vibe there.

This is a used book store and the best in Japan Town, yes even better than the one in the mall. In my opinion at least. The other store has its purpose with its pop culture but if youre like me and prefer underground esoteric culture, this store is for you. You can get a wide range of history, fiction, and mythology books here but in my opinion the creme de la crop is its selection of used esoteric books, its always awesome discount shelf, and its rare book collection. Theres always something different here. Ive found rare copies of Edgar Cayce, a Thoth tarot deck, many eastern based spiritual books that arent just new age, and great classic fiction. Every time I stop by the store owner is friendly, doesnt mind people just checking out the store, I never feel pressured to buy anything- its a chill place to gather as a book lover and they always have nice chill music playing. Its rare to find stores like this in this day and age. Its a crystal hidden amongst a dark cave.

Great atmosphere and interesting books, well worth a visit

Interesting place which sells used and rare books. Being in Japantown, I was somewhat disappointed that it did not have as much japanese material as i would have liked

Great selection for books and cards!

Wonderful. Worth discovering for yourself.

Great place.. lots to see!

Good selection of books. A little strange.

Its very peaceful and calm

Hidden treasures!

Veggie tacos are great

Good collection

Great