Kinokuniya Atlanta: Your Guide to the Japanese Bookstore Inside Gwinnett Place

If you’ve heard people in metro Atlanta talking about “Kinokuniya Atlanta”, they’re almost always referring to the Books Kinokuniya location inside the Gwinnett Place area, just northeast of the city. For anime fans, manga readers, stationery lovers, and anyone interested in Japanese culture, it’s one of the most popular specialty bookstores in the region.

This guide walks you through what Kinokuniya offers near Atlanta, how to get there, what to expect inside, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Where Is “Kinokuniya Atlanta”?

While it’s not inside the Atlanta city limits, most locals treat it as the metro Atlanta Kinokuniya because it’s relatively easy to reach from the city.

Books Kinokuniya – Atlanta Area Location
(inside the Gwinnett Place area / nearby shopping centers in Duluth)
City: Duluth, GA (northeast of Atlanta)

Because store names, suites, and phone numbers can change over time, it’s wise to double-check the exact address and hours before you go by searching for “Books Kinokuniya Duluth GA.”

From most intown Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta, etc.), you’ll typically head north on I‑85 toward Duluth.

What Kinokuniya Atlanta Is Known For

Kinokuniya is a Japanese bookstore chain that focuses on:

• Manga and light novels (English and Japanese)
• Japanese language books
• Artbooks, design books, and pop culture titles
• Stationery and office supplies
• Anime and character goods, including figures and plushies
• Magazines from Japan, sometimes including imports you won’t find in general bookstores

In the Atlanta area location, you’ll find this same mix, tailored to local demand.

Getting to Kinokuniya from Atlanta

Driving from Atlanta

Most people in Atlanta reach Kinokuniya by car.

Typical route from central Atlanta:

1. Get on I‑85 North from your part of the city.
2. Continue on I‑85 N toward Duluth / Gwinnett Place.
3. Take the relevant exit for the Gwinnett Place / Pleasant Hill Road area.
4. Follow signs or your GPS to the shopping center that houses Books Kinokuniya.

⏱ Approximate drive times (without heavy traffic):

In rush hour, especially on weekday afternoons and early evenings, this can easily stretch longer, so plan some extra time.

MARTA + Bus Options

There is no direct MARTA rail stop at Kinokuniya. However, you may be able to:

• Take MARTA rail to a northern station (such as Doraville Station).
• Use a local bus or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from there into Duluth.

Transit connections in this corridor can change, so if you’re relying on public transportation:

• Check the MARTA website or app for bus routes.
• Consider combining rail + bus + rideshare.

For visitors staying downtown without a rental car, a rideshare straight from your hotel may be the simplest option.

What You’ll Find Inside Kinokuniya Near Atlanta

Manga, Light Novels, and Graphic Novels

For many Atlanta-area visitors, the biggest draw is the manga selection. You’ll typically find:

• Popular English‑language series (shonen, shojo, seinen, etc.)
• Ongoing series with multiple volumes in stock
• Some Japanese‑language manga, useful if you’re studying Japanese or want original editions
• Related light novels for popular anime series

Staff may be able to help you find specific volumes or show you where a series is shelved.

Japanese Books and Language Learning

Kinokuniya often carries:

• Japanese‑language books, from fiction to non‑fiction
• Language learning materials, such as:
  • Textbooks for beginners and intermediate learners
  • Kanji and grammar guides
  • Workbooks and JLPT prep materials
• Children’s books in Japanese

If you’re taking Japanese at a local college (like Georgia Tech, Emory, or Georgia State) or through a community program, this store can be a helpful resource.

Artbooks and Design Titles

Another strength of Kinokuniya is its art and design books, including:

• Anime and game artbooks
• Illustration collections
• Graphic design and typography books
• Architecture and photography titles

These are popular with Atlanta artists, designers, and cosplayers looking for reference material or inspiration.

Stationery and Writing Supplies

Kinokuniya is well-known for Japanese-style stationery, which often includes:

• Notebooks and planners
• High-quality pens, markers, and mechanical pencils
• Washi tape, stickers, and decorative supplies
• Letter sets, envelopes, and postcards

Atlanta students, bullet journalers, and office workers often visit just for this section.

Anime Goods, Figures, and Gifts

You’ll usually find a rotating selection of:

• Figures and model kits
• Anime‑themed keychains, pins, and charms
• Plushies from popular series
• Character mugs, bags, and accessories

These make Kinokuniya a frequent stop for birthday or holiday gifts for anime and manga fans in the Atlanta area.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

1. Check Hours Before You Go

Store hours can shift around holidays or special events. Since Kinokuniya is part of a larger shopping complex, its hours sometimes follow or approximate the center’s hours.

✅ Before you drive up from Atlanta, search for “Books Kinokuniya Duluth GA hours” to confirm same‑day opening and closing times.

2. Plan Around Traffic

Atlanta‑to‑Duluth traffic on I‑85 can be slow:

• Avoid weekday rush hours if you can:
  • Morning: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m. northbound
  • Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m. southbound back into the city
• If you must go during peak times, factor in extra time and potential slowdowns around major interchanges.

3. Combine It With Other Stops in Duluth

The Gwinnett Place / Duluth area is known for a strong Korean and pan‑Asian food scene, plus various Asian markets and dessert shops. Many Atlanta residents:

• Visit Kinokuniya
• Then walk or drive a short distance to:
  • Korean BBQ
  • Bubble tea shops
  • Asian bakeries
  • Supermarkets with Japanese and Korean ingredients

Planning multiple stops can make the drive from Atlanta more worthwhile.

4. Bring a List (or Take Photos of Your Shelves)

If you’re coming from in-town Atlanta or farther suburbs, it can be a bit of a trek. To get the most out of your visit:

• Write down the titles and volume numbers you’re missing.
• Take quick photos of your shelves at home to avoid buying duplicates.
• If you’re hunting for artbooks or language materials, note titles or authors you care about.

This can make it easier to ask staff for help and navigate the shelves efficiently.

5. Budget for Impulse Buys 😅

Many shoppers report that between:

• Manga and books
• Stationery
• Cute character goods

…it’s easy to buy more than planned. Setting a rough budget before you go can help keep things under control, especially if you’re visiting with kids or teens.

Visiting From Out of Town

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown, in Midtown, or near the airport:

• Expect a 25–45 minute drive each way, depending on traffic.
• Rideshare from central Atlanta is possible; consider going during off‑peak hours to avoid surge pricing.
• If you don’t have a car and are comfortable with transit, you could:
  • Take MARTA rail to a northern station.
  • Use a rideshare for the final leg to Duluth.

Many out‑of‑town anime and manga fans treat Kinokuniya as a destination stop alongside other Atlanta attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or local museums.

How Kinokuniya Fits Into Atlanta’s Broader Book & Anime Scene

While Kinokuniya is a standout for Japanese books and merchandise, it’s part of a larger ecosystem in and around Atlanta:

• Local comic shops often focus on American comics and some manga.
• Independent bookstores around the metro may carry a curated manga section but generally won’t have the depth of Japanese-language or artbook selections found at Kinokuniya.
• Anime conventions in Atlanta, such as those held downtown seasonally, sometimes feature vendors with similar goods—but only for a few days a year. Kinokuniya is available year‑round.

For readers and collectors who want ongoing access to Japanese media, Kinokuniya’s Duluth location is a widely used resource.

Quick Reference: Kinokuniya Atlanta Area Snapshot

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for a deep selection of manga, Japanese books, and anime‑related goods, the Kinokuniya location in the Duluth / Gwinnett Place area is the primary place locals mean when they say “Kinokuniya Atlanta.” Planning your route, checking hours, and pairing your visit with nearby food and shopping can turn it into a smooth and worthwhile trip.