If you are looking for Manga in Japanese, this is an excellent store. I was shopping for my son, so…read morehad no idea where to find anything. Shop owner was super helpful, digging out a couple of additional items from inventory, in addition to what was on the shelf. A lot of the merchandise is gently used, so prices were great. It has a great vibe, buried in the basement of the building, spilling out into the lower concourse. Even if you don't buy anything, it is fun to visit.

A really good used Japanese bookstore located in the basement of a side street not far from Times…read moreSquare. Unlike some used bookstores where things were just piled around, this place is really organized. Their books cover a wide range of genre, not just the more popular topics about movies, anime, and beauty. If you are studying Japanese this is a treasure trove. They also buy back used Japanese books, though not very old ones. I took some old manga and fictions there and were told they don't worth anything. And I was treasuring them all these years. : P

Fancy going to a bookstore, get your books, and also pick up a new pair of eyeglasses, a necklace,…read morea bubble tea; a head of lettuce, a bag of quinoa and some sauces for dinner, a loaf of bread for tomorrow's breakfast, along with a toaster oven and coffee maker; some soap, incense, a potted plant for your home, and finally a caricature of yourself. Yes, you can do all that and more at this Eslite bookstore. While many bookstores carry some stationery, paper goods, toys and coffee, this place totally bring it to a new level. The store is somewhat divided up into stations like department stores, and as you walk around you will see a stall selling ceramics, then one selling cookies, another with leather goods... There was a lady making jewelries behind counter, one sampling her cakes, and another water-coloring on a table. There are quite a few booths promoting products designed in Hong Kong, with some local flair that makes for good souvenirs too. With so many things to see, this is a great place to spend some time, and you are unlikely to walk away empty handed. However, if you expect to find two storeys full of books, you may feel a bit disappointed. They do have a good selection of both English and Chinese titles, but not as extensive as I'd expected, and the organization is somewhat loose, making it hard to navigate around if you are looking for a specific title.

Summary: This place is beautiful but maddening if you are pressed for time. The large selection of…read moreknickknacks is also mystifying. Over a very sprawling two floors you can find (almost) everything you'd want - fountain pens, honey, baked goods, paper goods, nail polish, eyeglasses, tote bags, jewelry - oh yes, and books. Tons of books. This is a huge improvement from the hodgepodge of neglected shops that used to comprise Star House. The store is never totally crowded, and you have to wonder who is actually buying the beautifully arranged (but useless) expensive knickknacks all over there store. I've never actually seen anyone buy these things. Shoppers may be frustrated because the store is SO large that a quick in-and-out trip is nearly impossible. It's very easy to lose your bearings among the maze of books and displays - hence four stars not five. A personal highlight for me is the Ten Ren tea concession (2/F, near a bakery and the escalator entrance in Star House) - where you can get one of Hong Kong's butter cups of tapioca milk tea.

I have been going to Eslite at Taipei 101 every time I am in town and was so excited that Eslite…read moreopens up this first location outside Taiwan in 2012 at Hysan Place in CWB. I can spend hours checking out all the books they have here. The collection here is just impressive. If you like food and cooking, they have a lot of good colourful cookbooks that is perfect for gifts. Aside from books, there are also gadgets, stationary, aromatherapy products from Taiwan, cafe and even a bbt shop. Worth checking out. I would ask to meet up my friends here especially the ones that are always at least 30 minute late.

Bookstores... they practically don't exist in the US. So I was very happy to come and see this…read morelarge shop in Hong Kong. They have a selection of English and Chinese books; English-speakers, it's all good. It's easy to spend a whole day here. I love how it's lively in here and full of readers. Easily the best bookstore in HK.