Jimbocho, Unfolded

Far from Tokyo’s flashing lights and crowded crossings, Jimbocho offers a kind of excitement that is built on books, history, and the pleasure of unhurried discovery. It will draw you in not only with the scent of old books but also with the calmness of a neighborhood that knows exactly who it is. The moment you step off the train and see the book-paneled walls of Jimbocho Station, anticipation builds for what awaits above ground.

Known as Tokyo’s Book Town, Jimbocho’s identity is shaped by its more than 130 bookstores and the vast range of genres they house. From academic texts, ukiyo-e prints, woodblock prints to vintage magazines and foreign language books, a literary gem is always waiting to be discovered between the shelves.

Eat

Curry Bondy

Curry Bondy was the winner of the Kanda Curry Grand Prix in 2011 and with one taste of its distinctive curry, it is easy to understand its enduring popularity and long lines at lunch time. Their curry is a flavorful secret blend of fruits and spices with just the right amount of kick in every bite.

Do/Visit

Get a map!

With so many bookshops to explore, a map is essential. Luckily, you can easily pick one up at many of the stores around the neighborhood (free of charge and available in both Japanese and English).

Kitazawa Bookstore
Home to Jimbocho’s largest collection of English books, Kitazawa is a bibliophile’s dream. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are filled with titles spanning literature, history, politics, religion, and the arts.

Isseido Booksellers
Isseido specializes in old and rare books but it also captivates visitors with its beautifully curated selection of scrolls, maps, and Japanese prints.

Komiyama Tokyo

This hip store carries art and photography books and vintage fashion magazines.

Passage by All Reviews

This store is super unique! It is called a “shared bookstore” where each shelf can be rented by a different individual. Because each tenant can then display their own books and magazines to sell, the selection is wonderfully eclectic to reflect the wide range of tastes and curiosities.

Bohemian’s Guild

Finding your next art and photography tome here is like a treasure hunt.

Magnif

This is my favorite store in the neighborhood. I love magazines and still mourn the death of certain well-produced issues that have succumbed to digital platforms. And so losing myself in the shelves lined with vintage Vogue magazines and even The New Yorker was like being reacquainted with old friends.

Bumpudo

Not a bookstore, but a must-visit nonetheless. This quirky and delightful stationery and art supply store has been serving creators for generations, and it’s as charming as ever.

Recently declared 2025’s coolest neighborhood by TimeOut, Jimbocho will charm you with its independent bookshops, enchanting community, and a pace that feels refreshingly un-Shibuya. What makes Jimbocho remarkable isn’t just its abundance of books but its atmosphere of calm curiosity. Between its nostalgic shops, cozy curry houses, and the scent of paper in the air, you’ll find a Tokyo that feels both familiar and entirely new.