Ultimate Jimbocho Guide: Tokyo's Vintage Booktown Paradise - Hidden Gems, Best Bookstores & Local Secrets
Japan has many wonderful neighborhoods that don't often appear in guidebooks. "Jimbocho," which we're introducing today, is one of them.
Jimbocho has a slower-paced atmosphere that's a bit different from Tokyo's crowded tourist destinations. The charming point is that you can experience a traditional, retro atmosphere. While treasuring its past culture, it also embraces new culture such as stylish cafes.
This time, as someone who frequently visits Jimbocho on holidays, I'll thoroughly introduce the charm of this neighborhood. After reading this, please take a leisurely stroll and explore!
What is Jimbocho?
Jimbocho is located in a corner of "Kanda," which overflows with downtown atmosphere. The attractive point is that it hasn't been commercialized as a tourist destination, allowing you to feel its retro and traditional atmosphere.
When speaking of Jimbocho, you cannot discuss the neighborhood's charm without mentioning "books." Around 1870, many law schools began to be established, and accordingly, bookstores specializing in academic books opened one after another. Later, publishing houses and printing shops increased, creating a history where writers began to gather.
Jimbocho, with its many students, is also known as a fierce battleground for curry and ramen. There's a theory that this food culture developed because people could easily eat these dishes while reading books with one hand.
The Charm of Jimbocho
The World's Largest Used Bookstore District Where Books from All Eras and Regions Are Available
The main purpose for me, a book lover, to frequent Jimbocho is the "Jimbocho Used Bookstore Street." This used bookstore district, with approximately 130 stores lined up, is known as one of the world's largest and has become a symbol of Jimbocho.
All kinds of books from Japan and abroad are available, including novels, manga, magazines, and specialized books, and the attractive point is finding rare treasures you can't encounter elsewhere.
There are many specialized stores focusing on specific genres such as foreign books, old Japanese books, and manga, so anyone who visits will surely find their favorite store.
Many Traditional Stores and Historic Establishments Loved by Cultural Figures and Literary Giants
Jimbocho, which developed as a book town, has long been a gathering place for many writers. Among the cafes and hotels they visited for their writing activities, some establishments still exist today. My favorite way to spend time is buying books at the used bookstore street and reading at a long-established cafe.
There are also many specialty stores for Japanese paper, art supplies, and musical instruments, attracting not only writers but cultural figures from various genres. "Bumpodo," a long-established art supply store founded in 1887, has an attached gallery and cafe where you can enjoy art and coffee in a calm atmosphere.
High-Quality Restaurants That Impress Food Connoisseurs Are Abundant
One of Jimbocho's attractions is its variety of high-quality restaurants that developed alongside many cultural figures.
Gourmet food available in Jimbocho (examples):
- Sushi
- Tempura
- Udon/Soba
- Curry
- Ramen
- Yakiniku (grilled meat)
- Western cuisine
- Chinese cuisine
- Vietnamese cuisine
- Thai cuisine
- French cuisine
- Italian cuisine
- Churrasco (Brazilian cuisine)
Some stores maintain authentic flavors while adapting them to Japanese tastes, allowing you to enjoy flavors you can only experience here. I'll introduce some of my recommended stores later, so please use them as reference!
3 Recommended Used Bookstores in Jimbocho That the Author Frequents
Kitazawa Bookstore (Academic・English)
Souce：VISIT CHIYODA
"Kitazawa Bookstore," founded in 1902, is a used bookstore specializing in foreign books located a 1-minute walk from Jimbocho Station. They mainly focus on English and American literature and humanities, constantly stocking approximately 12,000 books.
The interior, renovated in 2018, truly reflects the words of the 4th generation owner who loves spaces surrounded by books—heavy bookshelves reaching to the ceiling are packed with books. The time spent leisurely selecting books in this chic and calm atmosphere is my blissful moment.
Why don't you take your time searching for rare books from your own country or foreign countries?
Address: 2F Kitazawa Building, 2-5 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3263-0011
Business Hours: 12:00-17:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Official Website: https://kitazawabook.official.ec/
Ohya Shobo (Japanese Books・Ukiyo-e・Old Maps)
Souce：VISIT CHIYODA
If you're looking for old Japanese books, "Ohya Shobo" is recommended. This store specializes in various genres of Japanese books from the Edo period (1603-1868), ukiyo-e prints, and old maps, and has long been frequently used by teachers and students from nearby schools.
Products are displayed throughout the cramped interior, and stepping inside feels like being transported back to the Edo period. They also carry works by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, who is popular among foreigners.
I often visit to search for old recipe books and such. The books related to yokai (supernatural creatures) that the current owner focuses on are also recommended for children.
People interested in Edo period Japanese culture should definitely visit!
Address: 1-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3291-0062
Business Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Official Website: https://www.ohya-shobo.com/
Yumeno Manga Bookstore (Manga)
Source：Official site
"Yumeno Manga Bookstore" is a specialty store for vintage manga and magazines. The pop interior, designed with the image of "the future that children of the past imagined," has over 20,000 items in stock at all times.
There are also items of immeasurable value, such as manga artists' handwritten signatures and precious storyboards.
My recommendation is the cel animation cels used in the animation production process. The vibrantly colored cel paintings, carefully colored one by one, also make wonderful room decor.
The roots of Japan's proud manga culture are here. This bookstore is recommended for people who love manga and anime, making it an essential stop in any comprehensive Jimbocho guide.
Address: 2nd floor of Kanda Used Book Center, 2-3 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Yasukuni-dori side)
Phone: 03-6256-8993
Business Hours: 10:00-18:30 (Mon-Sat), 11:00-17:30 (Sun & holidays)
Closed: December 31 - January 3
Official Website: http://www.yumeno-manga.com/index.html
Historic Restaurants and Cafes You Must Visit When You Come to Jimbocho
Sabor
Source：Official X
"When it comes to coffee shops in Jimbocho, this is the place," locals unanimously say about "Sabor," established in 1955. The store name derives from the Spanish word meaning "taste."
The handmade-feeling interior has low ceilings and calm-toned lighting, creating an atmosphere like a secret hideout.
The "Cream Soda" with ice cream on top of seven different flavored sodas is popular.
My favorite is the combination of rich strawberry juice with fresh fruit pulp and pizza toast with thick-cut toast topped with plenty of cheese.
Why not stop by with a newly bought book in hand? This charming cafe is a highlight of any Jimbocho guide for tourists seeking authentic local experiences.
Address: 1-11 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3291-8405
Business Hours: 11:00-19:00, 11:00-18:00 (holidays)
Closed: Sundays
Official X: https://x.com/sabor_jimbocho
Tsuruhachi (Sushi)
Source:Tabelog
"Tsuruhachi" is a renowned sushi restaurant located in a corner of a back alley. While chef's choice course-style sushi restaurants have been increasing lately, Tsuruhachi maintains a style where you can order the sushi you want at your own timing.
The shari (sushi rice) characterized by mild acidity and umami is made by blending two types of vinegar. The chef's dedication lies in careful preparation that changes the work according to the ingredients, such as washing with vinegar or making cuts.
I often order sweet kuruma shrimp and fluffy simmered sea eel.
Please enjoy exquisite sushi in the comfortable atmosphere unique to Jimbocho. This authentic sushi experience represents the best of what makes a great Jimbocho guide for discerning food lovers.
Address: 2-4-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3265-6533
Business Hours: 17:00-21:30, 12:00-13:30 / 17:00-21:30 (Saturday)
Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, and holidays
Official Website: None
Join REONA's Sushi Tour and Fully Enjoy the "True Appeal of Sushi"
This tour allows you to thoroughly experience "sushi culture" while conversing with the chef. This tour, held by "REONA," a sushi restaurant popular with foreign tourists, is based on the concept of "Deep Sushi Experience."
My recommended point is that you can watch the chef's sushi preparation process up close while listening to explanations about ingredients and tools.
After listening to the explanations, taste the freshly made sushi with your own tongue. Please take this opportunity to ask lots of questions about anything you're curious about!
This tour is recommended for people who want to explore the world of sushi, not just eat it.
Tour Highlight Points:
- Observe the cooking process up close while listening to the chef's explanations
- Explore the sushi culture that Japanese people cherish
- View tools and pre-cooking ingredients that are usually hard to see
- Compare and taste sushi made with various cooking methods and seasonings
- Photo shoot in sushi chef costume
Bondy
Source:Official site
In Jimbocho, the fierce curry battleground, "Bondy" is called the "originator" and "legendary curry shop." The atmospheric interior with retro decor is filled with appetite-stimulating spice aromas.
The recommended point of this shop is the special curry roux made with carefully selected spices added to vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. The addictively delicious roux that can only be tasted here allows you to taste the sweetness of apples and the richness of butter.
A characteristic feature is the steamed potatoes served separately, and my favorite way to eat them is to spread butter on them and eat them as is.
The desserts such as baked apples and pudding are also excellent, so please try them! This legendary establishment is a must-visit destination featured in every comprehensive Jimbocho guide.
Address: 2nd floor, Kanda Used Book Center Building, 2-3-3 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3234-2080
Business Hours: 11:00-21:30 (Mon-Fri), 10:00-22:00 (Sat, Sun, holidays)
Closed: None
Official Website: https://bondy.co.jp/web/
3 Top Tourist Destinations to Visit Alongside Jimbocho
This Jimbocho Guide presents three exceptional nearby attractions that perfectly complement your visit to Tokyo's famous book district.
Akihabara
If you love Japanese manga and anime, why not visit Akihabara? Known as the birthplace of Japanese subculture, Akihabara brings together Japan's pride "Otaku Culture" including manga, anime, games, idols, and cosplay.
This area offers a unique way to enjoy yourself that's different from other Tokyo neighborhoods, and "maid cafes" where staff dressed as maids provide service represent one of its main attractions.
Don't forget to visit the "Electric Town" where you can find Japanese electronic products!
Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
If you want to enjoy 100% of Akihabara's unique charm, why not join a guided tour? This is a 3-hour tour where local guides take you to recommended spots only they know about.
"I'm interested in maid cafes but don't know how to enjoy them" - even people like this can feel safe with a guide. Don't be shy and enjoy yourself to the fullest! At anime and gaming shops, make sure to get goods that can only be bought in Japan.
This is a recommended tour where you can efficiently enjoy Akihabara, which is full of highlights.
Meeting point: JR Akihabara Station
Tour area: Akihabara surrounding area
Start time: 14:00
Ginza
Ginza is a popular tourist destination where cutting-edge trends merge with traditional Japanese charm. The retro brick streetscape lifts your spirits just by walking through it.
Ginza's attractive point is that you can enjoy it in various ways - from experiencing traditional Japanese performing arts at the traditional Kabuki-za to shopping at sophisticated department stores.
If you want to feel the stylish, metropolitan atmosphere, why not visit the streets of Ginza?
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
If you're confused about choosing restaurants in Ginza, we recommend joining a gourmet tour guided by local guides.
First, enjoy an exquisite sushi course at counter seats in a calm atmosphere. Please also enjoy watching the chef's skilled techniques unfold right before your eyes.
At the second stop, a high-end tempura restaurant, you'll savor freshly fried tempura made with fresh ingredients. The attractive point is that guides carefully explain Japanese dining etiquette, so you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind.
Meeting point: Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi
Tour area: Sushi & tempura restaurants around Ginza
Start time: 16:30
Asakusa
Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations. You've probably seen the eye-catching red "Kaminarimon Gate" in guidebooks at least once, haven't you?
You can enjoy the quintessential "This is Japan!" experience by visiting "Senso-ji," Tokyo's oldest temple, or eating traditional Japanese sweets from long-established shops on Nakamise Shopping Street.
I love the lively atmosphere unique to Asakusa. Just by strolling through the streets, you can feel the tradition and charm.
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
If you want to experience the best of charming Asakusa in a short time, why not join this guided tour? It covers popular points for tourists including Senso-ji, matcha experience, and famous Tokyo gourmet food.
At Senso-ji, feel free to ask any questions about traditions and culture. With guide explanations, you can feel confident about experiences that might initially be confusing, such as the matcha experience and Tokyo's specialty "Monja-yaki."
This is a recommended tour where you can fully enjoy Asakusa's charm in 3 hours.
Meeting point: Kaminarimon Police box
Tour area: Nakamise shopping street / Senso-ji / Hoppy street / Local restaurant
Start time: 11:00