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In the heart of modern and bustling Tokyo, there is a neighborhood that still maintains a slow, quiet pace of life, where time seems to stand still in each old page. Jimbocho - the "old book sanctuary" of the Japanese capital, a destination not to be missed for those who love knowledge, the smell of retro coffee and the rare tranquility in the middle of a megacity.
In addition, this neighborhood is also home to many prestigious universities, so it is no surprise that Jimbocho is growing and becoming a paradise for book lovers.
A peaceful space amidst the hustle and bustle of life
Located in Chiyoda Ward, Jimbocho is just a stone’s throw from bustling downtown areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya. However, once you cross the neighborhood boundary, you’ll notice a complete change in pace. Gone are the bright neon lights and giant billboards, replaced by a quiet atmosphere adorned with humble wooden signs, shops with old facades, and the distinct smell of old paper lingering in the air.
Jimbocho is known as the oldest book town in the world. It was named after a famous Samurai in the 17th century – Nagaharu Jimbo.
The formation and development of Jimbocho is closely linked to the long history of Tokyo. This neighborhood is named after a 17th-century Samurai named Nagaharu Jimbo. Despite experiencing a major fire tragedy in 1913, Jimbocho was restored and developed strongly thanks to the efforts of educators and scholars, typically Professor Iwanami Shigeo, who opened a bookstore, laying the foundation for the famous publishing house Iwanami Shoten today.
Its prime location, close to many prestigious universities such as Nihon, Senshu, Meiji and Hosei, has strengthened Jimbocho's position, turning it into a "paradise" for intellectuals and book lovers.
In 1913, Jimbocho was completely burned down after a big fire. Afterwards, Iwanami Shigeo - a professor restored this place by opening a small bookstore here.
Treasure trove of over 150 antique bookstores
Jimbocho is known as the "old book mecca" because it is home to more than 150 to 200 large and small bookstores located along the main Yasukuni-dori street and nestled in the alleys. Most of them are old books, but they are classified very meticulously and in-depth. There are stores that specialize in Western philosophy, art books, photography books, ancient prints from the Meiji period, or magazines that have been out of print for decades. Each store opens a door to a huge treasure trove of knowledge.
In Jimbocho, there are more than 160 bookstores located along both sides of the street, attracting many readers to visit and buy books.
Most of the bookstores are located south of Jimbocho Station, right on the main street Yasukuni-dori, an intentional arrangement to limit direct sunlight from damaging the books. For collectors, Jimbocho is a treasure trove. You can find rare old Japanese prints, century-old Tokyo maps, or English books at stores like Kitazawa, Komiyama, Sanseido, and Isseido. In addition to books, many stores also sell other nostalgic items such as art prints, old posters, postcards, and rare vinyl records, each with its own story.
Due to its proximity to many universities and publishing houses, Jimbocho has become a mecca for used bookstores and quaint cafes beloved by Tokyo's book lovers.
More than just a book street, Jimbocho is also a place to preserve the leisurely pace of Tokyo. Walking along the streets, visitors can easily come across retro cafes with classic designs, warm yellow lights and soft jazz music. It is a place where people can leisurely sip a cup of hot coffee, read a book or quietly watch the slow flow of people passing by. These cafes, such as Paperback Café or Sabouru with a history of more than 60 years, are not only a place to rest but also an ideal space for reading and writing.
Besides, Jimbocho is also famous for its long-standing Japanese curry shops, some of which have existed for hundreds of years, serving traditional thick, spicy curry. The warmth of the food's flavor is also the warmth and simplicity that this book street brings.
If you have the chance to visit in the fall, you will be immersed in the most vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood – the Jimbocho Book Festival. This annual festival attracts thousands of scholars, students and tourists, turning the sidewalks into a lively "knowledge market" where books are sold everywhere, from novels, research books to old comics. The atmosphere erases all distances, connecting people with a common love for books.
Although it is an old book area stained with time, the bookstores here are still constantly updating new books to serve increasingly modern needs.
Jimbocho is not noisy, not flashy, but it holds an irreplaceable piece of cultural memory for Tokyo, a symbol of the Japanese spirit of cherishing knowledge and the past. With its cultural depth, this place not only attracts those who are passionate about literature but is also a destination for anyone who loves Japan to find a very unique "Tokyo breath": slow, nostalgic but full of vitality and constantly inspiring.
Exploring Jimbocho is also very convenient. Visitors can go straight to Jimbocho Station (served by three lines: Toei Mita Line, Toei Shinjuku Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line) and just exit A6 or A7 to start their journey to explore the book street. This journey is not just a trip, but a moment of transition, taking you from bustling Tokyo to quiet Jimbocho, like stepping through an enchanting time door.
