Overview
Jimbocho is a neighborhood of antiquarian bookstores located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward and is one of the most famous used bookstore districts in Japan. Jimbocho has been lined with bookstores since the Meiji era (1868-1912) and has become a favorite destination for cultural figures and students.
Introduction to the area
The area is home not only to antiquarian bookstores, but also to the headquarters of many major bookstores and publishing companies. Therefore, in addition to antiquarian bookstores, there are also many bookstores selling new books, technical books, magazines, and other publications. Jimbocho is known as the “town of books,” and its many bookstores offer a wide range of genres and themes.
What is a used bookstore district?
In the antiquarian bookstore district, you will find books in a variety of genres, from classic Japanese literature to foreign literature, manga, art, history, philosophy, science, and more. They also carry rare, limited editions, autographs, and other valuable books. These bookstores also accept requests to purchase or locate books, and staff members with book-related information and expertise are available to assist you in a courteous manner.
About Jimbocho
In Jimbocho, there are not only antiquarian bookstores, but also stationery stores, antique stores, cafes, and restaurants. These stores are important places for book lovers, students, and people of culture to enjoy reading and exchange information. A stroll through Jimbocho will allow you to experience the joy of finding the book you are looking for among the piles of books lined up in front of antiquarian bookstores and buried on the bookshelves.
About Jimbocho Events
Various events and exhibitions are also held in Jimbocho, including author talk shows, antiquarian book fairs, and cultural events. These events are made possible through cooperation among bookstores, publishers, and cultural facilities, enhancing Jimbocho’s appeal as a place for cultural exchange.
How to get there by train
Directions from Shinjuku Station (by train):
Pass through the subway ticket gates at Shinjuku Station and board the Toei Shinjuku Line.
Take the Toei Shinjuku Line and get off at Shinjuku Sanchome Station.
From Shinjuku Sanchome Station, use the underground passage to transfer to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Take the Marunouchi Line and get off at Jimbocho Station.
Exit Jimbocho Station and walk to the used bookstore district.
Directions from Tokyo Station (by train):
Pass through the subway ticket gates at Tokyo Station and board the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Take the Marunouchi Line and get off at Jimbocho Station.
Exit Jimbocho Station and walk to the used bookstore district.
These are the directions for getting to Jimbocho’s used bookstore district by train from Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station. For details on train routes and transfers, please check the latest timetables and directions.
If you take a cab
From Shinjuku Station:
Cab fares and the time required from Shinjuku Station to Jimbocho’s used bookstore district vary depending on traffic conditions and congestion, so the following is a general guideline.
Cab Fare:
Fees vary depending on the distance traveled and waiting time, but an approximate guideline would be approximately 1,500 to 2,500 yen.
Time required:
Depending on normal traffic conditions and time of day, this will take approximately 15 to 25 minutes.
However, this is a general guideline, and the actual fare and time required may vary depending on traffic conditions and cab companies. We recommend that you plan your travel time well in advance, especially during busy times or when traffic congestion is expected, as the time required may increase.
It is important to check with the driver or use a cab meter to confirm the fare when actually using the cab with regard to the fare and time required.
Recommended bookstores for art books in Jimbocho
Bohemian’s Guild
1-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nanyodo Bookstore
1-21 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
magnif
1-17 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Komiyama Bookstore
1-7 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
concluding remarks
Jimbocho is a treasure trove of Japanese books and culture, a lively and charming old bookstore district.
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