About
When you step into Kanda Jimbocho in Chiyoda Ward, the heart of Tokyo, you find yourself in a treasure trove of knowledge where time seems to flow more gently. Along Yasukuni-dori Avenue, about 130 secondhand bookstores line the street, their shelves packed with books from a wide range of genres, including literature, history, art, and science. This town truly exudes the dignity of a “book town.” (visit-chiyoda.tokyo)
During the Meiji era, law schools such as Meiji University, Chuo University, Nihon University, and Senshu University were established one after another in this area. As a result, bookstores naturally gathered here to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of students and professors, laying the foundation for today’s secondhand bookstore district. Over time, the number of shops dealing in a diverse array of books, from specialized texts to general literature, increased, and now the area is renowned as one of the world’s largest secondhand bookstore districts. (travel.navitime.com)
Walking down the street, the scent of old books displayed at the storefronts tickles your nose, making you feel as if you are being invited on a journey through time. Each store has its own unique character, and many specialize in particular fields such as art, martial arts, foreign books, or cooking. For example, Yaguchi Bookstore, founded in 1918, specializes in old books related to film, theater, plays, and scripts, with movie pamphlets from the 1950s and 1960s being especially popular. (visit-chiyoda.tokyo)
Jimbocho is known not only for its secondhand bookstores but also for its historic cafes and famous curry restaurants. “Sabouru,” established in 1955, offers visitors a relaxing time in its warm, wood-filled interior. In addition, a variety of curry shops line the streets, such as the European-style curry “Bondy,” Sumatran curry “Kyoeido,” and Indian curry “Curry Rice Specialty Shop Ethiopia,” reflecting the diversity of food culture in the area. (visit-chiyoda.tokyo)
Every autumn, the “Kanda Used Book Festival” is held, with an open-air book market spreading along Yasukuni-dori and attracting book lovers from all over the country. For those seeking new encounters with old books, this festival is truly a place for intellectual adventure. (enjoytokyo.jp)
The charm of Jimbocho lies not only in its collection of books, but also in its intersection of history, culture, and people’s passion. If you visit here, you are sure to find a book that resonates with your heart.