With about 200 bookstores, the Jimbocho area is Tokyo’s bookshelf. Just walking through the so-called “book town” is a lot of fun since chances are high you will make some unique discoveries. You might also find some treasures that make great souvenirs for family and friends. So let’s go on a treasure hunt!
Exploring the “book town”
Most bookstores in the Jimbocho area specialize in used books. Some stores sell famous Japanese classics such as The Tale of Genji. Other bookstores exclusively offer old maps and woodblock prints, while other shops sell old movie posters and screen scripts. There are also some bookstores with the latest comic books, as well as stores with architecture or art-related books only. When browsing through the stores you will find many books and magazines with cute cover designs that can be used as interior items, too.
There are two bookstores you shouldn’t miss: ‘Book House Cafe’ and ‘Kitazawa Bookstore’:
Book House Cafe
https://www.bookhousecafe.jp
Kitazawa Building 1F, 2-5 Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/FyLkopMwru73oRUH7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookhousecafelove/
Kitazawa Bookstore
http://www.kitazawa.co.jp
Kitazawa Building 2F, 2-5 Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7o9hafAbwen3dbts9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitazawa_books/
“Book Town” Kanda Jimbocho Official Website: http://jimbou.info
The most exotic curry restaurant in Tokyo
After your treasure-hunt in Jimbocho, head to the unique curry restaurant ‘ARASH ~ Exotic Dining ~’. You should definitely stop by!
The arm-wrestling champion and Doner Kebab missionary “Hami-chan” will treat you with exquisite spicey kebab. It’s probably the only place in Tokyo where you can eat curry with kebab meat. Not only Indian and Persian cuisine but also gyoza dumplings are a specialty of this restaurant!
ARASH ~ Exotic Dining ~ (former store name: Iwama Gyoza)
https://www.arash-dining.com/
3-1-1 Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://g.page/arashdining
Nearest station: Suidobashi Station, Kudanshita Station, Jimbocho Station
The Kanda area in Tokyo is a curry town with more than 400 restaurants (!) specializing in curry. Enjoy some spicy curry after finding some treasures around Jimbocho!
