Jimbocho Used-Bookstore Stroll: The World's Largest Secondhand Book Town

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Half-day

5 stops · Half-day

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Last checked 6/20261 sources

My Trip

Jimbocho, where over 100 used bookstores gather. From art and photo books to Western antique volumes and large new-book stores, the density of books is overwhelming. A bookworm's route with a break at an old kissaten partway through.

Half-day5 stopsEst. budget 20,000 KRW

Itinerary

1
Isseido Booksellers一誠堂書店
Jimbocho · Bookstore · 35 min stay
An iconic Jimbocho institution founded in 1903. Full of classic wooden interiors and rare antique books and collected works, it is Jimbocho history itself. Worth a visit for the scent of books and the atmosphere alone.
Walk 4 min
2
Kitazawa Bookstore北沢書店
Jimbocho · Bookstore · 35 min stay
A specialist in British/American and Western antique books. The classic, library-like second floor is famous as a photo spot. A European-style bookstore experience, leafing through leather-bound originals.
Walk 3 min
3
Komiyama Bookstore小宮山書店
Jimbocho · Art museum · 35 min stay
A bookstore strong in art and photo books and limited-edition collections. The flat-price photo-book 'tower' on the outdoor stairway stand is famous. A mecca for digging Japanese photo books like Araki and Moriyama.
Walk 5 min
4
Saboruさぼうる
Jimbocho · Cafe · 40 min stay
A retro kissaten founded in 1955 with a red totem pole out front. A break midway through the book stroll with thick Napolitan and cream soda. Jimbocho's living room, where the Showa mood remains intact.
Walk 5 min
5
Tokyodo Bookstore東京堂書店
Jimbocho · Bookstore · 40 min stay
A new-book store renowned for its great curation. A place publishers trust the displays of, good for finishing a used-book stroll with new releases and humanities titles. A cafe is attached too.