JINBOCHO
BOOKSTORES AND ANITQUES SHOPS
📍Jinbocho Google Maps
Jinbocho, a highly original book district for book lovers.
Bookstores, public libraries and literary clubs all in one neighborhood.
popular stylish coffeeshops
Jinbocho is a district in Tokyo, Japan. It is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo and is home to several government buildings, including the Ministry of Finance. The district is also known for its prestigious universities and high-end residential areas.
One of the most notable features of Jinbucho is the presence of the Ministry of Finance. This important government agency is responsible for the nation's economic policy, and the building is a symbol of Japan's economic power. The Ministry of Finance is also located near the National Diet Building, which is the main legislative building of Japan and a symbol of the country's democracy.
In addition to government buildings, Jinbucho is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in Japan. The University of Tokyo, for example, is located in the area, and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Asia. The University of Tokyo is also known for its beautiful campus and the large number of students that spend time in this district.
Jinbucho is also home to many high-end residential areas. This district is known for its luxurious apartments, which are often located in large, modern buildings that offer excellent views of the city. Many of these apartments are located near the district's many parks, which provide residents with a peaceful and green environment.
Overall, Jinbucho is a district that is rich in history and culture, and is home to some of the most important and prestigious institutions in Japan. It is a district that offers residents a high standard of living, and is a great place to live, work, and study.
Due to its proximity to many universities and publishing companies, Jimbocho has become the first destination for people interested in used bookstores.
Many coffeeshops, loved by the bibliophiles of Tokyo, are available for who is interested in drinking artisanal coffee.
New and used, on loan or to carry comfortably in your purse, you'll find books of all kinds in the 200 or so stores in the area-both modern chains and small stores specializing in used books. It is an oasis for many enthusiasts who love to browse the shelves filled with books and gather in cafés discussing their latest reading.
Most of the stores selling books are located in the southern part of the district, particularly along the main Yasukuni-dori avenue and the narrow streets that branch off from it, including Hakusan-dori and Kanda-Suzuran-dori.
If you are well-versed with Japanese or want to practice the language, you will surely have no trouble finding a good read that suits you.
If, on the other hand, you do not feel ready to tackle reading in Japanese, you will find extensive English-language sections in many bookstores. Below I point you to the best-known bookstores:
Kitazawa Bookstore: opened in 1902, has a large section of English-language books about humanities and social sciences.
Sanseido: a well-stocked chain if you are looking for Japanese language books. Unfortunately, the selection of English-language texts is really limited.
Isseido Booksellers: located on the eastern side of Yasukuni-Dori near Jimbocho Station, this bookstore is a two-story wonderland for those looking for foreign language readings.
Komiyama Book Store: recommended for photography and contemporary art enthusiasts.
Komiyama - Real Tokyo Art
Komiyama, established in 1939, is not only one of the oldest antique bookstores in Jimbocho, but it also offers four levels of vintage books, magazines, posters, prints, photography books, and erotic art in its famous Jimbocho location.
Fashion enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover a collection of vintage fashion magazines from Japan and abroad, along with celebrated photography books by renowned photographers like Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh, and Helmut Newton on the first floor.
As you ascend to the second floor, you will be overwhelmed by the extensive collection of photography books and prints, while on the upper levels, you can uncover vintage art prints by artists such as Tadanori Yokoo, Toshio Saeki, and Ikko Tanaka among many others.
Useful Information
📍Komiyama Google Maps
🌐Komiyama Website
Bibliography, sources and references
The Rough Guide to Tokyo
By Jan Dodd, Simon Richmond · 2001
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Rough_Guide_to_Tokyo/alKrRjsAYfEC?hl=en&gbpv=0
Photographs are all courtesy of the photography studio Fotografo Venezia in Venice, Italy.
Book Giorgio + Koharu - Japan Tour
14 days of Japanese experiences with native japanese guide
Places to visit: the futuristic Tokyo, traditional Japan Kyoto, natural and wild Hokkaido and Okinawa paradise islands.
Food and drinking experiences: Ramen, Soba, Sushi, Isakaya drinking bar, Karaoke
Traditional Japanese experiences: Shodo Japanese calligraphy, Ikebana flower lesson, fortune telling.
Explore Japanese destinations
JAPAN
Tokyo
National Museum of Western Art
Transports
Suggestions:
Cherry Blossoms - Sakura Hanami
HOKKAIDO
OTHER PLACES:
OKINAWA