When people talk about Tokyo’s must-visit districts, most travellers think of Shibuya, Shinjuku or Akihabara. But for those seeking a break from neon lights and busy city streets and hoping to lose themselves in the comforting world of printed books, Jimbocho is the slow-paced bookworm’s haven right in the heart of Tokyo. It’s a place that gently pulls you away from the digital world and into the charm of analog life.

Jimbocho is a historic university neighbourhood that has served as a meeting place for Tokyo’s intellectuals for over a century. Today, it remains a paradise for book lovers and collectors, home to nearly 200 bookstores. You’ll find everything from general bookshops to highly specialised ones—manga bookstores, shops dedicated to cats, nature-focused selections, and more.

Even if you don’t read Japanese, don’t worry. Jimbocho also has plenty of excellent English language bookstores. Kitazawa Bookstore, founded in 1902, is beloved for its carefully curated collection of literature, philosophy and humanities titles. Art lovers shouldn’t miss Bohemian’s Guild, known for photobooks and publications on art, design and architecture. And for rare and antique treasures, Isseido Booksellers is a must visit.

After browsing to your heart’s content, take a break at Sabor, a retro café that has been welcoming customers since 1955. If hunger strikes mid-exploration, step out for Jimbocho’s famous Japanese curry - Curry Bondy and Mandala are local favourites - before continuing your journey through this literary wonderland.

Getting there: Take the Hanzomon Line from Shibuya Station (Z01) and get off at Jimbocho Station (Z07).

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