One of the largest secondhand book markets in the world is centered on the intersection of Yasukuni-Dori and Hakusan-Dori in the Kanda district of Tokyo. Known as Tokyo’s book town, Jimbocho (神保町) is home to a concentration of over 170 bookshops, publishing houses, and literary societies.
The book market at Jimbocho is best accessed from Jimbocho subway station, Kudanshita subway station, Shin-Ochanomizu/Ogawamachi/Awajicho subway stations (connected underground), or JR Suidobashi station.
The majority of book shops on Yasukuni-dori are noticeably located on the south side only, which is said to protect books from damage by sun exposure. Everything from the latest published volumes, to academic collections, art books, old magazines, and rare and antique books can be found here, if you enjoy the search. You can spend hours browsing even if you cannot read Japanese.
But what about the collection of foreign books in Jimbocho?
For those looking for non-Japanese books, yousho (洋書, foreign books), the following book shops are recommended:
Table of Contents
Kitazawa Bookstore (北沢書店)
| 2-5 Jimbocho Kanda, Chiyoda-ku |
| Weekdays 11:00~18:30, Saturday 12:00~17:30 |
| Closed: Sundays & Holidays |
| Website: Kitazawa Bookstore (北沢書店) |
Kitazawa Bookstore (北沢書店) |
The Isseido Booksellers (一誠堂書店)
| 1-7 Jimbocho Kanda, Chiyoda-ku |
| Monday through Saturday 10:00~18:30, Holidays 10:30~18:00 |
| Closed: Sundays |
| Website: The Isseido Booksellers (一誠堂書店) |
The Isseido Booksellers (一誠堂書店) |
Italia Shobo (イタリア書房)
| 2-23 Jimbocho Kanda, Chiyoda-ku |
| Weekdays: 10:00~18:00 |
| Closed: Weekends and Holidays |
| Website: Italia Shobo (イタリア書房) |
Italia Shobo (イタリア書房) |
Books Sanseido (三省堂書店 神保町本店)
| 1-1 Jimbocho Kanda, Chiyoda-ku |
| 10:00~20:00, with exception during New Year’s holiday |
| Website: Books Sanseido (三省堂書店 神保町本店) |
Books Sanseido (三省堂書店 神保町本店) |
