There’s nothing like curling up to read a good book, and Tokyo has an amazing selection ranging from manga to memoirs. Bookshops are a great environment to meet new people, immerse yourself in the culture, and relax from the bustling city. There are many bookshops in Tokyo, all curating diverse vibes and selections that reflect their individual styles, especially in Jimbocho, which is known as the book town here in the capital. This area is home to some amazing bookstores that make this district a true bookworm’s paradise. In this blog, I will discuss some of Tokyo’s best bookshops in the Jimbocho district and beyond, which carry a diverse range of genres yet share the same relaxing atmosphere that a bookstore should evoke.
JUNKUDO Ikebukuro – Photo by TimeOut
JUNKUDO Ikebukuro
This mega-sized bookstore, one of the largest in Tokyo, spans an entire building, from the basement all the way to the ninth floor. This bookstore is a must-see attraction for all to visit. They offer a wide range of books, from magazines to specialized books like medicine, engineering, etc. They also host art exhibitions and other interesting events for everyone to enjoy. You can find books in different languages on the last floor! The main store is in Ikebukuro and is a must-see spot.
Location: JUNKUDO Ikebukuro
Open Hours: 10 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week
Phone Number: +81359566111
Website: https://honto.jp/store/detail.html?shcd=70019&shgcd=HB320&extSiteId=junkudo
Bunken Rock Side – Photo by Yasukunidori
Bunken Rock Side
This small and quaint bookstore is a great place to visit. The small and cozy store offers a comfortable vibe; the entire place is filled with books for any bookworm to enjoy. This place is located right near Jimbocho and is a great used book store to visit.
Location: Bunken Rock Side
Open Hours: 10:30 am – 7 pm, Monday – Saturday | 11 am – 6:30 pm, Sunday
Phone Number: +81335118226
Website: https://www.bunken-shoin.co.jp/
Kimoyama Shoten – Photo by TimeOut
Komiyama Book Store
This small bookstore, located in the heart of Jimbocho, offers a quiet atmosphere amidst the lively streets. Komiyama Book Store features a wide variety of books as well as different types of artworks, making for an incredible opportunity for anyone hoping to combine the wonderful world of books with the beauty of art. It also offers the opportunity to engage directly with the designers and authors of each book in the store, allowing readers a unique way to interact with the books.
Location: Komiyama Book Store
Open Hours: 12 pm – 6:30 pm, Monday, Thursday – Saturday | 12 pm – 5:30 pm, Sunday (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Phone Number: +81332910495
Website: http://www.book-komiyama.co.jp/
Bohemian’s Book Gallery – Photo by Japanese Live & Exhibits
Bohemian’s Guild
The Bohemians Guild offers a rare collection of books dating all the way back to Japan’s Taisho Period (1912 – 1936). All bookworms should definitely check this place out! This is an antique paradise, offering a wide range of books from poetry to classic Japanese authors. This store is history personified, and the beautiful, calming atmosphere will certainly elevate your experience.
Location: Bohemian’s Guild
Open Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm, 7 days a week
Phone Number: +81332943300
Website: http://www.natsume-books.com/
Kitazawa Bookstore – Photo by Kitazawa Bookstore
Kitazawa Bookstore
Founded in 1902, this bookstore is for those interested in academic literature. They mainly sell books in English, but also have some in French and German. Their collection mainly comes from universities around the world, with some even dating back to the 1600s! If you love an intellectual journey, then this place is for you.
Location: Kitazawa Bookstore
Open Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm, Monday – Saturday (Closed Sunday)
Phone Number: +81332630011
Website: http://www.kitazawa.co.jp/
The Isseido Shoten – Photo by Jimbou
The Isseido Booksellers
This bookstore is walking history, surviving war, fires, earthquakes, and all eras of Japan after being founded in 1913. This is a great place for rare and antique Japanese books, including genres from economics to local history. This bookstore is filled to the brim with books that all can enjoy, no matter what you’re looking for!
Location: Isseido Booksellers
Open Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm, Monday – Saturday (Closed Sunday)
Phone Number: +81332920071
Website: http://www.isseido-books.co.jp/
Yumeno Shoten – Photo by Jimbou
Yumeno Shoten
For all the manga lovers, this place is for you! This store offers a huge selection of manga. They mostly sell out-of-print manga, but also have selections from some of the more popular publications like “Weekly Shonen Jump” and “Margaret.” But that’s not all; on top of this, they also hold a section of Japanese horror comics for the horror fanatics out there. This store will keep you well entertained as you relive your childhood favorites, find something new, or enjoy a good chill.
Location: Yumeno Manga Bookstore
Open Hours: 11 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday | 11 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday
Phone Number: +81362568993
Kanda Jimbocho – Photo by Hakan Nural
Bookstores are a specialty in Japan; the unique genres they offer make them a truly unique experience everyone should take advantage of. Whether you’re a bookworm, otaku, or intellectual, they have a space for all. Enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere of bookstores when you need a break from the lively and vibrant streets of Japan.
And it doesn’t just stop with purchasing; Tokyo is also a great place to enjoy time to yourself; many areas around the vast city offer a serene environment to curl up and read a good book. Listed below, we have 5 great places to enjoy a nice book:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This area offers some beautiful scenery for you to enjoy whilst reading your newest find! The cherry trees in the spring will make the perfect background to enjoy your book, but year-round round the calming space is truly one of a kind
Futako-Tamagawa Park: This area is quiet and right next to the river. There are many hidden areas to enjoy your book and enhance your reading experience.
Starbucks Coffee – Shibuya Tsutaya: Yes, this place is located right in the middle of Shibuya Scramble, but the Starbucks has a great view of the city and is big and quiet enough to enjoy a book or study in peace.
Miyashita Park: This mall has a rooftop garden with amazing views, with a quiet area on the roof among the garden that is perfect to enjoy a nice book with no distractions. You can also see the city below, and it offers a great contrast between the bustling city and the quiet atmosphere of the park.
Nishikanda Park: Located just a few minutes away from Jimbocho, it is a small park that doesn’t get as busy, so the atmosphere is quiet and enjoyable to enhance your reading experience.
Inside a Jimbocho bookstore – Photo by Besides the Obvious
From the historic, narrow aisles of Jimbocho to the serene park benches scattered across the city, Tokyo truly is a bibliophile’s dream. It has been such a joy to share these treasured spots where history and literature come alive. I hope this guide inspires you to set off on your own literary adventure, discovering hidden gems and finding your own perfect slice of peace amidst the vibrant energy of this incredible city. Happy reading!
Featured Photo Credit: dodotone
