Neighborhood · No. 04
Jimbocho & Kanda
神保町・神田
Jimbocho holds the world's largest concentration of used and rare bookshops — over 200 within walking distance — plus cheap curry and jazz kissa.
Used books, curry, jazz kissa, student-town gravity
The world's largest concentration of used and rare bookshops — over 200 in walking distance. Also famous for cheap student curry and a small but serious jazz kissa scene.
All spots in Jimbocho & Kanda
FAQ
Why is Jimbocho famous for used and rare books?
Jimbocho holds the world's largest concentration of used and rare bookshops — over 200 within walking distance — built up since the early 20th century around the cluster of universities nearby. Specialist dealers in art, architecture, maps, and foreign-language books operate alongside the general second-hand stalls.
What is the Jimbocho curry scene?
Jimbocho developed a cheap curry culture serving the student population, and the tradition persists: several shops have been serving the same recipes for 40+ years. The ones with real longevity stand apart from the tourist-reviewed newcomers — look for counters with handwritten laminated menus.
Are there jazz kissa in Jimbocho?
Yes — a small but serious cluster of jazz kissa operates within the bookshop streets, the oldest of which have been pouring coffee over vinyl since the 1960s. They are quiet listening spaces; order and settle in. The oldest still run original Altec or Tannoy speaker rigs.