Jimbocho Book Town

Jimbocho book town in Chiyoda is the centre for used book sellers and publishing houses in Toyko. Vintage books, prints, magazines, antiques, pornography and movie memorabilia shops spread over a few city blocks.

Outdoor bookshelf in Jimbocho Jinbocho book town Tokyo
This is a classic picture of Jimbocho book town that you will probably see on every post ever made about this place. It is a great shot and it really encapsulates Jimbochos’ cool energy, everyone quietly looking for paper treasure. If you love books as objects, it is definitely worth a visit and if you read in Japanese, even better!

Jimbocho is also home to a few shops that specialize film production promo prints, original posters and photographs. In a tiny crowded shop called Vintage Jinbocho, I found this beautiful post card of Wong Kar Wai’s “Days of Being Wild”. It has the signature green tint of the original film. You can find Japanese language promotional items for films from all over the world including Hollywood releases. Of course, there are also plenty of promo materials for Japanese films, something that is difficult to find elsewhere. Here is the link to Vintage Jinbocho.

Jimbocho Jinbocho book town tiled bookstore street view
Keeping it organized on the outdoor bookshelves. Notice the tiled buildings.
JR Yamanote Line Jimbocho Station.

You will see both JiNbocho and JiMbocho used in English spellings. Both are correct.

2 Comments

  1. Reply
    Milosz February 23, 2025

    No green masking tape in the back-pack this time?

  2. Reply
    admin February 23, 2025

    Would need a big roll here haha

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