Jimbocho: Tokyo Culture Walk with Cafés and Stationery Shops
Explore Jimbocho, Tokyo’s book and culture district, starting from these cozy kissaten cafes and famous stationery shops like the nearly 140-year-old Bumpodo.
Written by
東京
Born in Taiwan. Currently living in Tokyo.
Currently editor in chief of MATCHA's Taiwanese website. In the past, I worked as an editor for a Japanese fashion magazine, as a Japanese language teacher at a private high school in Taipei, as an interpreter for Shiseido and other Japanese and Taiwanese companies. I've also had experience as an inbound tourism copywriter.
My Facebook page 'Tokyo beyond studying abroad' 東京、不只是留學（留学だけじゃなくて）boasts 120,000 followers.
Blogger with readers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, of which 70% are female readers. I have covered over 300 locations and stores in my articles.
Writing about the latest trends, places off the beaten path, and traditional culture. Published six books on Japan in Taiwan and Asia.
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/filmmiho/
Instagram → @mihowang47
more
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Explore Jimbocho, Tokyo's Serene Cultural District
Jimbocho is famous for being the world’s largest used-book district, boasting nearly 200 shops that make it easy to lose track of time. The entire neighborhood breathes the history of the written word.
The classic Jimbocho experience involves pairing a new find with a cup of coffee at a local kissaten—though be prepared to wait for a seat on holidays!
The area is also a treasure trove for stationery enthusiasts, musicians, and foodies, specifically known for its incredible variety of Japanese and Indian curry.
Read on to discover the must-visit cafes and stationery shops for your next Jimbocho adventure.
Jimbocho Guide: Cafes and Stationery Shops
Brief History of Jimbocho
Cafes and Dining in Jimbocho
1. LADRIO: Japan’s First Kissaten to Serve Vienna Coffee
2. Sabor: A Cafe with a Rustic Ambiance
3. Mirai Shokudo: A Unique Set-Meal Restaurant
4. Kitchen Nankai: Taste Excellent Black Curry Rice
5. Indian Curry YUNIKU: Traditional Indian Curry
Stationery and Art Supply Shops
6. Letterpress Printing Experience: PRIMART DESIGN STORE
7. Bumpodo: A Historic Stationery Shop Leading the Art Trends
8. Tools Ochanomizu: Art Supplies for Everyone
Brief History of Jimbocho
Why is the world's most famous "book town" called Jimbocho? Its history is as deep as the archives it holds.
Originally the site of the Jinbo family estate—high-ranking samurai known as hatamoto—the area was officially named Jimbocho in 1872.
Because it survived the air raids of WWII, it remains a rare pocket of Tokyo where the past feels present in every weathered storefront and historic brick building.
The best time to experience this history is during the Kanda Used-Book Festival in the fall. The streets transform into a sea of mobile bookshelves. There is something truly magical about the nighttime atmosphere; under the soft glow of lanterns, you'll see people from all walks of life lost in the pages of rare books.
Jimbocho is also exceptionally accessible; it is just a short walk from Ochanomizu Station, with Suidobashi and Kanda stations also nearby.
Cafes and Dining in Jimbocho
Jimbocho is more than just a haven for traditional kissaten; it is also Tokyo’s most famous "battleground" for curry.
Thanks to the presence of Meiji University and several other nearby schools, the area offers an abundance of affordable, student-friendly meals.
Beyond its signature curry, the neighborhood boasts a rich variety of international cuisines, making it a vibrant culinary destination.
1. LADRIO: Japan’s First Kissaten to Serve Vienna Coffee
Photo by Richard
Founded in 1949, LADRIO is one of Tokyo’s most iconic historic cafes. Its name is derived from the Spanish word for "brick" (ladrillo), reflecting the charming red-brick exterior and the sturdy pillars and beams that define its interior.
Photo by Richard
LADRIO is most famous for its Vienna coffee; in fact, it is widely recognized as the first shop in Japan to serve this classic beverage.
Many visitors are drawn here specifically for its signature texture—a dense, velvety layer of fresh whipped cream floating atop a perfectly balanced pour-over coffee.
2. Sabor: A Cafe with a Rustic Ambiance
For over sixty years, long lines have been a permanent fixture in front of this iconic café, its entrance framed by a distinctive tangle of branches and greenery.
Patrons gather from far and wide for a taste of their signature pairing: a cup of bitter yet remarkably smooth black coffee and a thick slice of richly flavored pizza toast.
Inside, the walls tell a story of their own—covered in names, dates, and messages from around the world written in white-out correction fluid. Some of these inscriptions date back more than twenty years.
With its rustic, wood-heavy interior, this urban kissaten feels like a hidden mountain cabin, drawing visitors into its nostalgic and cozy embrace.
3. Mirai Shokudo: A Unique Set-Meal Restaurant
Mirai Shokudo is a unique teishoku (set-meal) restaurant that tailors its food to your specific mood and physical needs.
During dinner hours, for an additional 400 yen, you can order a customized set. You select the ingredients, and the staff suggests the best preparation—whether frying, pan-searing, or simmering—ensuring your meal is perfectly suited to your cravings.
Even more remarkable is the restaurant’s Staff Meal (Makanai) system. In exchange for 50 minutes of work—such as washing dishes or taking orders—your meal is completely free.
Whether you want to learn the ropes of the restaurant business or are simply in need of a hot meal, everyone is welcome to participate in this communal spirit.
4. Kitchen Nankai: Taste Excellent Black Curry Rice
Kitchen Nankai takes its name from the owner’s devoted fandom of the Nankai Hawks (the predecessor to today’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks). While several branches exist throughout the city, the Jimbocho location remains the iconic "main store."
Its signature dish is the Black Curry Pork Cutlet: a large, crispy breaded cutlet draped in a deep, dark curry sauce.
Known for its rich, bold, and slightly salty profile, it is a hearty favorite for those with a big appetite seeking an intense and satisfying flavor.
5. Indian Curry YUNIKU: Traditional Indian Curry
As soon as you step inside Indian Curry YUNIKU, you are greeted by the warm hospitality of the Indian staff. The sight of authentic iron platters and traditional bowls creates an immersive atmosphere that transports you straight to India.
The cheese naan set is a must-try! Rich, molten cheese oozes from the warm bread, and dipping it into the various flavorful curries is a truly mouthwatering experience.
Jimbocho Stationery and Art Supply Shops
Where bookstores cluster, publishers naturally follow; and in a district teeming with students, stationery shops and specialty supply stores are equally abundant.
This unique synergy creates a neighborhood where every academic and creative need is met, from rare manuscripts to the specific tools of the trade.
6. Letterpress Printing Experience: PRIMART DESIGN STORE
PRIMART DESIGN STORE is a stationery shop managed by a local design firm. In an effort to share the timeless charm of letterpress printing, the shop features three authentic, historically significant letterpress machines.
Letterpress printing is loved for its unique, debossed texture—the slight indentation in the paper that you can feel with your fingertips.
As a special touch, customers who make a purchase can enjoy a hands-on experience creating their own cat-themed paper coaster.
Most of the stationery is paper-based and features the shop's original character: a whimsical "cat who works at a Jimbocho bookstore."
Their range of letterpress-printed book covers, bookmarks, and canvas bags featuring these designs are among the shop's most popular items.
Since Jimbocho is a book town, why not buy one of their letterpress book covers as a souvenir?
7. Bumpodo: A Historic Stationery Shop Leading the Art Trends
Founded in 1887, Bumpodo has been a cornerstone of Japan’s art world since its inception. Specializing in the production and sale of high-quality oil painting supplies, it remains one of the nation’s premier specialty stores for artists.
The building itself is a living piece of history. Remarkably, it survived the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, allowing its original architectural beauty to be preserved intact—a rare sight in modern Tokyo.
While the interior has been modernized, the stone exterior is an iconic example of Meiji-era architecture.
The shop spans seven floors, offering an exhaustive range of creative tools—from premium fountain pens, stationery, and manga supplies to original oil pigments, a dedicated printmaking section, and a professional framing department.
Each floor is seamlessly connected, eventually leading to the building’s inviting café.
Notably, Bumpodo was the first company in Japan to produce dedicated manuscript paper (genko yoshi). For over a century, the store has been a sanctuary for Japan’s literary giants, many of whom remained lifelong devotees of the brand’s high-quality paper.
8. Tools Ochanomizu: Art Supplies for Everyone
A pleasant ten-minute walk from Jimbocho Station brings you to the Tools main store in Ochanomizu.
While the shop is filled with the kind of exquisite stationery that enthusiasts can’t help but collect, its true specialty lies in its professional-grade inventory.
It is a one-stop shop for everything from essential manga-making tools and woodblock printing supplies to oil painting materials and academic textbooks.
What sets Tools apart is its staff; as artists themselves, they provide expert advice and engage in creative exchange with every customer.
The shop is also the home of the world-renowned COPIC marker brand, produced under their original “.Too” product line. These markers are a staple for illustrators and comic artists globally, celebrated for their unmatched quality and versatility.
The area surrounding Ochanomizu Station is home to a world-famous musical instrument district. The streets are constantly bustling with people carrying guitars, saxophones, and violins, creating a unique, rhythmic energy.
Reflecting this local culture, many nearby stationery shops offer products designed specifically for music lovers—such as rulers shaped like piano keys and folders adorned with musical notation. For students pursuing a career in music, these charming specialty items are practically irresistible.
Enjoy the Subculture Vibe of Jimbocho
With its many layers of history and culture, Jimbocho has long been a sanctuary for literati, old-school hipsters, and students alike. It is a place where the past isn’t just preserved—it is lived.
On your next visit, be sure to embrace the local ritual: pick out a newfound treasure, hurry to a cozy café, and lose yourself in its pages over a warm cup of coffee.
Once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, follow the fragrant aroma of spices to a nearby restaurant to round out your day. It is in these quiet, simple pleasures that you’ll find your own "Jimbocho-exclusive" moment.
Born in Taiwan. Currently living in Tokyo.
Currently editor in chief of MATCHA's Taiwanese website. In the past, I worked as an editor for a Japanese fashion magazine, as a Japanese language teacher at a private high school in Taipei, as an interpreter for Shiseido and other Japanese and Taiwanese companies. I've also had experience as an inbound tourism copywriter.
My Facebook page 'Tokyo beyond studying abroad' 東京、不只是留學（留学だけじゃなくて）boasts 120,000 followers.
Blogger with readers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, of which 70% are female readers. I have covered over 300 locations and stores in my articles.
Writing about the latest trends, places off the beaten path, and traditional culture. Published six books on Japan in Taiwan and Asia.
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/filmmiho/
Instagram → @mihowang47
more
Special Features
More
