Buzz
Japan is well-known for its rich reading culture. On buses and trains, it’s common to see people quietly engrossed in their books. When traveling in Japan, one must not miss the Kanda Jinbocho Book Street, the largest of its kind in the world. Spanning over a kilometer, it offers a beautiful and captivating atmosphere with many intriguing finds. Let Mytour guide you through this magnificent literary street.
The most beautiful book street in the world
Japan is famous for its top-tier education system. As early as the 17th century, literacy rates in Japan were much higher than in many other countries. The government has always prioritized the development of education, which is why the reading culture in Japan has thrived and evolved. This cultural emphasis led to the creation of Kanda Jinbocho, a 1-kilometer-long street filled with the largest bookstores in the world—a place where the finest cultural treasures come together. This is a must-visit spot for foreign tourists traveling to Tokyo.
Jinbocho Book Street is named after a famous 17th-century Samurai, Nagaharu Jinbo. Today, this iconic street is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is surrounded by several prestigious universities such as Meiji University, Nihon University, Senshu, Hosei, and Juntendo. Jinbocho is considered the center of used books in Japan, housing over 50% of the country’s publishers and hundreds of enormous bookstores offering a wide variety of genres. As a result, it is no surprise that visitors affectionately refer to it as the 'Capital of Books,' 'Street of Knowledge,' 'Book World,' or 'Book Paradise.'
As you step onto Yasukuni Avenue, you'll be amazed by the sight of hundreds of massive bookstores, each capable of holding millions of books. The bookstores, packed closely together, create the sensation of walking through a maze of books with no way out. To help customers easily find the books they love, these stores have set up websites to guide visitors in the most convenient way possible. This book street attracts both local and international tourists who come to explore, buy books, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Exciting Discoveries on Jinbocho Book Street
Since all the bookstores are concentrated in one area, each one has a distinct style that makes it easy for customers to identify and adds to the charm of each brand. Some stores specialize in specific genres, such as science, literature, history, geography, and economics, while others offer books from all fields. Even rare and hard-to-find books can be found at Kanda Jinbocho.
Kanda Jinbocho is always bustling with activity, full of people shopping for books and exploring the area. Here, you'll find individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. In addition to books, Kanda Jinbocho is home to many beautiful restaurants and cafes, where customers can enjoy reading while soaking in the wonderful scenery. You should also take a stroll through the nearby narrow alleys to experience the peaceful atmosphere or head about 500 meters north to the magnificent Tokyo Imperial Palace. These are unforgettable experiences you shouldn't miss when traveling to Japan.
