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The world’s coolest neighborhood is hiding in the heart of Tokyo

Jimbōchō, Tokyo is the world's coolest neighborhood

By Amanda Teague Published September 28, 2025

Jimbocho Tokyo — VTT Studio / Shutterstock

Time Out has just revealed its annual list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, and at the very top is Jimbōchō, Tokyo, a literary paradise made for book lovers. Often called “Book Town,” this storied district is home to more than 150 bookstores, publishing houses, and academic institutions, making it a dream destination for bibliophiles and culture seekers.

A longtime hangout for Tokyo’s intellectuals, Jimbōchō sits just steps from the city’s bustling business districts yet feels worlds away. Low-rise, slightly timeworn buildings house some 150 second-hand bookstores alongside old-school coffee shops and fragrant curry houses. Here, vintage volumes rub shoulders with avant-garde art books, and literary clubs like the Tokyo Book Binding Club keep the written word alive.

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Visitors can spend the morning treasure-hunting at Isseido Booksellers or Kitazawa Bookstore, then recharge at retro favorite Sabouru, a beloved coffee spot since 1955, or Kanda Burajiru, which serves up authentic Japanese cuisine.

The world’s coolest neighborhoods: The full list

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

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