Time Out celebrates a book-lover’s paradise with vintage charm and vibrant street life
Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s coolest neighborhoods has crowned Jimbōchō in Tokyo as the top pick for 2025. Known for its 130 second-hand bookstores, cozy coffee shops, and rich intellectual history, Jimbōchō offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern energy.
Described as the “hangout of choice for generations of Tokyo intellectuals,” the neighborhood is a haven for students, artists, and curious travelers. Its curry houses, antique buildings, and literary spirit earned it top marks for culture, community, and that elusive sense of “nowness.”
“The past vividly informs the present here — and the vibe is unmistakably alive,” writes Time Out Tokyo’s Shota Nagao
