Tokyo is home to some incredible neighborhoods to explore, from the glamorous streets of Ginza and Omotesando to the trendy vibes of Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji. But this year, it was a quieter, book-filled corner of the city that took top honors on the global stage. Jimbōchō, known as Tokyo's historic literary hub, has been named the number one neighborhood in the world by Time Out Worldwide in its 2025 ranking of the Coolest Neighborhoods.
For eight years, Time Out has compiled its annual list of areas that capture the true spirit of a city, where culture, nightlife, food, affordability, and community come together. This year's top pick, Jimbōchō, is a neighborhood long associated with students, writers, and intellectuals. It is best known for its second-hand bookstores (you'll find around 130 in total), many of which are tucked into older buildings alongside retro coffee shops and long-running curry houses.
What makes Jimbōchō stand out today is how it blends that tradition with new energy. While vintage bookstores such as Isseido and Kitazawa remain popular with collectors and casual browsers alike, recent years have seen the arrival of independent cafés, live music venues, and modern eateries that bring in younger crowds. The mix of old and new gives the area a timeless yet contemporary feel.
Visitors are encouraged by the folks at TimeOut to make a day of their visit, starting with a coffee at Café Sabor or Walkabout Coffee before wandering through the bookstores and backstreets. Come evening, curry at Curry Bondy or Sangatsu no Mizu followed by a drink at a local cocktail bar or art space offers the perfect close.
For a city with no shortage of must-see districts, Jimbōchō's recognition confirms what locals have long known, that this is one of Tokyo's most unique cultural treasures.
