Jimbocho: The Coolest Spot for Book Lovers
Jimbocho, often hailed as the ‘town of books,’ is about to host an exciting event that merges tradition with contemporary creativity. The upcoming
Zine & Book Festival in Jimbocho is organized by the Tokyo Cultural Resources Council and will take place on January 18-19, 2026, at the Publishing Club Hall in Tokyo's Jimbocho area. Ranked the coolest neighborhood in the world according to
Time Out magazine's 2025 list, this district has long been a haven for bibliophiles and culture enthusiasts.
A Celebration of Literature and Creativity
The
Zine & Book Festival is set to highlight the current literary scene in Jimbocho. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the rich depths and remarkable breadth of the area’s book culture. The event will feature a mixture of
publicly curated zine displays and sale areas, showcasing individual creators and unique publishing houses from the region.
In addition to exhibitions, this vibrant festival will offer a myriad of engaging activities, including:
- - Guest speakers and workshops: Attendees can join discussions with notable guest speakers from the world of literature, as well as participate in hands-on zine-making workshops.
- - Legal workshops: For those interested in self-publishing, a legal seminar will cover essential rights regarding copyright and privacy, ensuring zine creators can navigate their crafts safely and confidently.
- - Distinctive beverage experience: Guests can enjoy Jimbocho's signature gin and tonic, adding a fun twist to the festival atmosphere.
Details of the Festivities
When and Where?
The festival will run from
1 PM to 7:30 PM on both days, held at:
Publishing Club Hall (3rd Floor) and Meeting Room (4th Floor)
1-32 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Entrance Fees
- - Advance tickets (Peatix): 500 JPY
- - At the door: 1,000 JPY (cash only)
- - Students: 500 JPY (advance or at the door, with student ID)
Ticket purchase can be made on Peatix.
Workshop Highlights:
Zine Workshop: