Exploring Tokyo: Jinbocho

I thought that I might as well start something a little more regular in order to keep myself motivated. So every Monday (Japan time), I'll try to put out a short little blurb on a small area of Tokyo that I think of as interesting or important. I'll try to stray from the larger ones a bit, but I'm certain that Akihabara / Shibuya articles will inevitably pop-up here and there. Also, it's worth noting that I am currently cameraless, and as such I will be unable to provide photographs. However, I intend to make it work.

Now then, to start off let's talk about one of my favorite areas in Tokyo: Jinbocho. Jinbocho is basically Japan's used bookstore Mecca, you can find most things there if you're willing to spend the time looking, and are fluent in Japanese. It's located just around Jinbocho station, which is on a few subway lines, but is also within walking distance of the JR station Suidobashi (about 10 minutes or so away). This general area is actually my old haunt from when I spent the summer at a Japanese language school, but more on that another time.

In any case, it's an interesting place for English speakers as well. There are a few shops that have quite extensive English collections (a couple on par with the Yoyogi/Shinjuku Kinokuniya), and they have that great old-and-musty used-book smell to them. I've picked up a select few books there simply because it's a location rather out of my way, but it is an interesting place to be sure, and worth spending the afternoon (as long as it's not Sunday, as many of the shops will be closed).

The next entry may be a bit more extensive. Stay tuned, or not, if you would rather.