INFORMATION

• addressBooks Sanseido's Jimbocho flagship store. 1-1, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku
• tel03-3233-0285
• business_hour10:00 am - 8:00 pm
• access3-minute walk from Subway "Jimbocho Sta." Exit A7
  6-minute walk from JR / Subway "Ochanomizu Sta."
  5-minute walk from Subway "Shin-ochanomizu Sta."

Jimbocho Ichinoichi - A Place to Learn About New Worlds and Stories

"Since the beginning of the Showa era, Books Sanseido has been a 'department store for students,' with all kinds of products that they need, including the store's own brand of stationery and student uniforms. We wanted to give our customers, who go way back with us and have grown discerning over the years, a chance to enjoy seeing their favorite products once again. That's what 'Jimbocho Ichinoichi' is all about," said Kanou, the bookstore's owner.

When you are at the bookstore, you will notice more than 200 kaleidoscopes there made by 30 artists. "Each kaleidoscope is a work of art that shows his or her personality and perspective upon the world. Do take a look at them - and be ready to grow very addicted. May I also suggest this as a gift for parents who are busy with housework and childcare, or for people who are in the hospital" said Kano.

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• The "Mamehon Bookstore" inside "Jimbocho Ichinoichi" has a selection of over 100 Mamehon - or "tiny" - books. They range in size from as small as a postage stamp to the size of a matchbox, and include a wide variety of works, from masterpieces by literary giants that you may have seen before to original works by authors.

• One of the most prominent items in the store is the "cuddly" stuffed cat. As they are made by hand by artisans, each cat has a slightly different expression, even if it is the same breed. The plush toys were made with a thick waist for a more realistic hugging experience, and different fabrics are used for each cat breed to deliver a different feel. A lot of people buy stuffed animals that resemble cats they have owned in the past.
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One of the highlights is the "C's TABLE" corner, where different artists are invited to display their works on a weekly basis. When you see the artists there, feel free to drop by and ask them questions about their works. You can find a different exhibition there every Tuesday, and apparently some people show up every Tuesday just to be the first ones to catch the new exhibition.

Bookstores are places where people interested in different subjects tend to gather, and I think that Jimbocho Ichinoichi is just a place where such wonderful things happen. Even if you don't have any business at the bookstore, I still hope you can come and spend some time here," says Kano. When you are around, definitely pay Jimbocho Ichinoichi a visit, and experience the world like you never have before.