Tomorrow is my long-awaited favorite idol's live concert, and I've been feeling excited and restless for the past few days.
Since it was such a special day, I decided to go early and spend the day alone.
Jimbocho, which is close to the live venue, is an area known for its books and curry.
This is definitely the perfect place for me, as I love visiting bookstores.
Taking the time to prepare yourself for tomorrow's excitement with a quiet stroll around the town and some delicious curry seems like the perfect way to reward yourself.
The hotel chosen as the base for the trip
I got off at Jimbocho Station on the Toei Subway on a warm, clear winter afternoon with no wind.
This time, I chose the
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho, a 3-minute walk from Exit A7, as my base for the trip.
As I started walking, checking the map on the SOTETSU HOTELS app, I soon saw the hotel sign. I was surprised at how easily Location it was.
It was 1:00 PM. It was still a little early for check-in, so I left my luggage at the front desk and, picking up the "JIMBOCHO Used Bookstore MAP" at the entrance, decided to go for a walk around Jimbocho.
An afternoon stroll around the town
First, to fill your stomach for the trip, head to Saboru 2, which has a good reputation on social media.
The log eaves, antique lamps, and colorful potted plants catch your eye, and the charming Hotel Exterior makes your heart flutter. The warmth, reminiscent of the world of Ghibli, heightens your sense of anticipation.
Just like the Hotel Exterior, the interior of the store is filled with a spacious atmosphere, and I immediately realized why it's so popular. The light streaming in through the windows is soft, and it felt even more comfortable than the impression I had from seeing it on social media.
The popular "Napolitan (a mountain of spaghetti)" is good, but what I was looking forward to was the "Beef Curry" and "Creamer Soda."
First of all, you'll be surprised by the portion size. It has a moderately spicy and simple flavor. When the large but tender piece of meat fills your mouth, you'll be enveloped in a sense of satisfaction.
The sparkling Creamer soda's vibrant green color is a delight to the eye, making it the perfect "best two-shot." It's no wonder it's become a hot topic on social media.
Enjoying lunch in an extraordinary space became a special memory of my trip.
Address: 1-11 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Location: Immediately outside Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station on the Toei Subway Shinjuku Line or Mita Line
Approximately 3 minutes' walk from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho
With our stomachs and hearts satisfied, we set off on our much-anticipated tour of second-hand bookstores.
Jimbocho, famous as a town of books, remains lively even after lunchtime, and you can often see many Oversea tourists on the streets. With so many bookstores lining the streets, it's hard to decide where to stop - it's an area that book lovers will love.
Among them, I happened to stop at the all-glass Komiyama Bookstore. The stylish Hotel Exterior was impressive, and I was drawn in. Once inside, I was greeted by an array of books beyond my imagination.
Photo books and posters carefully wrapped in plastic line the shelves, and you can tell at a glance that this is a bookstore specializing in art. Some of the books are surprisingly expensive, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you shouldn't touch them lightly, which makes you feel a little nervous.
Shoppers from Oversea can also be seen in this space. The store is filled with artwork and gives off a lively impression, but the old floor, the haphazardly piled cardboard boxes, and the antiques lined up among the expensive books give the impression of a long history.
This is a special space where not only book lovers but also those who don't usually visit bookstores are sure to make new discoveries.
Address: 1-7 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Location: 1 minute walk from Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station on the Toei Subway Shinjuku Line or Mita Line
Approximately 2 minutes' walk from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho
After being inspired by the many books at Komiyama Bookstore, I took a short break and headed to Cafe Trois Bagues, a long-established cafe that I had often seen on social media and was curious about.
As I walked along with a map of Jimbocho in hand, the shop's sign suddenly appeared before my eyes, and I walked down a long, narrow staircase to the basement. The entrance, which felt like a hidden hideaway, filled me with excitement.
The interior is bathed in soft lighting, which naturally puts the mind at ease. Regular customers and tourists gather together in a relaxed atmosphere, where anyone can feel at ease.
This time, I ordered "Tiramisu" and hand-dripped "Trois Baguette Blend." The smooth mascarpone and the rich, sweet chocolate and raisins inside create an exquisite balance that pairs perfectly with Coffee! When I see these sweets in front of me, I can't help but feel excited.
Even though it was my first time visiting, it was a special time that somehow felt nostalgic.
Surrounded by this small happiness, I started walking back to the hotel with a smile on my face.
Address: Tomita Building B1, 1-12-1 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Location: 1 minute walk from Exit A5 of Jimbocho Station on the Toei Subway Shinjuku Line or Mita Line
Approximately 5 minutes' walk from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho
We enter Kanda Suzuran Street, where the hotel is located, and take a leisurely stroll.
I had decided to stop by PASSAGE by ALL REVIEWS on my way home, a small bookstore that I had been interested in because of its gallery-like appearance.
The store's interior, illuminated by chandeliers and lined with arched bookshelves, is a stylish space reminiscent of Europe. The shelves are named after real Parisian streets, highlighting the Parisian theme. In fact, this is a "shared bookstore" where each shelf has its own owner.
Each shelf is lined with unique books and handmade POP displays, giving the feeling of a collection of small bookstores packed with attention to detail. This is an irresistible place for book lovers looking for new discoveries.
There are as many unique items as there are shelves, so everyone is sure to find something they like.
If you look carefully at each one, you probably won't have enough time.
I too treasured each and every encounter with a book, and I picked up a book that I was drawn to intuitively.
On the short walk to the hotel, I felt my heart leap as I savored the joy of holding this new book.
Address: 1-15-3 Sanside Jimbocho 1F, Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Location: 1 minute walk from Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station on the Toei Subway Shinjuku Line or Mita Line
Approximately 2 minutes' walk from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho
Spending "me time" at the hotel
After enjoying a stroll around the city, I returned to the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho. The front desk staff greeted me with a kind smile, which warmed my heart.
Check in smoothly using the app, collect your luggage and necessary amenities, and walk down the quiet corridor to Guest Rooms. With an IC card key, security is guaranteed, allowing you to stay with peace of mind.
When I opened the door, I was greeted by a simple, clean space, and the comfort made me take a deep breath. After packing my belongings and sitting down, I felt my mind and body relax.
Thanks to the hearty lunch and sweets, I wasn't that hungry, so I decided to have a light dinner at a convenience store.
After a short rest, enjoy a relaxing bath using the Bathing powder you selected from the amenity corner. The soothing water will envelop your chilled body and gradually soothe the fatigue of walking around the city.
The pleasant aroma of Bathing powder fills the bathroom, and I quietly enjoy the afterglow of my visit to cafes and second-hand bookstores. "The way I spent today was perfect."
After a bath, you can relax in bed with your new book and enjoy the luxury of slowly turning the pages. One of the joys of traveling is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of a story in a quiet, comfortable hotel room.
Let's finish a little early so we can enjoy tomorrow's live show to the fullest.
"I hope I'll make some new discoveries tomorrow," I thought as I drifted off to a comfortable sleep.
Jimbocho is a friendly town where tradition and modernity coexist.
The quiet and luxurious time you spend in Jimbocho is sure to soothe both your mind and body.
Why not try it out as a way to reward yourself?