Kanda Used Book Festival 2026: October 23 to November 1, Walk Jimbocho's "Book Corridor"
Published: 2026-10-13
Jimbocho, one of the world's great used-book districts, holds its yearly Kanda Used Book Festival, when wagons of books line Yasukuni-dori for ten days. Here's what to expect, and how to enjoy it even if you don't read Japanese.
The short answer
| 66th Kanda Used Book Festival | |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 23 (Fri) to November 1 (Sun), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 on the last day) |
| Where | Jimbocho's used-book district (along Yasukuni-dori and nearby) |
| Getting there | Right by Jimbocho Station (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway) |
| Size | About 120 bookshops take part, with more than 100 book wagons |
On rainy days the outdoor wagon market is cancelled. Sales inside the shops go ahead.
What is it?
Jimbocho is Tokyo's "book town", home to well over 100 secondhand bookshops. The Kanda Used Book Festival is their once-a-year celebration: wagons of books line the sidewalks of Yasukuni-dori, forming a "book corridor" about 500 m long, with more than a million books on offer in total.
Highlights
Outdoor wagon marketRows of book wagons along Yasukuni-dori. Browse and dig for treasures. (Photo from the 2019 festival.)Books you can enjoy without reading Japanese
Most books are in Japanese, but plenty are made for looking at.
- Art books, photo books and design books: no reading required.
- Old magazines, posters and maps: Showa-era ads and old maps of Tokyo make great souvenirs.
- Ukiyo-e and old prints: some shops specialize in them.
- Foreign-language books: some shops stock English and other titles.
Don't stop at the wagons: step inside the shops too. Each specializes in its own field, often in astonishing depth.
Tips
- Go early in the morning. Weekend afternoons get crowded.
- Carry some cash: the wagons may be cash only.
- Books are heavy, so bring a tote bag.
- Rest with Jimbocho's famous curry or at an old-school kissaten café.
Every used book is in a different condition. Check for stains and tears before you buy.
For more on the neighborhood, see our Jimbocho page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kanda Used Book Festival 2026?
From October 23 (Fri) to November 1 (Sun), 2026, 10:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 on the last day).
Does it go ahead in the rain?
On rainy days the outdoor wagon market is cancelled, but sales inside the shops go ahead.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The festival takes place on the streets of Jimbocho, so you can walk around freely.
Can I enjoy it if I don't read Japanese?
Yes. Art books, photo books, old magazines and posters, maps and ukiyo-e prints are all fun to browse.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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