Jimbocho Events Calendar: Used Book Fairs, Book Festivals and Kanda Matsuri

The main annual events in Jimbocho, Kanda and Ochanomizu. Dates for 2026 are from the organizers’ announcements; please check the official information before you go.

Spring (April)

All-Japan Used Book Expo at the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival

An expanded version of the spring used-book fair, with antiquarian booksellers from all over Japan. In 2026: April 16–19, 11:00–17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day), at the Jimbocho bookstore district, the Tokyo Kosho Kaikan and Ogawa Hiroba plaza.

Spring Jimbocho Book Festival

A spring edition of the Jimbocho Book Festival, where publishers set up stalls; first held on April 18–19, 2026.

May

Kanda Matsuri

The festival of Kanda Myojin shrine and one of Japan’s three great festivals. The grand festival with its large procession is held every other year; the most recent was in 2025.

Autumn (October–November)

Kanda Used Book Festival

One of Japan’s largest used-book fairs, with shelves lining Yasukuni-dori Avenue. The 66th festival runs October 23–November 1, 2026; the open-air stalls are open 10:00–18:00 (until 17:00 on the last day). Full guide.

Jimbocho Book Festival

Publishers’ stalls fill Suzuran-dori and Sakura-dori. The 34th festival is October 24–25, 2026, 10:00–18:00 (cancelled if it rains).

Kanda Curry Grand Prix

Kanda’s curry restaurants compete for the title. The 2026 final is on October 31 (11:00–19:00) and November 1 (11:00–17:00) at Ogawa Hiroba plaza, 3-6 Kanda-Ogawamachi.

Every month

Hon no Machi published on the 10th

Hon no Machi is published on the 10th of every month (in Japanese) and distributed free at member shops. See the map.

Sources: organizers’ and venues’ announcements (Kanda Used Book Festival and Jimbocho Book Festival executive committees, Tokyo Antiquarian Booksellers’ Cooperative, Kanda Curry Town Revitalization Committee).

▶ Jimbocho shop map　▶ Where to eat　▶ Bookstores　▶ Events　▶ Walking guide

*Shop details are from the Hon no Machi member shop list. Hours and closing days may change; please check before you visit.

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