Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network
A timeless novel not only fills the gaps during your journey but also captures moments of personal serenity in the act of reading. While it’s not hard to find books in bookstores densely scattered across Kyoto, “discovering” something truly special is not so simple. For book lovers who refuse to limit themselves to chain bookstores, the Keibunsha Ichijoji Store is a treasure trove full of delightful surprises.
Antique items and creative goods are also worth exploring at Keibunsha. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
The nationally renowned “Keibunsha” is located in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward. Though it’s far from the city center, the store attracts many visitors who make a special trip here thanks to the high-quality and tasteful selection of books, exhibitions, as well as its goods and artworks. Over the decades, successive store managers have shaped the direction of Keibunsha. Among them, Hodaka Atsushi is a highly regarded veteran literary youth. In addition to publishing his own works, Hodaka’s book curation, music selection, and exhibition planning abilities are widely praised.
The corridor between the bookstore and the goods section. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Introduced by Hodaka, we learned that the now 150-tsubo (approx. 500 sqm) “Keibunsha” is no longer just a bookstore. It currently features three main areas: the book section, the goods section, and the exhibition space. Each area serves a unique function, delivering knowledge, art, and culture to the public. Hodaka said, “We have professional buyers who search for antiques, stationery, and publications across Japan and around the world. We then systematically display these cultural objects through special arrangements—for example, letterpress printing, Taiwanese tea ware, out-of-print classic books, and more—all based on our themes.”
Hodaka also noted that Keibunsha does not limit itself to any specific genre when selecting books. “Some might think we lean toward art or independent publications, but actually, we look for what’s ‘unique’ and ‘meaningful,’ which is why we can’t restrict ourselves.” Picking up a copy of Taiwanese illustrated writer Wang Chunzi’s book Be Strong (一个人远足), Hodaka said, “After meeting Wang Chunzi, I found her work very interesting, so I thought Keibunsha should introduce it to Japanese readers.” Not expecting to encounter Wang Chunzi’s work in Kyoto, “Keibunsha” gave me that heartwarming feeling of running into an old friend in a foreign land.
Keibunsha offers not just knowledge, but also life’s touching moments. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
During my six-day trip to Kyoto, I visited Keibunsha twice. I was not only amazed by the independent publications from Japan and around the world, but also captivated by the wide variety of special goods, handmade items, and antiques. Being here makes you want to complain, “Why is time flying by so fast?”—you just don’t want to leave.
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Keibunsha Ichijoji Store
Address: Ichijoji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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