Our top picks of the best things to do, see and eat in the world's coolest neighbourhood
The announcement of Jimbocho as Time Out’s World’s Coolest Neighbourhood for 2025 was a proud moment for Shigesato Itoi. The creator of the massively popular Hobonichi Techo planner as well as pop-cultural milestones like the legendary Mother (aka EarthBound) series of role-playing games feels a special bond with the ’hood. Itoi moved his company offices to Jimbocho in 2020, but his relationship with the area goes much deeper than that.
How did you react to Jimbocho being named the world’s coolest neighbourhood?
I was surprised! But happy, of course. I’ve long had a feeling that this place was due for more attention – it just happened sooner than I expected.
Why did you decide to move your office to Jimbocho?
Before relocating to Jimbocho, we were based in Aoyama – one of the most sophisticated parts of Tokyo, full of luxury labels and world-class fashion. But those high-end boutiques have very little to do with most people’s daily lives.
One day I was in Jimbocho, just having some ramen and then relaxing at an old-school coffee shop, and thought, ‘I can’t have this experience in Aoyama.’ Jimbocho is full of eateries where anyone – students, office workers, whoever – can go grab a delicious lunch, no reservations needed. I’ve always sought to make things for everyone, not just the elite. Jimbocho is a place where that feels possible.
Is there a connection between Mother and Jimbocho?
Mother was actually born in Jimbocho – we created the games in this old building there that housed the Tokyo office of Nintendo. Katsuman, the tonkatsu restaurant that appears in the game, was based on an eatery we used to go to in Kanda.
What’s your favourite spot in the neighbourhood?
This okonomiyaki joint called Carp Tokyo. Grab a seat by the counter and watch the tirelessly talkative proprietress cook up a picture-perfect Hiroshima-style serving right in front of you.
