Shimogamo Nakadori Book Fair 2026

Why You Should Visit

A two-day book fair on the South Plaza of the Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives (Rekisaikan) in Kitayama, north Kyoto, gathering independent bookshops and publishers. In 2026 a record 45 booksellers take part: 30 on both days plus 8 that appear only on the 10th and 8 only on the 11th, from used-book dealers and picture-book shops to academic and art publishers. Sixteen food trucks rotate across the two days from 11:00 a.m. Alongside the stalls there is a book swap, a foil-stamped bookmark workshop, a guided tour of the normally closed stacks and screenings of a documentary about a book editor. Admission is free and Kitayama subway station is a short walk away.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Participating Shops

Shop List & Map

Exhibitors as listed on the Rekisaikan announcement page (as of September 2026): 30 booksellers on both days plus 8 only on the 10th and 8 only on the 11th, and 8 food trucks each day. Subject to change on the day.

Essentials

location

South Plaza of Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives (Rekisaikan) and Kitayama Promenade

period

October 10, 2026 (Sat) - October 11, 2026 (Sun)

Time

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. each day (food trucks from 11:00 a.m.)

cost

Free admission (bookmark workshop 300 yen; film screening 600 yen in advance, 700 yen on the day)

Links

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

About a 4-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kitayama Station on the Karasuma subway line. No visitor parking has been announced, so use public transport.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

No booking is needed for the book fair, food trucks or book swap. The bookmark workshop takes the first 100 people each day on the spot. For advance tickets to the 'editor.O' screening and enquiries about the stacks tour (now fully booked), contact the Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives (tel. 075-723-4831). Details are on the Rekisaikan announcement page.

NOTE

Venue

Bookseller and publisher stalls are on the Rekisaikan South Plaza and Kitayama Promenade
The film screening is in the Main Hall on the 1st floor of the building

On the day

No eating or drinking inside the book stalls
Take your rubbish home
The stalls are outdoors, so prepare for the heat

Bad weather

The fair may be cancelled in rain or bad weather; check the Rekisaikan announcements
The book swap is outdoors and is cancelled in rain

*Details may change without notice

FAQ

Is admission free?

Yes. You pay for books and food at each stall. Only the bookmark workshop (300 yen) and the film screening (600 yen in advance, 700 yen on the day) are charged.

Do the stalls change between the two days?

Thirty booksellers appear on both days, while 8 come only on the 10th and 8 only on the 11th. The 8 food trucks are different each day. If you have a particular shop in mind, check which day it appears.

How many books can I bring to the swap?

Up to 3 books per person, both to bring and to take home. It runs on the South Plaza from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days and is cancelled in rain because it is outdoors.

What happens if it rains?

The fair may be cancelled in rain or bad weather. Check the Rekisaikan announcement page and Instagram for the decision.

Calendar

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