There are no bookstores in Naganuma. However, there is a café with a large selection of books. One of them is "Azarashi to Shirokuma," a pure white building in the middle of a countryside landscape. If you look closely, you will see a sign outside that reads "Bookshelf Cafe. What kind of cafe is Bookshelf Cafe?

It is a cafe, but there are no waiters, and everything is self-service. Customers pay a fee of 300 yen per person into the box. With this fee, you can spend as many hours as you like.

The bookshelves are lined with books in a wide variety of genres, including novels, essays, travel books, picture books, and more. Finding your favorite book among them is like finding a treasure hunt!

The reason there is such a wide variety of books on display is because it is a "shared bookshelf," where neighbors and others share books they no longer read and donate for reading. Since it is unmanned, people gently place their donations in the wooden boxes provided.

It is a very unique space filled with people's goodwill. How did this kind of bookshelf cafe come into being? We asked the owner, Mr. Yamauchi.

Mr. Yamauchi, the owner of the bookshelf café, told us, "I always liked the view of books lined up. I thought it would be nice if there was a place where people could come in contact with books, even in Naganuma Town where there are no bookstores. I would be happy if it became a place where people could come and meet someone. I'd be happy if it became a place where people could come and meet someone.

The impressive name of the store came from the fact that "when we opened in 2018, we were actually a coffee shop serving lunch. And the person making the lunch was a shirokuma, and I looked like a seal," he said. Even today, customers can enjoy freshly ground drip coffee (300 yen including tax) and other beverages. In addition, there are days when they sell takoyaki (octopus dumplings), curry, and other items on business. Check SNS if you are interested!

Also, there is a very nice space in the back of the store. We are currently looking for ways to use it and are "always looking for good ideas! We are always looking for good ideas! It is exciting to see the various possibilities, such as as an event space.

On the floor below the bookshelf cafe, there is also a "Kobayashi Farm Vegetable Market" where you can buy fresh vegetables produced by Mr. Yamauchi's parents. If I lived in Naganuma, I would visit often. The "seal and white bear" will show you that there are unexpected pleasures to be had in unexpected places!

<本棚cafe あざらしとしろくま>
Location: 13, Higashi-5-sen-kita, Naganuma-cho, Yubari-gun, Hokkaido
Business hours: 9:00 - 21:00
Closed: Open daily
Facebook: https: //www.facebook.com/azakuma3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azakuma3/

<写真撮影>
Katsu laufen