As you drive through Urahoro Town in Hokkaido's Tokachi region, you'll spot a shop with a large sign reading 'Torinome Shoten.' This renovated vacant storefront was reborn in 2023 as a book cafe that encapsulates the very essence of town life—a place to choose a book, have a meal, chat with someone, and sometimes even work. Let us introduce you to this wonderful place, open to the community, that connects life and people.

Torinome Shoten opened on October 28, 2023, in a building that once supported the town's daily life as the Yamamoto Hardware Store. The interior is a spacious haven where books, food items, general goods, and vintage clothing are thoughtfully arranged, inviting you to spend more than just a moment shopping. About 80% of the books are second-hand, offering the unique charm of layered history and the subtle presence of their previous owners, something you won't find in new books.

From left: "Curry Doria" (1,300 yen), "Pear and Tea Pound Cake" (500 yen), and the vibrant "Hamanasu Soda" (450 yen)

A popular meal is the standard "Gapao Rice," a non-spicy version flavored with shiso and ginger, tailored for the Japanese palate. Other options include the "Hot Sandwich (Tuna Melt or Croque Monsieur style)" for 700 yen and the cheesy and hearty "Curry Doria." The cafe menu is also extensive, featuring seasonal sweets like the "Pear and Tea Pound Cake" for 500 yen and a "Caffe Latte" made with milk from Urahoro Town.

Cider from Ashoro Town and craft beer from Urahoro Town and Tsurui Village are available for purchase.

A wide lineup including incense, cosmetics made with Urahoro's hamanasu (Japanese rose), and books on agriculture.

The shop section features a curated selection of unique goods from all over Japan, with an array of appealing products from food items like cookies and coffee to craft beers from "RIKKA" and "Brasserie Knot," one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, and cosmetics made from Urahoro's hamanasu (Japanese rose). A "shelf owner system" is in place for some of the food and general goods, allowing townspeople to have their own shelf to display and sell their products. This system, which allows locals to be involved as 'participants' rather than just staff, is one of the reasons Torinome Shoten is so deeply rooted in the town.

A kids' space is also available, a welcome feature for families with children.

The vintage clothing selection is unisex, enjoyable for everyone.

The store is lined with books that you'll want to pick up.

Additionally, a co-working space is set up at the back of the store, providing a quiet environment for focused work. The versatility of this place, where you can shop, read, or work, each for your own purpose, is part of its unique charm.

The shop hosts events like knitting circles and dinner parties about once a month. It has become a place where people from both inside and outside Urahoro Town gather, and conversations start naturally. Announcements for the dinner parties are mainly made on Instagram, which also serves as a great way to discover the shop.

Supporting this shop are five team members. Momoko, who curates the vintage clothing; Tamaki, the store manager who selects the general goods; Fuko, who selects the books and also supports the town as a council member; the owner, Mr. Komatsu; and Arisa, who handles public relations. A major feature of Torinome Shoten is that all five members are newcomers to the town. The atmosphere of this place is created by their fresh perspectives as outsiders, combined with their deep commitment to the community.

From left: Fuko, Tamaki, Momoko, and Misae.

'Hahaha Hostel,' run by the same owner in Urahoro Town.

Furthermore, 'Hahaha Hostel,' an accommodation facility run by the same owner as Torinome Shoten, is also located in Urahoro Town. We recommend staying in the town and visiting Torinome Shoten for a 'live-like-a-local' experience. It's a place where things, people, and time gently intersect. Torinome Shoten quietly reflects the 'now' and 'future' of the town of Urahoro.

▼Click here for more details on 'Hahaha Hostel'

*All prices include tax.