While driving through Urahoro Town in Tokachi, Hokkaido, you'll spot a shop with a large sign reading 'Torinome Shoten.' This space, a renovated vacant store, was reborn in 2023 as a book cafe that encapsulates the very essence of town life—a place to choose books, enjoy 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. Inside, books, food items, general goods, and second-hand clothing are spaciously arranged, creating an atmosphere where you can spend more than just time shopping. About 80% of the books are second-hand, and one of the charms is feeling the layers of time and the presence of previous owners, something you don't get with 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 tailored for Japanese palates with shiso and ginger. Other options include the "Hot Sandwich (Tuna or Croque Monsieur-style)" for 700 yen and the cheesy and satisfying "Curry Doria." The cafe menu is also extensive, featuring seasonal sweets like the "Pear and Tea Pound Cake" for 500 yen and a "Caffè 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, which selects unique goods from all over Japan, is filled with attractive products, from food items like cookies and coffee to craft beers from "RIKKA" and "Brasserie Knot," one-of-a-kind second-hand clothing, and cosmetics made from Urahoro's hamanasu. A "shelf-owner system" is in place for some of the food and general goods, allowing town residents to have their own shelf to display and sell their products. This system allows townspeople to get involved as "participants," not just staff, and is one of the reasons Torinome Shoten has become so rooted in the community.

A welcome kids' space for families with children.

The second-hand clothing selection is unisex, enjoyable for everyone.

The store is lined with books that make you want to pick them up.

Additionally, there is a co-working space 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 another of its unique qualities.

The shop hosts events such as knitting circles and dinner parties about once a month. It has become a place where conversation naturally blooms, attracting not only people from Urahoro Town but also visitors from outside the area. Announcements for the dinner parties are mainly made on Instagram, providing another reason to visit.

Supporting this shop are five team members. Momoko, who is in charge of selecting the second-hand 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 of these members are people who have relocated to the town. The perspective they bring as outsiders, combined with their dedication to embracing the community, creates the unique atmosphere of this place.

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 about 'Hahaha Hostel'

*All prices include tax.