While driving through Urahoro Town in Tokachi, Hokkaido, you'll spot a shop with a large sign reading 'Torinome Shoten.' This renovated vacant store 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 renovated 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 displayed, creating an atmosphere where you can spend more than just shopping time. About 80% of the books are second-hand, and one of their charms is the sense of layered time and the presence of previous owners, which 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 with hamanasu from Urahoro Town. A "shelf-owner system" is in place for some of the food and general goods, allowing townspeople to have their own shelf and display their products. This system allows not just the staff but also the town's residents to participate, which is one of the reasons Torinome Shoten is 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 coworking 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, is one of its unique strengths.

The shop hosts events like knitting circles and dinner parties about once a month. It has become a place where people from Urahoro Town and visitors from outside naturally strike up conversations. Announcements for the dinner parties are mainly made on Instagram, which also serves as a reason for people to visit.

This shop is supported by a team of five members. Momoko, who is in charge of selecting 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 characteristic of Torinome Shoten is that all five members moved here from other places. Their perspective as outsiders, combined with their commitment to the town, 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 as if you were living there. 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.