A Literature Lover’s Dream: Books and Coffee Fukuroshosabo (本と珈琲梟書茶房)

Published on 2023-07-12

The Atmosphere: A Literature Lover's Dream

Located in Ikebukuro, Books and Coffee Fukuroshosabo is the ultimate cafe for any literature lover or coffee connoisseur. Being just a short six minute train ride on the Saikyo line from Shinjuku station, this cafe is not only easy to get to but also open to 10pm everyday.

Before entering the actual cafe, you can see the menu, the food itself and prices. Since it gets pretty busy around lunchtime, we would suggest having a look at the food options straight after having put your name down on the waiting list to save time later on.

Notably, there are a few different seating options available. For those who are solo dining, you can request one of the booth tables which are perfect for studying and reading as they come with a plug socket and a reading light. If you are able to get seated at one of these tables, you can also enjoy browsing the different fashion, lifestyle and travel magazines which are displayed on the wall next to the booths.

If you are able to get seated at one of these tables, you can also enjoy browsing the different fashion, lifestyle and travel magazines which are displayed on the wall next to the booths.

If you are visiting with a friend or a bigger group, it is likely that you will be seated at either one of the window seats or tables on the other side of the restaurant. Here, you will be able to relax and enjoy comfort as there are a few tables with sofas as well as booth tables for a more private dining experience.

Comparatively, the window seats offer a bit more light in addition to some wonderful views of Ikebukuro. In this section of the restaurant, you will also find many books on the shelf next to you that you can pick up and read as you wait for your order to come.

Enjoy an Extensive Drink & Food Menu

There is no shortage of choice in terms of food and drinks at this cafe. Conveniently, the menu is printed in English and includes photos of some of the items making it easy to understand and choose. In terms of drinks, you can pick from coffee, tea and sodas, all which range from around ¥500 to ¥800. The ‘Main Blend’ is highly recommended as it is the cafe’s speciality.

The coffee is served in a lovely branded mug whilst the iced coffee comes in a rather cool industrial-looking steel mug which helps it stay colder for longer. With the cold drinks, you even get a free Fukuroshosabo coaster which you can take home as a little souvenir.

There is also a wide range of main dishes available too. From different types of spaghettis, to rice dishes such as omurice and smaller snacks like hot dogs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Most of these main dishes are around ¥850 each but if you want to get your hands on a good deal, it is best to pick something from the lunch set menu instead.

This lunch set menu is available from 10:30 AM to 15:00 PM. The options available as part of this set can be seen on a separate menu which will be handed to you if you visit during this time period. For the food, you can choose from a spaghetti dish, rice dish or the quiche. The drinks options are limited with the only options being hot or iced coffee or tea. That said, this set is super reasonable, only costing ¥1,100 altogether. Keep in mind that the main dishes change on a day to day basis. For instance, the omurice set is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For those with a sweet tooth, why not also enjoy one of the many desserts on offer. The chiffon cakes are the cafe’s speciality with there being a wide choice of flavours to choose from including strawberry and chocolate. There are also other dessert options including pancakes and a mille-feuille. You could even opt for one of their seasonal desserts which can be found on a separate menu on your table. The desserts cost anywhere from ¥500 to ¥800.

To order, you just need to tap the bell on your table and then one of the lovely waitresses and waiters will come to your table to take your order. It is such a straightforward and easy process making the experience that much more relaxing.

Take Home A Mystery Novel & Fukuroshosabo Coffee

Once you have finished eating, immersed yourself in some wonderful literature or finished up some studying, you will need to head to the front cashier desk to pay. Notably, you can use a wide variety of payment methods including cash, card, Suica and Paypay meaning you can settle the bill quickly and efficiently.

After this, you should take a moment to explore the shelves in front of the cashier desk as they are filled with different books which you can purchase and take home with you. One of the coolest things about Fukuroshosabo is that they sell mystery titles for around ¥500. You won’t know what book you have picked until you have bought it and unwrapped the cover, making this a fun way to discover new books, authors and genres. Though it should be noted that all the books on sale are written in Japanese.

You can also get your hands on a pack of the coffee blend used in the cafe. Costing ¥1000 a bag, this unique blend can be used to make your brew at home. Who knows, it may even become your favourite!

Books and Coffee Fukuroshosabo has a lot to offer, both in terms of its space and dining experience. It offers a unique concept, one which is enjoyed by many Tokyoites. The perfect setting for studying, reading or catching up with friends over coffee which can be enjoyed both day and night. This charming cafe is not one to miss!