Bunkitsu Sakae

T tuna-kan 8 reviews · translated 6 July 2026

It was good that there was a designated area for queuing before opening on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), and staff members were guiding people. However, the number of people waiting to reserve seats had increased. I arrived around 9:30, thinking I might be a little too early, but there was already a line of about 10 people. Some brave souls at the front of the line were using folding chairs, making me wonder how long they had been waiting. The power outlet area at the back was immediately filled with people who had been waiting in line at opening time. One thing I found strange: At the reception, I was informed that "there will be a picture book reading session in the back conference room today, so you may hear voices." That's fine, but in reality, it's a private lesson classroom for vocal and articulation training. Why would they advertise a permanent classroom as a "picture book reading session," like it was an event? Incidentally, it's quite startling because you suddenly hear loud voices that sound like theatrical vocal exercises. I wonder why they chose this room with a broken ceiling (not a sealed room) for a vocal training studio... Incidentally, I saw several other reviews mentioning poor staff service, but that wasn't the case for me. Aside from the mystery mentioned above, it's a relaxing place to spend time.

ゆ ゆずかEM 12 reviews · Local Guide · translated 6 May 2026

I used this place to read a book alone. It was my first time, and I didn't understand the system, but the staff at the reception were very kind and guided me through everything. The other customers were also relaxing, and I was able to sit wherever I liked and enjoy reading a book at my own pace. It's nice to discover books you wouldn't normally choose. The encounter with a new book, the special feeling of enjoying it in a calm atmosphere... I think I could enjoy a different world if I went in the morning or evening. The stained glass decorations were also very unique and I never got tired of looking at them.

T ttrak106 144 reviews · Local Guide · translated 25 April 2026

Visited on March 28, 2026. This is the Sakae branch of "Bunkitsu," a bookstore with an entrance fee. It's located on the second floor of the Chunichi Building near Sakae subway station. This time, I didn't have time to enter the paid area. The free area alone was enough to satisfy me as a bookstore. They had a good selection of interesting paperback books. The book covers were a lovely light pink color. I've decided that I will definitely enter the paid area next time.

J japanmaturinews tokyo 167 reviews · Local Guide · translated 13 January 2026

Located on the second floor of the Chunichi Building in Nagoya, this cafe has a great atmosphere and a great way to spend time. I've never experienced Nagoya's traditional cafe culture firsthand, but I think the dignified yet bright atmosphere is perfect for immersing yourself in the world of books. You can enjoy sitting on the comfortable sofas, or you can read, study, or work remotely in the semi-private rooms, which I think are great.

P Patricia Shore 57 reviews · Local Guide · translated 15 November 2025

This is a bookstore with a paid section located on the second floor of the Chunichi Building, right next to Central Park. It offers free drinks for a set amount of time, making it very convenient for killing time while waiting for someone, after getting tired from an event in Central Park, or as a rest stop while strolling around Sakae. The system involves registering at the counter, receiving a tag to wear around your neck, and then entering the paid section; payment is made afterward. It seems to be a system with a one-hour fee, followed by additional charges every 30 minutes thereafter, which feels quite relaxed. There was also an all-day option, perhaps for around four hours. They also seemed to offer discounted monthly passes and multi-visit tickets. On the day I visited, I was greeted at the bookstore entrance and received a flyer for a November campaign, allowing me to use the bookstore for 20% off. The flyer also indicated that discounts on monthly passes and multi-visit tickets were available throughout November (see photo). They have a wide variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, chamomile tea, green tea, rooibos tea, water, and lemonade, all available as free drinks. Both hot and cold options were available. I thought it was great that they had not only coffee creamer, but also milk, oat milk, and soy milk available for coffee and tea. You could also order food and beer for an extra charge. They had about five kinds of stylish beers. There were regular tables and partitioned booths, which would be good for studying. There was also a meeting room, and it seemed like it was available for free use that day as it wasn't booked. In the paid area at the back, there seemed to be seats with recliners. I thought this system, rather than being a typical cafe, was great because you can stay without feeling self-conscious and read or study. I even saw someone knitting. The variety of books was interesting. It was convenient because you could return the books all at once for a return fee. This time I used it to kill time before a meeting, so I only stayed for an hour, but I enjoyed it very much. Next time I'd like to stay for a longer time. Thank you.