Thanks to an influx of tourism, Tokyo’s most popular spots are increasingly crowded. That has developers scrambling to create new areas and experiences, not just for tourists, but for locals who feel crowded out of their usual haunts by overseas tourism.
Takanawa Gateway is one such area still actively under development. On September 12th, the area saw the launch of a massive NeWoman department store. And its crowning feature may be its shiny new bookstore and cafe. It’s a must-see location, not just for shoppers, but for anyone looking to ensconce themselves in a book for a few hours in the heart of Tokyo.
Takanawa Gateway City
Takanawa Gateway City is an ambitious development plan spearheaded by rail company JR East. The goal is to recreate the area as a center for innovation and commerce, a position it held 150 years ago during the birth of rail travel in Japan’s Meiji period.
The first phase of the project involved creating a new Takanawa Gateway stop along JR East’s popular Yamanote train loop. It was the first new stop JR had added to the loop in 20 years. It came with a bit of controversy, however, after JR rejected the public’s choice of station name.
The rest of the project involves creating at least four massive buildings: two mixed-use retail/office buildings (LINKPILLAR1 and LINKPILLAR2), a new museum, and a dedicated residential tower. On top of creating multiple outdoor public spaces, JR also hopes to turn the area into a research and investment hub for business.
Over 100,000 books – plus quiet seats for rent
On September 12th, NeWoman Takanawa Gateway opened its doors to the public. It’s the largest version of the brand owned by department store developer Lumine, containing 180 different stores inside its location in LINKPILLAR1 South.
One of these stores is a name you may have heard before: Bunkitsu Tokyo.
Readers who read my previous article on Bunkitsu Roppongi know that the Roppongi store is one of the city’s many burgeoning book cafes. Book cafes are sort of like Internet cafes, but for the unplugged set. You pay a set amount of money to spend a fixed amount of time – all day, if you like – drinking, reading, and relaxing.
Bunkitsu Tokyo is different. But also, the same!
Bunkitsu Tokyo takes up the entirety of NeWoman’s 5th floor. Most of it is open to the public: Unlike Bunkitsu Roppongi, it operates like a normal bookstore. It’s an impressive one at that, with over 100,000 titles for sale. That makes it Bunkitsu’s largest outlet and its new flagship store.
The floor also supports three separate cafe spaces. This is the Bunkitsu that fans know. Instead of forcing you to order a drink and kicking you out after 90 minutes, each lounge rents you time in the space – 1,100 yen ($7.22) per hour and 550 yen ($3.60) for every additional 30 minutes, with a max fee of 3,850 yen ($25) for all-day use.
Each lounge also has its own separate feel. Panorama Lounge looks out over Takanawa Gateway Station. Cafe ensemble is a conversation space where friends can meet and talk over coffee. BOOK BIOTOP is a dedicated space for quiet reading surrounded by books.
Depending on when you go, Bunkitsu Roppongi is a little cheaper (2,750 yen on weekdays, 3,630 yen on weekends). However, Bunkitsu Tokyo has the advantage of being a much larger store than the Roppongi one. If you’re a Japanese reader, you can peruse new releases and classics. If you’re not, you can still peruse a slew of Made in Japan art books as well as reader-related accessories, such as journals, pens, tote bags, and more.
Beyond Bunkitsu
Additionally, going to Bunkitsu Tokyo gives you access to the full 180 stores of shopping in NeWoman. Behind LINKPILLAR1, you’ll also find a walkway filled with other shops, including a matcha shop, coffee shops, and several restaurants.
When I checked out the area, it was bustling with a largely Japanese customer base (and a handful of mostly Asian tourists). The area feels similar to spots like Azabudai Hills or Senkyaku Banrai – i.e., oshare (stylish) and modern locations more geared towards locals than tourists expecting an Edo or Showa Era atmosphere.
That said, NeWoman and JR seem to hope the snazzy new location will bring in tourists with money to burn. As an easily accessible stop on the Yamanote Line, the new Bunkitsu is a must-see location for anyone who loves the written word.
Discover the “unseen” side of Japan
Japan is on everyone’s travel bucket list. Sadly, many end up going to the same places as everyone else. That can turn what could have been a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience into an exhausting battle with crowds.
We started Unseen Japan Tours for the same reason we started Unseen Japan: To give people a unique glimpse into Japan they can’t get anywhere else. Let us create a custom itinerary of hard-to-find spots centered on your interests. We can also serve as your guides and interpreters, taking you to places that non-Japanese-speaking tourists usually can’t access.
Contact us below to get the ball rolling today!
What to read next
Tokyo Ramen Festa Showcases Dish’s Regional Variety Over 12 Days
Here’s your chance to try some of Japan’s best ramen from across the country in a single location in Tokyo’s Setagaya City.
Japan Is Betting That Tourists Want…NFTs?!
The world has moved on from the NFT scam. Japan, however, thinks it’s found a nifty new tool to promote regional tourism.
Japan Closes Tourist Driver’s License Exchange Loophole
Tourists to Japan used to be able to get a powerful souvenir: a Japanese driver’s license. But that’s all changed.
Sources
TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY ―100年先の心豊かなくらしのための実験場― 2025年3月27日 いよいよまちびらき. JR East
ルミネ史上最大規模で本格開業するニュウマン高輪に、店舗面積1,000坪超・約10万冊の本を揃える“心が躍る、自由で、楽しい本屋”「BUNKITSU TOKYO」9月12日（金）オープン. PRTimes
