We have a fondness for Tsutaya bookstores, as evidenced by our previous coverage of its T-site in Daikonyama, Tokyo. On a recent trip to Kyoto, we discovered, nestled within a Tsutaya bookstore at Shijo-Kawaramachi, a charming urban oasis known as the Share Lounge – an all-you-can-eat/drink section of the bookstore. Since the pandemic, we had not been to Japan, so it was delightful to find this novel concept.
Enjoy this song “Alone in Kyoto” from the movie soundtrack of “Lost In Translation” (2003), while browsing.
Apparently, the first Share Lounge debuted in Shibuya back in April 2019. It appears that this concept has since flourished, with a total of 25 lounges scattered across Japan as of 2024. I(Chris) signed up to experience what this novel space has to offer. It costed about USD15-20 per hour. There was on offer a more economical full-day rate.
The Share Lounge in Kyoto opened in 2023, adding to the growing network of these cozy retreats nationwide.
The space offers a wide variety of seating options, from single seats where you can concentrate on your work, to box seats where several people can enjoy a relaxing time, and private rooms that can be used for meetings and private gatherings.
The Share Lounge operates like airline hospitality lounges at international airports, offering select individuals a respite from the bustling crowds, allowing them to immerse themselves in a book or other reading pursuits.
By enhancing the already desirable ambiance cultivated by Tsutaya in their bookstores, this initiative represents a bold move to optimize the monetization of the customer experience. It aligns well with Tsutaya’s brand of lifestyle businesses.
If you don’t have a book with you, the lounge provides an extensive range of reading materials, from magazines to comics and books (all in Japanese). A series of prints hung on the walls, suitably themed for a reading space. The prints are also available individually for sale at a very agreeable price.
The choices of snacks and drinks that were available was overwhelming for a visitor like me who has not encountered half of what was presented. I get to try them all for one price ! One can have a very healthy breakfast here.
There were even alcohol if it helps your reading and relaxing (on the right hand side of the refrigerator), … beer, wine, sake, soju and flavored vodka. This would not have been possible in the US or the UK, especially given the all-you-can-drink arrangement.
Soft serve ice cream with your choice of toppings.
Beside refreshments, as part of the package, the lounge lends out equipment beyond the essential conveniences like cables and chargers for mobile devices. Personal humidifier and massage gun are also available.
According to Culture Convenience Club (CCC), the owner of Tsutaya bookstores, Share Lounge “is a facility that combines the convenience of a “shared office” with the comfort of a “lounge”. It is a place where creative class workers in their 20’s and 30’s get their inspiration and ideas, and where they can work more independently and freely.”
Having seen the size of a typical room in a Japanese hotel chain, I can understand the appeal here. Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various changes in the working and living environment, and more and more people are seeking new arrangements and lifestyles.
We pondered the feasibility of this concept in North America, given the dwindling number of large brick-and-mortar bookstores in a region. While it may be an oversimplification, the apparent success of this concept in Asia can be attributed in part to factors such as smaller living spaces which are less conducive to quiet reading and studying at home. Additionally, shopping malls has served as hubs for socializing and leisure activities in Asian urban areas. The density of big Asian cities also ensure a steady stream of foot traffic, further bolstering the viability of such ventures.
Bravo, CCC.