Books and Coffee Fukuroshosabo
梟書茶房
Ikebukuro & Mejiro · Bookstore
Fukuroshosabo blends a bookstore with café inside Esola Ikebukuro (4F). Pick books blind—titles hidden, covers visible only by number—and order pancakes or coffee while you browse. A crowd-pleaser approach to discovering unexpected reads.
⚠️ Note: Went viral on TikTok (700k views mentioned in caption)—expect high foot traffic, especially during weekends and evenings. Crowds may diminish the quiet browsing experience.
As seen on Instagram
Original post by @tokiumi_style
How to visit
- Address
- 4F, 1-12-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Hours
- Daily 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price
- $$
- Rating
- 3.9 ★ (1232 reviews on Google Maps)
- English (?)
- Yes
- Reservations
- Not required
- Payment
- Credit cards, NFC
- Takeout
- Available
Place data via Google Maps
First-timer tips
- Best for
- Solo visitors and book lovers who enjoy blind book selection by number; QR-queue system lets solo diners skip ahead of groups fast.
- Avoid if
- Weekend and evening crowds (30+ min waits); summer visits uncomfortable due to reported AC issues; expect slow service at peak hours.
- Nearby pairing
- Pair with Teshigotoya (4 min north)
What makes it special
The gimmick is the draw: you choose from 1,231 books by instinct alone, titles concealed. Rated 3.9★ from 1,232 reviews on Google Maps — a lower score than most spots on this list, but the volume signals genuine popularity rather than a niche crowd. The catering angle—themed curations like “books that pair with alcohol” or “stories that make you laugh later”—leans into the novelty. The post compares the fluffy pancake to the one in Gruel and Gretchen, and mentions it’s popular for birthdays (combining a book number with your birth date as a gift code). It went viral on TikTok (700k views), so expect crowds during peak hours.
How to visit
Located on 4F of Esola Ikebukuro, directly inside Ikebukuro Station. Open 10:30 AM–10 PM daily. Cash and card accepted. No reservation needed, but it’s popular—arrive early if you want a quiet browse. Call +81 3-3971-1020 or check the Doutor website for current menu and book selection.
FAQ
How does the blind-book system work?
Books are shelved by number instead of title. You browse by the cover design and number alone, then purchase without knowing the title. Part of the fun is the surprise when you read it at home.
What food does the café serve?
Pancakes, coffee, and café lattes. The caption highlights the pancakes as round and fluffy, similar to the ones in classic children's books.