About the Cafe

Hello, fellow travelers!

Looking for a peaceful spot in Kumamoto where you can sip coffee, flip through books, and feel at home? Let me introduce you to a real local gem.

Today’s pick is Book cafe Reliure (ルリユール), tucked away in Naka, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The exterior alone gives off such inviting vibes.
The warm, wood-toned design instantly puts you at ease.

Convenient parking is available right next to the cafe.

Inside, you’ll find both table seating and a cozy counter.

Toward the back, there’s a traditional Japanese tatami area complete with toys and picture books, perfect for families with little ones.

Look closely and you’ll spot a guitar and piano too! Reliure regularly hosts live music events, and they even offer rental box spaces on their shelves where local creators can showcase and sell their handmade goods.

It’s a wonderful spot to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.

And of course, being a book cafe, the shelves are packed with—
books, books, and more books!
From novels to manga, the variety is so good you might find yourself losing track of time.

Every Wednesday, the cafe also hosts an Otona Shokudo (Adult Cafeteria)—a community dining event designed for solo diners and anyone looking to connect with new people over a warm meal.

Below the Adult Cafeteria pamphlet, you’ll find tickets called 100 Tamarun.
Reliure also runs a Kodomo Shokudo (Children’s Cafeteria), and these tickets allow children without money to enjoy a meal freely.
Customers and supportive adults can purchase the tickets as donations.
A truly heartwarming example of community spirit in action.

The cafe also serves fermented brown rice (koso genmai), and you can even take it home as takeout.
A delicious way to enjoy healthy Japanese cuisine even at your hotel or apartment.

Recommended Menu

Here’s a look at the menu:

・Lunch Time Service: 800 yen
(+Dessert 100 yen / +Drink 100 yen)
・Pasta of the Day: 700 yen
・Sweets of the Day: 300 yen
・Mini Lunch: 600 yen
・Toast: 300 yen
・Sunset Set: 600 yen
・Hot Sandwich: 450 yen
・Brown Rice Onigiri: 300 yen
・Drinks

This time, I went with the
Lunch Time Service (800 yen).
Honestly, this much food for 800 yen is unbeatable value!

Here’s something extra special: Reliure operates on a One Day Chef system, meaning local home cooks can take over the kitchen and serve their own homestyle dishes for the day.
It’s a fantastic concept that gives every visit a different flavor!

On my visit, the dish of the day was pasta.
It had that comforting, homemade taste that warms you from the inside out.
The meat and sauce on top clung beautifully to the noodles—absolutely delicious.

The fermented brown rice was naturally sweet and incredibly satisfying.
You can chat with the friendly staff while you eat, making this a perfect spot for solo travelers too.

The pumpkin soup was loaded with vegetables—sweet, nourishing, and so heartwarming.

For dessert, I enjoyed a piece of homemade sweets paired with a healthy vinegar drink.
The vinegar drink was refreshingly easy to sip, and combined with the handmade dessert, it made me want to stay all afternoon.

What a lovely place—I’m already planning to come back, this time with the kids.

If you’re exploring Tamana City in Kumamoto and want a warm, welcoming hideaway full of books, music, and homestyle cooking, Book cafe Reliure is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

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