Welcome to Yokayoka Picture Book Shop

Hello, travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a delightful little spot in Suya, Koshi City:
Yokayoka Picture Book Shop (Ehon-ya Yokayoka).
＼Grand Opening: June 16, 2025／
A charming little picture book shop has been born right next to Koshi Katayama Children’s Dental Clinic!
It’s not just a bookstore — it’s a community space where families can read, play on the slide, and take a relaxing break from the daily parenting hustle.
Since it was created by a dentist, you’ll also find a wonderful collection of picture books about teeth and oral health ♪
The shop sits right next door to Katayama Children’s Dental Clinic.
There are 5 parking spaces directly in front of the shop, shared with the dental clinic.
If you’re driving a kei car (Japanese light vehicle), please use the kei-designated spots.
The mint-green exterior is absolutely adorable!

This space used to be a garage, and the project began with a simple thought: “Let’s do something fun here.”
Initially, the team considered opening a healthy eatery focused on oral health, but the idea evolved into a picture book shop that children would love.
“Yokayoka” is a beloved phrase in Kumamoto dialect.
It can mean “it’s all right,” “that’s fine,” or “no worries” — depending on the situation. A wonderfully versatile little word!

I had the chance to ask Dr. Katayama, the director of Katayama Children’s Dental Clinic, about the meaning behind the name.

Dr. Katayama, Director of Katayama Children’s Dental Clinic

After living in various prefectures from junior high onwards, I came back to Kumamoto to open my practice — so I wanted a name with a Kyushu flair.
In a world that often feels tense and stressful, I wanted to share the message: “Let’s all be a little more easygoing!”

Isn’t that lovely?
It made me want to embrace the “yokayoka” spirit — letting go of stress and giving myself a little more breathing room, in parenting and in life.

The moment you step inside, the warm scent of wood and the cozy atmosphere instantly soothe you.
Please take off your shoes before entering — it’s a Japanese tradition! (^^)/

The walls are lined with picture books from floor to ceiling!
All the books on display are sample copies.

And yes — they’re all available for purchase!
If the book you want is in stock, the staff will bring you a brand-new copy ♪
The opposite wall is also packed with even more books to discover!
There’s plenty for elementary-age kids too — I’m definitely bringing my older daughter next time ♫
Tucked along the wall is a cozy little reading nook.
Kids just love those small, snug corners, don’t they?
It’s the perfect spot for independent readers to lose themselves in a story.
There are also child-sized tables and chairs.
You can almost picture children and parents sitting face-to-face, sharing stories and giggles together ♫

Eating is not allowed inside the shop, but drinks with sealed lids are welcome for staying hydrated.
Please take any trash with you when you leave.
Even the chair designs are wonderfully cute (*’ω’*)
What shape do you think this table is?
It looks a bit like an apple — but the answer is… a tooth!

You’ll spot these charming little dental touches throughout the shop (#^.^#)
There’s also a step stool for kids who can’t quite reach the higher books.
When your little one is using it, please hold their hand to prevent any tumbles.
Although it’s a small shop, there’s a restroom AND a diaper-changing station!
Plus, there’s even a nursing room!
Like Katayama Children’s Dental Clinic next door, Yokayoka Picture Book Shop is thoughtfully designed with families in mind.

What Makes Yokayoka Picture Book Shop So Special

As you’d expect from a bookstore created by a dentist, you’ll find a delightful collection of tooth-themed picture books.
But there’s another important reason behind this focus.
Unfortunately, Kumamoto Prefecture has the highest rate of childhood cavities in Japan (>_<).
The shop also serves as a way to raise awareness and encourage healthier habits.
Kids can use the included toy toothbrushes to scrub the teeth of cute animal characters.
It’s a fun way to learn about teeth, cavities, and what dentists do ♫

And speaking of dentists — Katayama Children’s Dental Clinic next door is the perfect place for your little one’s first dental visit (^^)/
The books are displayed face-out, so children can easily browse and pick what catches their eye!
My son was bringing me one book after another (^_^;)
Reading on a soft, sunken patch of grass…
or sitting comfortably…
or even lying down — kids can read however they like.
It’s rare to find a bookstore where children can be this free and relaxed!
When the books lose their charm, it’s time to play!
Yokayoka Picture Book Shop has a small slide for the kids.
My son went down it again and again, completely loving it (*’ω’*)
He even played “peekaboo” with a 1-year-old girl he had just met!
Whether you come to read books or just slide down the slide, you’re more than welcome ♫
There are also interactive pop-up books with fun moving parts.
Great for stimulating young eyes and tiny fingers — and just plain fun to look at.
And don’t worry — there’s no obligation to buy anything when you visit ♫

That said, since we were already there, I decided to pick up a book I wouldn’t normally choose: a tooth-themed picture book (^^)/
When they offered to let me take it as-is, I said it was fine — but the paper bag was so adorable that I couldn’t help saying, “Actually, please put it in the bag!” lol
The book I picked was “Hamigaki Ressha — Shuppatsu Shinkou!” (“Toothbrush Train — All Aboard!”).
My son loves trains and vehicles, so it seemed like a perfect choice ♫

The story follows the Toothbrush Train as it visits Takkun, a little boy who doesn’t like brushing his teeth.
With its cheek-mounted headlight glowing, the train chugs along to the “Front Tooth Station” and the “Back Tooth Station” — choo choo!
It sparkles up Takkun’s teeth one by one as the journey unfolds.

During the “open wide!” scene, my son joined in by opening his own mouth and saying “ahhh” along with the story ♪
My older daughter quickly spotted the displayed copy and started reading immediately.
Her favorite scene? A two-page spread filled with all kinds of food crumbs stuck between teeth!

It’s the kind of book that makes everyday tooth-brushing just a little bit more fun ♪
They’re also planning to host events such as story-time readings.
You can find the latest news on the Yokayoka Picture Book Shop Instagram page (^^)/

It’s a wonderful place not only for kids, but for moms and dads who need a moment to unwind too.
Why not visit Yokayoka Picture Book Shop and spend some relaxed, joyful time together as a family ♪

Stop by to enjoy the picture books — no reservation needed (^^)/

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please verify before your visit.