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Introducing Picture Book Cafe Hotto (Ehonya Hotto)

Hello travelers! This is Gachako, writer for Sarukuma. When the weather gets chilly and staying cooped up at home feels tough, finding a cozy spot to relax with your little ones is a real treasure!

Today, we’re introducing a charming spot located on Oaks Street in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
[Picture Book Cafe Hotto – Ehonya Hotto].

Newly opened in December 2022, this lovely spot serves as a third place for parents and children. (*A third place means a new kind of haven that’s neither work, school/daycare, nor home.)
What’s especially heartwarming is that the owner is a former reporter for a major newspaper company and a dad of one.
Let’s take a closer look!

The cafe is on the first floor of the K-LINE building on Oaks Street.
Note that there’s no dedicated parking, so please use one of the nearby paid parking lots.

One recommended option nearby is the Kamitori Parking lot. It’s a flat surface lot with affordable rates!

Believe it or not, you’re welcome to drop in just to nurse your baby or change a diaper.
What a thoughtful and welcoming gesture! Where do you usually go for nursing or diaper changes when you’re out and about in the city?

The logo features a book motif.
The name “Hotto” of Picture Book Cafe Hotto (Ehonya Hotto) literally embodies the wish to create “a place where you can relax and feel at ease” (“hotto” means a sigh of relief in Japanese).

To the left of the entrance is a raised tatami-style seating area where you take off your shoes (a traditional Japanese custom).
The shelves are packed with picture books from floor to ceiling.
Surrounded by walls, it’s the perfect cozy nook for relaxing.

In the back, you’ll find an entire wall of picture books!
Reaching nearly to the ceiling, the sight is impressive and exciting.
Books on display are available for both purchase and browsing.

This is a place where adults can unwind too.

The nursing and diaper-changing area is bright and spotlessly clean.

Here’s the cafe menu:

Fruit Tea (Apricot, Soleil, Peach) – 600 yen
Caffeine-Free Tea (Dandelion, Rooibos) – 500 yen
Juice (Apple, Orange) – 500 yen

Picture Book Cafe Hotto (Ehonya Hotto) Recommended Menu

I ordered the Peach Tea. The first thing that hits you is the aroma of fresh peach.

Floating inside are plenty of dried fruits!
Real pieces of peach and apple are loaded in. The crisp, juicy texture is absolutely delicious!

It was a wonderfully relaxing time enjoying picture books and tea together as a family.

Picture Book Cafe Hotto is hosting its very first felt picture book workshop!
Date & Time: January 25, 10:00 – 12:00

Here’s an actual felt picture book.
With snails hiding in hydrangeas and frogs that croak, it’s filled with delightful interactive features and is absolutely adorable.

The felt fabric comes pre-cut (cutting felt is such a hassle, isn’t it?), and middle-school-level sewing skills are all you need.
And amazingly, childcare is provided!
It’s a great option for those wanting to immerse themselves in sewing and enjoy some me-time.
Spaces are limited, so please check the Picture Book Cafe Hotto Workshop details for more information.

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