In a residential neighborhood about an eight-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station, there is a shop tucked away quietly.
Inside, picture books line an entire wall, and the space is filled with the warmth of wood.
Step inside, and it feels as though you have entered the world of a picture book.
The picture-book specialty store “Tsuzuki no Ehonya” marked its 10th anniversary in April 2026, having opened in April 2016.
Owner Tsuzuki Teruyo has carefully selected each picture book and continued to give her attention to every customer.
We spoke with her about the journey of Tsuzuki no Ehonya over the past 10 years and the values she has cherished.
The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in August 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
A place connecting people with picture books
A wide variety of people visit Tsuzuki no Ehonya.
Visitors include not only people looking for picture books, but also those who want to spend some relaxing time and those choosing a gift for someone special. People of all ages come to the shop.
About Tsuzuki no Ehonya
Tsuzuki no Ehonya is a picture-book specialty shop in Kawairi, Kurashiki City.
Owner Tsuzuki Teruyo worked for many years in public, university, and elementary school libraries as a former librarian and teacher-librarian before opening Tsuzuki no Ehonya in April 2016.
Today, while running the shop, she is involved in a variety of picture-book-related activities, including teaching read-aloud classes and serving as an instructor for picture-book specialists.
Every picture book on the shelves is one that Tsuzuki has read and wanted to put into someone’s hands. She also works directly with small publishers, offering a wide selection of books that are hard to find in large bookstores.
Tsuzuki is also a tea instructor, and the shop serves teas she has selected as well as homemade baked treats. The space lets visitors enjoy picture books and tea, and some say, “This is my oasis.”
The origin of the shop’s name
The “Tsuzuki” in the shop’s name does not come from Tsuzuki’s surname.
When customers looking for picture books ask for advice, Tsuzuki selects and recommends several books. The customers themselves decide which one to choose.
Because they chose it themselves, they can feel, “This book was just right for me,” or “I want to read more.” The name “Tsuzuki no Ehonya” embodies the wish to help people discover a book that makes them want to read on.
Ten years built up one year at a time
When the shop first opened, all the picture books were displayed with their covers facing out, a method known as “face-out display.” Today, the shelves are packed with books, and more are also placed spine-out.
Original-art exhibitions by picture-book authors and talk events are also part of what makes Tsuzuki no Ehonya special.
The monthly reading event for adults, Ehon Yakai, will reach its 90th session in September 2026, having started in 2018.
“Picture books are truly picture books when someone reads them to you,” says Tsuzuki.
When reading by yourself, your attention is focused on following the words, but when someone reads to you, even as an adult, you can take your time appreciating the illustrations.
Her wish to share the appeal of picture books with adults as well as children is reflected in her selection of each book, the events she holds, and the way she interacts with customers.
Looking back on the past 10 years, we spoke with her about the values she has continued to cherish and the next 10 years.
Tsuzuki no Ehonya details
| Name | Tsuzuki no Ehonya |
|---|---|
| Address | 694-7 Kawairi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-476-0415 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Wednesday and Thursday 21st of each month |
| Website | Tsuzuki no Ehonya |
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