This place will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away into a mystical story world.

For lovers of literature, it’s easy to get sucked into the pages of a book. Simple black text across pages of white can transport readers to any number of magical lands or strange situations, no matter where you’re at in real life.

But for those looking for a bit of a double getaway, there is a hidden gem of a cafe, located in Tokyo, which in itself feels like you’ve been whisked to some mystical land before you’ve even had the chance to open a book. That place is R-Za Dokushokan (which translates to “Constellation R Reading House” in English).

Twitter-user @dorothy_ito writes of the reading house:

“I want to keep this place a secret but I want it to flourish. My favorite coffee shop in the world: R-Za Dokushokan. It’s a place for reading, so there’s no talking allowed. It’s so easy to read or write here while enjoying a delicious drink. I also recommend looking through the notebooks they have at each table. Each seat also has its own theme, and you can enjoy looking at all of the little details.”

The outside of the cafe is rather unassuming, just a flight of stairs inside of an arched doorway, but the interior will leave you feeling like you’re not in Tokyo anymore, with its antique decor, greenery, and shelf after shelf of books.

Even if you’re not the type to get caught up in a book, the drinks and ambiance alone make it well worth a visit.

 

R-Za is just a short walk from Koenji Station on the Chuo Line, making it easily accessible from Shinjuku Station, so if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path be sure to stop by! If you find you just can’t put your book down and could continue reading into the night, you might want to make Tokyo’s bookstore hotel your next stop.

Restaurant information
R-Za Dokushokan / アール座読書館
Address: Tokyo-to Suginami-ku Koenji Minami 3-57-6 2F
東京都杉並区高円寺南3-57-6 2F
Open: 1:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. (weekdays), Noon-10:30 p.m. (weekends and holidays)
Website

Source: Twitter/ @dorothy_ito, Tabelog 
Featured image: Twitter/@dorothy_ito edited by RocketNews24