About the Exchange-Based Unmanned Bookstore | Irori Bunko [Kyoto Main Store / How to Use] Last Updated: 2026.05.22
Nice to meet you.
We are an exchange-based unmanned bookstore with our main store in Kyoto, called "Irori Bunko".
Witnessing the recent decline in bookstores, this project was started in May 2024 by Kyoto university students with the desire to create "a space where anyone can easily access books at any time".
Now, about two years later, about 2,000 books have been exchanged at the main store alone.
Irori Bunko has 6 locations across Japan, including the Kyoto main store.
Details below↓
▶︎How to use the Irori Bunko Kyoto Main Store
Irori Bunko is an unmanned bookstore consisting of "just two boxes".
Anyone can freely open the boxes and use them at any time.
Details:
Location: 12 Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Business Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
*Please note that the area beyond the door is for staff only.
1) Connected Bookshelf (Right shelf) / Exchange System
How to use:
①Place a book you brought into the shelf
②Take home a book from the shelf that catches your interest
③Record the exchange in the report notebook
That's it!
You can keep the book you exchanged as your own, or you can return it like a library and exchange it for another book on the shelf.
Because it is an exchange system, the changing lineup of books is part of the appeal.
Although it is a small presence, it shows us many different faces.
2) Gacha Book (Left shelf)
What is a Gacha Book:
The contents are a surprise until you open it.
It is a new way to choose books that allows you to select without preconceptions about the binding or the content itself.
Price: 800 yen or 1000 yen
The price varies depending on the condition. It is written on each bag. (*Updated May 22, 2026)
Payment Method *Cash only:
Please put cash in the post box on the left side of the bookshelf. As a marker, there is a plate inside the post box.
Example of a Gacha Book:
The bag contains a catchphrase related to the book, thought up by our staff.
If you find a book that catches your eye, please give it a try.
Perfect for people like this:
◻︎ Those who want to explore new genres
◻︎ Those who want to choose books casually
◻︎ Those who are unsure about a small gift
Finally
That concludes the guide for the Irori Bunko Kyoto Main Store.
If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact us via email (irori.bookshelf@gmail.com).
Why not have a 'fateful encounter with a book' at Irori Bunko yourself?
(Text: Kosaya)
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