Cinema Stroll, Part 4: Cinecoya in Kugenuma Kaigan, Fujisawa City

"Kinema Sanpo" is a series introducing independent theaters in Kanagawa Prefecture. Up until now, we've mainly featured independent theaters in Yokohama City, but in the fourth installment, we venture outside of Yokohama City to "Cinecoya," located a 3-minute walk from Kugenuma Kaigan Station in Fujisawa City.

This mini-theater, which appears as you stroll along the atmospheric "Marine Road Kugenuma," is a renovated version of the former local photo studio "Kanda Studio," which reopened in 2022. While retaining its retro atmosphere, you can feel the owner's warm attention to detail in every corner, and the new sign installed during the renovation proudly displays golden letters.

Stepping inside, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread and a multitude of books.
"Wait, wasn't I here to see a movie?" I find myself getting confused.

"Cinecoya," whose concept is "a shop for movies, books, and bread," is a "space" where you can enjoy "time," including movies, through all five senses. Opened in 2017 with the support of local people after crowdfunding and other means, it is a cozy mini-theater where you can experience local attention to detail and the warmth of handmade products.

The source of the delightful aroma that tickles your nose is homemade natural yeast bread. The bread, made in the shop's kitchen, pairs perfectly with local coffee and tea. You can enjoy an original coffee blend created by "Cafe Kobo" in the Kugenuma shopping district, inspired by Cinecoya. Watching a movie with bread and coffee in hand, instead of popcorn and cola, is so stylish! There's a wide variety of breads to choose from, from savory breads to satisfy your hunger to sweet breads that soothe your tired brain.

In the lending library at the back of the first floor, approximately 3,000 books are lined up. From selections by the staff to books donated by customers, you can enjoy each book along with its history. Although it's a lending library, you don't borrow books to take home like in a library; you can read them freely in the store's space. The extensive lineup includes not only books related to movies, such as back issues of "Kinema Junpo," but also novels and art books that are a joy to simply look at, so much so that you might spend a long time choosing just one book.

Now, where exactly is the movie playing? Climbing the stairs, which remain as they were when it was a photo studio, I arrive at a crimson room, a stark contrast to the cozy atmosphere of the first floor. Towering over the wall, nestled between bookshelves, is a huge screen. Just a moment ago I was agonizing over which bread and book to choose, but somehow I've been teleported to a mini-theater!
In front of the screen, there are rows of unique chairs, each with a different shape, so you can choose your favorite chair to watch the movie.

Here, I was reminded that you can enjoy not just the "film" itself, but the entire space, including the film experience. Once you enter, you can grab the bread you've chosen and the book that catches your eye, sit wherever you like, and either concentrate on the film or browse an art book while watching the movie. It is truly the ultimate "escapism." This space, where time seems to flow slowly, offers you the luxury of having time all to yourself. Furthermore, you can deepen your film experience itself by purchasing books related to the films being screened and by hosting talk show events featuring guests related to the films.

I reluctantly leave the shop. To extend this luxurious time just a little longer, I take advantage of the location and walk to the sea for about 10 minutes. The sea breeze feels pleasant as my body is filled with a wonderful story and delicious bread, and I slowly regain my sense of self.

So, where should we go to enjoy a movie next?

"Cinecoya: A shop selling movies, books, and bread"
3-4-6 Kugenuma Kaigan, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
TEL: 0466-33-5393
3-minute walk from Kugenuma Kaigan Station

Click here for the first installment of Kinema Stroll: "Cinema Jack & Betty"
Click here for the second installment of Kinema Stroll: "Cinema Novecento"
The third installment of our cinema walk takes us to Yokohama Cinemarine in Isezaki-cho, Yokohama.