Cinema Walk 4th Fujisawa City Kugenuma Coast "Cinekoya"

"Cinema Walk" introduces mini-theaters in Kanagawa Prefecture. Until now, we have mainly introduced mini-theaters in Yokohama City, but in the fourth installment, we will leave Yokohama and visit "Cinekoya", which is a three-minute walk from Kugenuma-Kaigan Station in Fujisawa City.

This mini-theater, which can be found walking along the atmospheric Marine Road Kugenuma, was originally a local photography studio called Kanda Studio, which was renovated and reopened in 2022. While retaining its retro atmosphere, the owner's warm attention to detail can be felt everywhere, and the new sign installed during the renovation proudly displays the golden letters.

When you step inside, you'll be greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread and a plethora of books.
I find myself confused, thinking, "Wait, didn't I come to see a movie?"

Cinekoya, based on the concept of a "store for movies, books, and bread," is a space where you can enjoy time, including movies, through all five senses. After crowdfunding and other means, it opened in 2017 with the support of local people. It is a cozy mini-theater where you can experience the local attention to detail and warmth of handmade products.

The delicious smell that tickles your nose is homemade bread made with natural yeast. The bread, made in the store's kitchen, pairs perfectly with local coffee and tea. You can enjoy an original coffee blend created by Cafe Kobo in Kugenuma Shopping Arcade, inspired by Cinekoya. Watching a movie with bread and coffee in hand, instead of popcorn and cola, is very stylish! There are savory breads to satisfy your hunger, as well as sweet breads to soothe your tired brain. The wide selection is delightful.

The rental book space at the back of the first floor has around 3,000 books lined up. From books selected by staff to books donated by customers, you can enjoy each book along with its history. Although it is a rental book, it is not like a library where you borrow and then take home, but rather a system where you can read freely in the space inside the store. The lineup is so extensive that it will take some time to choose a book, including not only movie-related books such as back issues of "Kinema Junpo" but also novels and art books that are fun to just look at.

So, where are the films being shown? Climbing the stairs, which remain as they were when it was the photo studio, one arrives at a crimson room, a stark contrast to the homey atmosphere on the first floor. Towering between bookshelves is a huge screen that covers the entire wall. Just a moment ago, I was trying to decide which bread and book to buy, but when did I end up teleported to a mini-theater?
There are rows of unique chairs in front of the screen, each with a different shape, so you can sit in your favorite chair and watch the movie.

I once again realized that here you can enjoy not just the "movie" but the entire space, including the movie experience. Once you enter the theater, you can take your chosen bread and a book that catches your eye, sit in your favorite seat, and concentrate on the movie, or you can watch the movie with one eye and look at an art book. It's truly the ultimate "escape from reality." This space, where time flows slowly, gives you the luxury of time to spend alone. What's more, books related to the movies being screened are sold, and talk show events featuring guests related to the movies are held, allowing you to deepen the movie experience itself.

I reluctantly left the shop. Wanting to extend this luxurious time just a little longer, I took advantage of the location and walked about 10 minutes to the sea. Filled with wonderful stories and delicious bread, the sea breeze gently blew over me, and I gradually regained my sense of self.

So, where should we go to see the next movie?

Cinekoya: "Movie, Book and Bread Store"
3-4-6 Kugenuma Kaigan, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
TEL: 0466-33-5393
3 minutes walk from Kugenuma Kaigan Station

Cinema Walk No. 1 "Cinema Jack & Betty" is here
Cinema Walk No. 2 "Cinema Novecento" is here
Cinema Walk No. 3 Yokohama City Isezakicho "Yokohama Cinemarine" is here