Cinema Walk 4th Fujisawa City Kugenuma Beach "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 City and go to "Cinekoya", which is a 3-minute walk from Kugenuma Kaigan Station in Fujisawa City.

This mini-theater, which can be found as you walk along the atmospheric Marine Road Kugenuma, was originally a local photo studio called Kanda Studio, which was renovated and reopened in 2022. While still retaining a retro atmosphere, you can feel the owner's warm attention to detail everywhere, and the gold letters proudly shine on the new signboard that was installed during the renovation.

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

Cinekoya, which has the concept of a "movie, book and bread store," is a "space" where you can enjoy "time," including movies, through the 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 the warmth of handmade products.

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

In the rental book space at the back of the first floor, there are about 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 they are rental books, they are not borrowed and taken home like a library, but are instead a system in which you can freely read them in the space inside the store. The lineup is so extensive that it will take some time to choose a book, including not only back issues of Kinema Junpo magazine and other film-related books, but also novels and art books that are fun to look at.

So, where are the movies being shown? After climbing the stairs that remain from when it was a photo studio, you arrive at a crimson room, a stark contrast to the homey atmosphere on the first floor. Standing tall, sandwiched between bookshelves, is a huge screen that covers the entire wall. Just a moment ago, I was wondering which bread and book to choose, but when did I end up teleported to a mini theater?
There are a number of unique chairs lined up in front of the screen, each with a different shape, so you can sit in your favorite chair while watching a movie.

I realized once again 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 a seat of your choice with the bread of your choice and a book that catches your eye, and concentrate on the movie, or you can look at an art book while watching the movie with one eye. It's the ultimate "escape from reality." This space, where time flows slowly, gives you luxurious time that you can use just for yourself. Furthermore, books related to the movies being screened are sold, and talk show events are held with guests related to the movies, deepening 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. With my body filled with wonderful stories and delicious bread, the sea breeze gently blew by, and I gradually regained my sense of self.

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

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 Cinemarin" is here