The cover of this book caught my eye, and I’m so happy to say the story inside is just as beautiful.

Do you have regrets? Maybe you held in feelings when you should’ve expressed them, made a promise you weren’t able to keep, or feel you didn’t appreciate someone enough while they were alive.
If you are lucky enough, you will stumble upon Sakura’s bookshop and leave feeling more at peace.

This was cozy and comforting, while still having depth. My feelings snuck up on me while reading.
It is broken into four chapters, each focusing on a different visitor to the bookshop with a wonderful little connection that tied everything in a perfect bow.
I loved the pacing - it was like going on a nice walk, not too quick, but not too slow. This quiet story pulled at my heartstrings and felt like a warm hug.

📖 Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK, and One More Chapter for my eARC

Such a cozy read and very unique!

A book cafe shows up out of no where just in time when people need it the most, for closure, for healing. Follow four different journeys through the vanishing cherry blossom bookshop.

A huge thank you to Netgallery and Harpercollins for the ARC.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the stunning cover and the title.

I love how the story was so descriptive and had such a deep feeling to it from the very first page. This book is so heart warming and explores grief in many different ways but made it so beautiful with each person finding the answers they seeked. I love that the magical realism was written in way that was so moving but simple and so easy to grasps.

This book spoke to me so well because i recently lost my Nan and she was a big part of my life growing up. we were always reading together and books being shown as a gateway to another world was just the cherry on the cake for me, But just shows that we can keep living and we will unite with them again in this world or the next.

"The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop" is a great addition to the healing fiction genre. Fans of "What You Are Looking For Is in the Library" and "We'll Prescribe You a Cat" are likely to enjoy this title. Sakura and Kobako tend to a magical bookshop that appears when both Sakura and the intended visitor read the same passage from the same book whilst the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The interaction in the bookstore addresses some kind of wound or misunderstanding from the past and provides visitors with solace and comfort. A beautiful and whimsical work of magical realism that comes full circle with the conclusion. Highly recommended for those wanting a tender story about grief but also the enduring nature of love.

I am gutted to say that sadly on this occasion this translated fiction didn’t hit me as much as they usually do. There was something about the stories in these that it just didn’t click with me. I enjoyed the elements of where the bookshop appeared but I felt some of the mini stories beforehand slightly dragged for me. I am gutted because this book is beautiful and exactly my type of read. I will try and come back to this in the future and complete a reread and see if thoughts change over time.

Vibes: short stories tied in around a central magical cosy bookshop, sad at times, reflective but hopeful, features an adorable cat

Verdict: Pick this up if you're looking for something reflective, quiet and hopeful that feels like a hug for your soul and if you don't mind a series of interwoven short stories. There is some magic involved but it's not the main feature - I'd describe it more as an enchanting backdrop rather than a book about magic.

This is a love letter to books and their ability to heal and to transform readers.

I liked the structure of several connected but distinct short stories that tackle different kinds of regret in a way that isn't to sugarcoat but instead to soften, to heal, to move on. If one (or more) of these stories resonates with you, expect to sob in the sort of way that makes you feel better afterwards and then want to make positive change in your own life.

That said, it's still a relatively light read and maintains a hopeful tone throughout, with delightful imagery of cherry blossoms and an adorable kittycat.

I don't read many translated books and I found it easy to follow and appreciated some Japanese being left in there (explained or understandable from context clues).

I was slightly disappointed that magic wasn't more of a feature but that's a preference on my part and I didn't look up much about the book beforehand - the book is lovely without it anyway, but noting in case you're looking for that.

With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐ - This book somehow broke me apart and also healed me at the same time!!!😭✨ It's such a beautiful read that explores the love for books and the impact they can have on one's life, while also showing us how deep the connections can be when reading is shared with loved ones.

We follow our four main characters, each grieving someone dear to them and struggling to cope with everyday life. They begin to find the answers they seek and a sense of closure when they stumble upon a magical bookshop that only appears during the cherry blossom season. The catch? You can enter it only when you're reading the exact same book and the same line as the bookshop's hostess, who runs the place with her calico cat🐈🌸✨

What to expect -
🌸 A heartwarming read with four beautiful stories
🌸 Magical realism - a cozy little bookshop that connects you to your loved ones
🌸 An adorable animal companion (yes, the cat!!)
🌸 Stories of grief, loss & love
🌸 The power of ink on paper📚 😌✨

First of all, I absolutely loved the descriptions of the seasons & the magical bookshop throughout this book. They created such a whimsical atmosphere that captured my heart and made me feel warm and cozy (even though the themes explored were anything but cozy). The bookshop, designed in a traditional Japanese style, has wooden interiors and floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with countless books (the dream, right?!!😍😌). The hostess serves you warm coffee and chats with you about books, which absolutely gave me my dream bookclub vibes - cozy, serene and filled with people you love!!!! But you can't just stumble upon this place whenever you want - you need to be reading the same book as the hostess & also needs to be searching for answers in your life - only then you can enter.

Each story explores a different kind of relationship and the grief that lingers after loss - whether of a mother, a wife, a childhood friend, & even one's own sense of self. The pain they endure & the emptiness left behind was agonizing to witness, and I think we can all relate to that in some way. Yet it also serves as a reminder of the most important thing in life - to enjoy the little moments, & truly live with our loved ones, instead of regretting later. Cuz what is life without the memories (good & bad) that remain when the people we love are gone?

Also, the author beautifully highlights how books are gateways into other worlds, and how deeply they can shape our lives. That idea touched my heart and made me wonder if, someday, my loved ones will remember me through the books I loved and talk about, long after I'm gone. And as readers, we all have vivid memories of the books we've shared with our favourite people - down to the last detail, and it's something the author highlights here, which took me on a nostalgic journey back to when I first picked up fiction at the age of 10 or 12💗✨

That said, this book might not be for everyone. If you prefer complex or layered writing, this may feel too simplistic & straightforward, as you don't have to rack your brain to understand things here. Instead, it's the kind of book best enjoyed with a cup of warm tea/coffee by your side, while you muse about your past, your future, your loved ones and the importance of truly living.

Also the main reason this book hit me so hard is because I recently lost my grandmother & a few months before, my Krish🐶, and this book felt like it was speaking to me, consoling me & reminding me know that there's hope in future that we'd unite with them, and urging me to keep living without regrets, cuz they'd want nothing but happiness for me. Even though I'd still be missing them dearly and in every moment of my life, I realised that I have so many beautiful memories with them, and that a part of them will always be alive within me.

Overall, if you're looking for a story that touches your soul and makes you reflect on life while reliving your own memories, you need to read this.

Also huge thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What a beautifully written book! The reader can see the cherry blossom petals blowing in the wind as clearly as it would happen outside one’s own window. This story follows several characters and their life circumstances that lead them to the bookshop—life is a giant web that weaves people together, after all. At the bookshop, people find peace and moments of clarity. No one leaves untouched. More sensitive topics, like dementia, are handled gently and with respect. Just an absolutely stunning read!

A mysterious and cozy story.
The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura was a magical and beautiful story that hooked me instantly.
The characters were so much fun.
I thought the writing was quick, fun and engaging.
Such a wonderfully written read that kept me hooked.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this new title.

Oh my heart—this book was everything. I’ve fallen in love with Japanese fiction over the last few years, and The Cherry Blossom Bookshop captured exactly what I adore about it: that gentle blend of melancholy and hope, quiet wisdom, and a kind of bittersweet magic that lingers long after you close the book.

I was enchanted from the very first page. The idea of a hidden bookshop that only appears during cherry blossom season already feels like a dream, but what really moved me were the stories of the visitors who found their way inside. Each person carried regrets, grief, or sorrow, and through Sakura and her wise calico cat, Kobako, they found comfort and healing in the most beautiful way. I honestly don’t remember the last time a single book made me cry this much. It was cathartic, the kind of crying that comes from feeling seen and reminded that it’s never too late to keep moving forward.

I absolutely adore this book. It’s one of those rare books that feels like both a hug and a gentle nudge toward healing. For me, it’s an instant favorite and one I know I’ll return to whenever I need that reminder that stories—and people—can help us find our way again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Cherry Blossom Bookshop is pure literary magic. This is the kind of story that quietly tucks itself into your heart and refuses to leave. The setting alone—a hidden bookshop that only appears during cherry blossom season—feels like stepping into a dream. Each chapter unfolds like petals drifting in the wind, gentle yet powerful, as Sakura and her wise calico cat guide lost souls toward healing.

I adored how every visitor’s story was both intimate and universal—grief, regret, love, and renewal all woven together through the power of books. The writing is tender and atmospheric, capturing the scent of coffee, the hush of turning pages, and the fleeting beauty of spring.

This is more than a cozy read; it’s a gentle reminder that stories can mend us, and that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the past. If you love Before the Coffee Gets Cold or The Cat Who Saved Books, this will be your next favorite.

A breathtaking, hopeful read I’ll be thinking about long after the last blossom falls. 🌸📖✨

This book is a warm hug for fantasy and book lovers alike. Falling into the growing category of feel good translated fiction, The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a joy to read from start to finish. Beautifully written and more importantly beautifully translated. I would defy any reader to not be captivated by this enchanting novel. Especially any book lover. It is safe to say I am obsessed and quickly ordered a physical copy.

I won’t spoil the plot but I will say that this is a must read for any lover of fantasy and books. It’s perfect to enjoy again and again and really helps capture what makes books and reading so special.
As always thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

This is a collection of four short stories that surround the mysterious vanishing cherry blossom bookshop that exists only during the peak of spring. I loved how each book is connected to each character—it follows characters who are going through grief, suffering from Alzheimer's, shared secrets, and a long-awaited meeting. There are a lot of heartwarming moments and moments in which characters are thrown into their pasts to be shown a different perspective of what they had experienced. I wished the magic of the bookshop was explored a little more because the specific rules for how the bookshop appears was explained extensively (repeated in almost every short story), but no explanation for how it came to be.

Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for accepting me for this ARC. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to read it. I also want to apologise for not being able to submit this review on time; I completed the reading on the release date.

This enchanting narrative intertwines four distinct stories, all linked to one magical place—the vanishing bookstore. I was captivated by this concept, as Asian literature often imbues profound meanings in every aspect. It transcends mere storytelling; you can feel the depth on multiple levels.
Themes of Love and Life
I adore the rich sense of love and the romanticism of life that permeates this book. The author's ability to evoke emotions highlights how precious moments can be found in the mundane. The beautiful descriptions capture the essence of being alive and the heartache that accompanies the human experience.
Immersive World-Building
The world-building is exceptional, transporting you to a stunning atmosphere adorned with cherry blossom trees. The vivid imagery makes you feel as though you are strolling through the bookstore, a place you never want to leave. Having a cat present to guide you through your worries adds an endearing touch, making the reading experience even more delightful.
Emotional Depth
While this tale is beautiful, the intertwining of sad stories with uplifting outcomes moved me to tears. Each story touches on profound moments, all centered around the theme of books, which I find incredibly meaningful. Books play a vital role in our lives—be it negative or positive—and teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves and others.
Literary Highlights
The narrative explores how each book reflects the characters' struggles and how they navigate their challenges through the lens of literature. Featured works include The Little Prince, a beloved classic, Ten Nights of Dreams by a renowned Japanese author who has greatly impacted Japanese literature, and Peter Pan and Wendy, which resonates deeply with the characters' journeys.
Chapter two particularly resonated with me, as it mirrored personal experiences and beautifully portrayed a sad reality. Additionally, the inclusion of factual knowledge about different countries and places enriched the reading experience. Each chapter offers a lesson, creating a vulnerable and relatable atmosphere for both characters and readers.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this book, as it truly is a beautiful story worth experiencing.

A beautiful tale of love. loss and joy this story follows the lives of 4 guests who visit the ‘Cherry Blossom’ bookshop, Sakura.

I loved the way each section told the story of the individuals and why they were visiting the store. It delved into loss and grief, happiness and reflection so beautifully.

The links through the stories from childhood or past happy memories was incredibly sweet, and it was a real treat to read this book.

3 stars

A magical bookshop named *Sakura* is owned by the mysterious *Sakura* herself with her fluffy calico cat *Kobako.* Together, Sakura and Kobako help the visitors lighten the burden of their past and guide them towards healing and the next chapter of their life’s journey. We follow the stories of four different customers. Although the time spent with each is brief, the author still manages to create genuine emotional connections. Personally, I wished for a deeper glimpse into the character’s lives—perhaps with fewer characters but more focus on each individual’s journey. The longer chapters with their repeated explanations of the bookshop’s magical atmosphere for new visitors, and reflective passages, sometimes caused my attention to drift, and I had to consciously pull myself back into the story.

I would recommend this book to fans of slow life and cozy magical realism.

I love a good interconnecting story and this one hits the spot! Its cozy yet mysterious and hooks you in.

Beautiful Japanese literature that makes me feel at ease on a spring day.

"There are conditions that need to be met for someone in your world to be invited to this place: they have to read the same passage from the same book [... ] at exactly the same time, on the same day in the same season. It also has to be a sunny day in spring beneath the cherry blossoms in full bloom."

This book has 4 stories broken up to have 1 overarching story tied into it. I loved the way that the bookshop found people with the owner of the store needing to be reading the same passage as the other person. Not to mention the cat in the cafe! This cafe helped to transport the other person who might have needed time to figure things out or revisit the past to understand their problem and come to terms with it.

I loved that we ended up going full circle and understanding how the cafe came to be. I really loved the story with Shingo as it was beautifully written and a lovely message about caring for those in need and taking time with loved ones even if they're slowly forgetting things with age.

I thought the Japanese words that were peppered in the book was a lovely touch.

A cute, cozy fiction book that you will want to curl up with on a rainy day. Similar to other cozy fiction coming out of Japan, this book leaves you feeling fuzzy and reflective on the inside

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a magical book filled with real life experiences such as grief and sorrow tangled up in everyday miracles. The original factor that drew me to this book was the cover. The beautiful pink sky surrounded by cherry blossom trees was one thing, but a cozy cottage looking bookshop was on a whole new level. This book entirely lived up to its description and even went above and beyond what I expected. The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop specifically follows 4 individuals and their lives all entangled by a girl in her pinafore dress and her lovely calico companion named Kobako. Each chapter focuses around a specific book which eventually leads the individual to the shop. The vanishing cherry blossom bookshop does an exquisite way of poetically showing grief and how it can affect one’s life and emotions. Overall, I give this book 4 stars and I recommend this to anyone who wants a book outside of their usually genre. 🌸🩷

Thank you Netgalley and Takuya Asakura for free and early access to this wonderful book.