A beautifully gentle novel about a magical bookshop that appears under the cherry blossoms, offering comfort to those in need. Each story is tender, quietly moving, and leaves you with a sense of peace. Perfect for anyone who loves books about books, with a touch of magic and plenty of heart.

If you enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold or Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, you could give this volume a try.
Japanese literature often carries a gentle nostalgia, melancholy and quiet reflection.
At first glance, the story feels warm and magical: a secret bookshop that appears only during cherry blossom season, run by the enigmatic Sakura and her wise cat, Kobako. But soon, the book deepens, exploring themes of family, loss, regret, and the search for meaning.
Told across four seasons, the novel introduces us to a cast of visitors who carry unspoken burdens—missed chances, fractured relationships, and words left unsaid. Each is offered not only a book, but also a chance to rediscover themselves.

Having never read any Asakura books before I was drawn to this by the beautiful front cover! 🌸

This was an enjoyable read and not my usual go too. Split into 4 distinct mini stories; We learn of a hidden bookshop which only appears during Cherry Blossom Season. Kobako (Calico Cat) and the bookshop owner guide through grief.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I will be completely honest, I picked up the book because of how much I love the beautiful cover, and after reading the blurb and starting the book, I just knew I had made the right decision right away.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is an easy but profound read, slow but so cozy and comforting. I love and enjoy the development and growth of each character. They were so relatable that it was kind of unexpected, but so amazing at the same time. You will easily find themes about grief, healing, overcoming failures and fears, facing hard conversations, and way more…

I had to admit this was nothing like what I would have expected, and it blew my mind and comforted my heart in many ways. (especially since I read it while accompanying my Dad in a hospital stay). This was the needed reminder that “we may not realise it, but miracles happen all the time, much more frequently than we think.”

I'm really not sure about this one. I just couldn't get immersed in it like I usually do with Japanese and/or healing fiction. I found myself skimming a lot of the paragraphs and conversations and it wasn't until the final section that I was reading it word for word.

I liked how the story tied together in the end and appreciated that the author explored topics of aging, memory loss, family issues, multiple generations, growing up, grief and more. They wrote about these topics delicately and in a way that I'm sure many people will relate to in some way.

I've seen A LOT of hype and good reviews for this book, so I really hope people enjoy it. However, it wasn't my favourite.

I appreciate the ARC I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“A book, with the help of the human imagination, brings into existence things that no one has ever seen.”

This was such a beautiful book, similar to Before The Coffee Gets cold but this time with a bookshop that appears to those who need it most.

The first two stories really hit home with me and while they were sad, they were also incredibly healing.

The last story felt a bit confusing to begin with and I felt a little overwhelmed with it but overall I really enjoyed this book and the message it brings us about stories, life and connection.

Its a really beautiful book, from the beginning the story traps you with its beautiful descriptions, how the short stories connect and how the emotions of the main characters are described are wonderful. It took me by surprise, the story didn't feel heavy, the writing was easy to read and the flow of the story was really good, i really enjoyed it, also the work of the translator worked really good, the explanations were not heavy and the translated words did not feel forced you can understand them.

the cherry blossom bookshop only appears during cherry blossom season. told over four seasons. it is a sweet story.

A gentle, cozy read with a light writing style that makes it easy to settle into. I really liked how the story tied together in the end and how it touched on themes like aging, memory, family, and grief with care and sensitivity.

It’s a heartwarming book with sweet moments and a comforting atmosphere, perfect for a quiet afternoon.

This book was sweet! I loved every story and one even made me cry a little bit (in a good, bittersweet way)

The translation is beautifully done, the springtime/cherry blossom vibe was truly cosy for this time of year. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys feel good stories.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Starting with the beautiful cover which instantly made me pick up this book!! The cover is so gorgeous and just radiates so much warmth that I knew that I would definitely like this book and it really didn't disappoint me at all. Loved all the stories and how everything got connected in the last chapter. Didn't expected this backstory for how the mystery bookshop came into existence so I really liked how it turned out. The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is the perfect comforting read.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter for this eARC.

Takuya Asakura’s The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a gentle, heartwarming novel that will resonate with readers who cherish the transformative power of stories. Perfect for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and What You Are Looking for Is in the Library, this book blends a magical realism framework with quiet, emotional depth.

Set in a bookshop that only appears during cherry blossom season, the narrative introduces Sakura, the enigmatic proprietor, and her calming calico cat, Kobako. Each visitor brings their own burdens, regrets, and hidden sorrows, and through carefully chosen books and thoughtful guidance, they are able to confront their past and find healing. Asakura’s storytelling is measured and soothing, with a lyrical quality that mirrors the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.

The structure, told over four seasons, emphasizes cycles of reflection, growth, and acceptance, while the interplay between past and present allows for poignant character exploration. The novel’s meditative pacing and contemplative tone make it less a page-turner than a deeply immersive experience, ideal for readers seeking solace, introspection, and literary charm.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a luminous, tender celebration of books, memory, and the gentle magic of human connection.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A touching, beautifully written story that offers quiet reflection, emotional resonance, and literary enchantment.

A cute and heartwarming read.

Kobako was so cute! A very sassy kitty.

This is kind of split into mini stories and there was one in particular that brought a tear to my eye. It was so sad but also lovely.

I didn't expect the ending to go where it did and it was kind of bittersweet. Lovely read.

And the cover is just gorgeous!

I expected more magic, but still enjoyed it. Japanese books tend to be about more serious topics and this one was the same. There are several short stories. I really enjoyed the first 2 stories. I couldn't really connect to the third one. The last story tied everything nicely together and had a bit of magic. I felt like the magic of the bookshop could have been explored more and would have made this book more enjoyable.

I admit to being drawn to the cover of this book, and that fact that it has Bookshop in the title and set in Japan. Unfortunately it didn't quite hit the mark with me.

As a fan of the books mentioned in the description I felt sure this would be a great read. It started so well and it really did seem to be a book that came at the right time for me. As I read on I felt a little bit of sameness as the next customers arrived at the Bookshop. I got to around half way through and it really wasn't keeping my attention. I did finish reading the book but it wasn't the magical read I was expecting it to be. Towards the end there is a little twist and that reignited by interest.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Pub date: Aug 28, 2025

I honestly picked this up because of my love for cozy Japanese literature, cherry blossoms and a story about a bookshop, because who wouldn't choose this gorgeous book with that soft, delicate and inviting book cover. I want it framed on my wall and maybe cuddle up beneath it with a cup of coffee.

This book tells us of a hidden bookshop that appears only during cherry blossom season where Sakura, the gentle yet mysterious shopkeeper and her wise calico cat, Kobako, guide guests through their grief using the power of the perfect book. The place is filled with cozy magical realism and tender soul healing.

It is composed of four interconnected stories that hits you like a warm tea on a rainy day. It was raw, relatable and achingly sweet.

It is a gentle, healing read that feels like a warm embrace, not flashy or frantic but deeply comforting and ideal for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold or The Lantern of Lost Memories.


#japaneselit #asianlit #netgalley #arc #cherryblossoms #japlit #booksta #bookstagramph
#cozy #healing #sliceoflife #vanishingcherryblossombookshop #takuyaasakura

4.25⭐

This was such an incredibly sweet book. It contains the ultimate feelgood stories which are filled with emotion.

It is peaceful, comforting but at the same time makes you reflect on your own life.

The three stories were exactly long enough and I really liked the slow pace.

I am sure that I will pick up this book again to reread some time. Probably when I am in need of a little comforting and to just take a step back and relax.

I have come to learn that I adore this genre of books and I really hope Takuya Asakura will publish more books because I can't wait to read more by this author!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Takuya Asakura for sending me the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!*

As with any novel in this genre, there is always a deep sense of reflection once completing the novel. It makes you think about interconnections, how living life affects those around it, and how truly powerful words can be.

Our main character runs a cafe/bookshop/miracle peddler with her Cat, Kobako. It weaves stories of various people effortlessly into one defining moment, which is simply beautiful.

If you are a fan of Japanese writing, this one is for you!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK One More Chapter for my review copy. These are my thoughts:

“𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍.”

I have mixed feelings about this book. I was drawn to it because of the gorgeous cover. This was also the first Japanese fiction book I’ve read. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the scenery and of the cherry blossom trees and the petals in the wind. I also enjoyed the description of the bookshop. It felt cosy and mysterious and like a place any book lover would like to visit.
This book reminds me of the Japanese slices of life films and series I’m used to watching and quite enjoy. I liked the idea that books can be a portal to another time and place and that through them, readers can find comfort and healing.

Regarding the story: the story consisted of 4 short stories, separated by interludes and ending with an epilogue. I enjoyed the first two stories the most. They both depicted grieving characters - the first, a daughter who’d lost her mother and the second, an elderly man with dementia, wondering where his wife is was. These stories were touching and the fact that these characters were brought to the bookshop and shown memories that helped them heal, was both heartwarming and comforting. I did not connect to the third story regarding the twins. And the last story broke my heart a little. I was in tears when I finished this book. I was upset and honestly, a little disappointed. It was not the ending I was hoping for.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was reflective and whimsical, thanks to the magical realism aspect of the story. I also enjoyed the tidbits of knowledge regarding the Japanese culture, language and literature.

100% cover crush; you can't get prettier than this! Pretty in Pink 🌸

The premise itself is intriguing and just like Before the Coffee Gets Cold, this book is of interconnected short stories. There are only 4 in this book though and each has a particular book as theme (2 I'm familiar with as they are European classics while the other 2 are Japanese that I'm not at all familiar with). Each of the story features a particular character searching for something wherein the right condition will bring them to this bookshop by a cherry blossom to find that something to enable them to move on or grow.

I enjoyed the first story. The next 2 were good in their own way but felt a little like a filler but the last & fourth story, I loved, as I felt it brought the circle to a full close and it rounded the book up quite neatly. The premise sounds beautifully whimsical but it is rather heavy in themes with a lot of grief being addressed so please keep that in mind when deciding whether to read thia book or not. While the book is quite short, it's one for when you have the time for a reflective dreamy read.

My thanks to HarperCollins for ecopy of book via NetGalley