I think I’m about to fall into the “car enthusiast rabbit hole.” <book garage> (Arai, Nakano Ward)</book>

The Day You Fall Down the “Car Rabbit Hole” at Book Garage

Recently, I’ve found a car that I just can’t get out of my head! Once you start being curious, you find yourself wondering about other specs and colors, and you just want to keep digging... Every car enthusiast knows that feeling. When you’re in that mood, you’ll want to visit in Nakano.
Park your car in the curbside parking zone on Nakano-dori and walk for about five minutes down the Yakushi Ai Road shopping street, and you’ll find a shop that looks like a small treasure chest packed with automotive history. With domestic and imported car brochures dating from the 60s to the present, back issues of car magazines, and even documentation on obscure models, the sight is enough to make any car lover’s heart race. As you walk through the shelves, wondering, “What were the color variations for this model?” or “How did the specs differ?”, you’ll find yourself completely absorbed, losing track of time.

Refresh yourself and lose track of time while treasure hunting

The excitement of finding the exact brochure you were looking for is enough to make you want to pump your fist in the air. As you flip through the pages, unknown specs, equipment, and advertisements from the era pop out, deepening your attachment to the car even more. Once you’ve found your favorite, head back to your car and take your time admiring it in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Spread it out on the passenger seat, put on some soothing music, and you’ve created your own private exhibition.

This shop isn’t large, so the rule is to look around while being considerate of others. But that only makes every encounter with each book feel all the more special. As you drive down Nakano-dori with your haul in the trunk, watching the afternoon light hit the alleys, the city you see every day looks a little different. A drive after getting your hands on a favorite catalog is a luxurious moment that accelerates your car passion. Between the walk through town and the short drive from the parking lot, it’s the ultimate way for a car lover to refresh.

Pack the excitement of your inner child into the trunk

The time spent at is more than just searching for documents. It overlaps with the joy of driving, making for a small, exhilarating adventure. A book you pick up here might just provide a hint for your next car or expand the joy of driving even further.