The whole building is made with tons of wood, so as soon as you walk in, you get this warm, woody scent. The design is really unique, and it honestly feels like you're reading in a forest. The view outside the windows is gorgeous—on a clear day, it really does feel like you're reading above the clouds. It's super quiet and comfortable inside, and the seating is thoughtfully arranged. You could easily spend the whole day here and never get bored. Even if you're not a big reader, it's totally worth coming just to relax, enjoy the architecture, and soak in the atmosphere!
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Library Above the Clouds (Yusuhara Town Library)
A welcoming library enveloped in the warmth of wood, offering a comfortable space to enjoy reading in your own preferred style.
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Yusuhara Town is located on the border between Kochi and Ehime prefectures. Opened in 2018 as part of the town’s commitment to coexist harmoniously with nature, the Library Above the Clouds was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on projects like the New National Stadium in Tokyo. Both the exterior and interior feature extensive use of wood sourced from Yusuhara and Kochi Prefecture.
Inside the library, visitors can explore the unique "Yusuhara Iroha Wall," showcasing books related to the nature, history, and culture of Yusuhara, Kochi, and Japan as a whole. Additionally, the library offers four cozy reading rooms, each themed differently, and a relaxing lounge area. Visitors are required to remove their shoes upon entering, allowing them to enjoy the warm atmosphere and comforting fragrance of wood. Don’t miss the detailed dioramas created by renowned figure-maker Kaiyodo, specifically designed to match each area's theme.
The first floor features a space inspired by terraced rice fields, where visitors can sit freely or attend events such as lectures and concerts. The facility also includes a bouldering wall and a café, offering plenty of ways to spend your time beyond just reading. Due to limited public transportation options, accessing the library by car is recommended.
Highlights
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Library in Kochi Prefecture designed by architect Kengo Kuma.
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Features extensive use of locally sourced Yusuhara wood.
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Guests remove shoes upon entry to fully experience the warmth of the wood interior.
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Includes additional amenities such as a bouldering wall and café.
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Limited public transportation available; traveling by car is recommended.
Photos
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Interior and exterior built with local Yusuhara and Kochi Prefecture wood
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Staircase walls creatively designed as bookshelves
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Four distinct, theme-based reading rooms (Libraries 1–4)
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Lounge area furnished with comfortable sofas and tables
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Indoor bouldering area available within the facility
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
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Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
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English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Hangul are available.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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Yes, it is.
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Are coin lockers available?
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Lockers are available to use at no charge.
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Are there any smoking areas?
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Not available.
Reviews
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If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.
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The Library Above the Clouds is like a dream! The whole building looks like it's floating in the clouds. The wooden design feels so warm, and the environment is quiet and relaxing. It's the perfect spot to read or just zone out. Highly recommend!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 雲の上の図書館（梼原町立図書館）
- Postal Code
- 785-0610
- Address
- 1212-2 Yusuhara, Yusuhara-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi
- Telephone
- 0889-65-1900
- Closed
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Tuesdays, The last Friday of the month
*Please check the official website and social media for detailed information - Business Hours
- 9:00am - 8:00pm
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- About 65 minutes by car from Susaki-higashi IC of Kochi Expressway.
- Official Website
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Official Website (Japanese)
Official Instagram
Official X (formerly Twitter)