Before the Coffee Gets Cold: The Cosy Million-Copy Japanese Time Travel Novel (Book 1)

​I am officially OBSESSED! 😍 This book was a birthday gift to myself, and I can honestly say it’s the best present I’ve received. Before the Coffee Gets Cold has been my favorite series for a long time, but seeing it in this Sprayed Edge Edition? It’s a total game-changer. My first ever sprayed edge book and I am never going back! 😭🙌 ​If you haven’t read this series yet, you are missing out on a warm hug in book form. ☕ It’s set in a tiny, underground cafe in Tokyo where you can travel back in time—but only for as long as it takes for your coffee to get cold. 🕰️ It sounds simple, but the stories are so deeply moving, quiet, and filled with a gentle kind of wisdom that stays with you long after you close the cover. Why this edition is a MUST-HAVE: ​The Visuals: The sprayed edges are chef’s kiss! 🤌 It makes the book look like a piece of art on my shelf. I can’t stop staring at it! 📖✨ ​The Vibes: There is something so magical about reading these cozy, bittersweet stories from such a gorgeous physical book. It elevates the whole experience. 🕯️🌿 ​The Stories: Every time I revisit this cafe, I cry, I smile, and I feel a little more at peace. It’s the perfect "soul-healing" read. 🩹❤️ Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series like me or a newcomer, treat yourself to this edition! It’s whimsical, melancholic, and breathtakingly beautiful. ☕🍂 I’ll be treasuring this one forever. ​My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I’d give it 10 stars if I could!)

Like a few other Japanese authors I have read, Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s writing style is simple and straightforward. In a narrative style which is slice-of-life and relatable, the author tells multiple stories set in a cafe which offers its customers a chance to travel in time. Readers become an intimate part of the setup as the author takes time to describe the cafe, unravel each character, their backstories and their desire to time travel. The genre is magical realism and the author is able to make the magic of time travel something normal and real. The build up is such that while the initial part of the book is easy going, the last chapter is unputdownable. I recommend this wonderfully written book to every book lovers, esp those who have not experienced the simple, relatable, heartwarming style of Japanese authors.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a quiet, magical novel set in a tiny Tokyo café where visitors can travel back in time — but only for as long as their coffee stays warm. The premise is whimsical, yet the stories are deeply human, exploring love, regret, forgiveness, and the fleeting nature of time. The writing has a gentle, almost meditative pace that draws you in and makes you savor each moment. Each character’s journey feels intimate and heartfelt, leaving you with a bittersweet mix of joy and longing. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, think about the “what ifs” in your own life, and hold your loved ones a little closer. A quiet masterpiece for anyone who enjoys emotional storytelling with a touch of magical realism.

A friend suggested me this book when I was reading another feel good novel that too set in Japan The Morisaki Bookshop, so Iaccepted that recommendation because she too read a book i suggested to her so it was my turn although I was in no mood for this. But I m glad I listened to her recommendation and god what a great writing this has been. After completing i needed someone to discuss this with , so I m just leaving my review here. The entire book is set in this very old cafe which has been serving coffee to its customers for many years and it is such a cosy cafe i could feel myself in there. It has 4 parts and 4 stories of different characters all are present in the cafe and all 4 stories characters and their stories would teach us something about our loved ones and the power of love in our lives. The story made me feel a lot of emotions somewhere it made me happy and in other it made me sad with tears in my eyes. It was such a good ride I didn't want this book to end so soon , wish the author had written more. Perfect 10/10 novel My take aways little (no)spoilers ahead for those who have read this book already. 1. From fumiko's side Don't wait for the right time , you might lose your chance forever, speak your love before the coffee gets cold 2. From Hirai's side Guilt and misunderstanding can outlive people. Forgiveness and understanding should never be delayed. 3. From Kohtake's and Fusagi's side True love isn't about pity or pretending, it's about staying genuine even when the world forgets. 4. From Kei's side Love is eternal even death can not end it. Special mentions the ghost lady, kazu and nagare, and i love Kei's character.

This book has stories. It does not contain any plot or a storyline. It was a good read but not up to the hype. There are really amazing books with good plots and character. So it's a 3 star for me.

The book is good and the story unfolds as you slowly read the chapters,personally I advice you to read this book because it's the best one from the series.

A wonderful reading experience. I have tears welled up reading the book. Gives an insight that in real life it's not possible to go back to the past, so live life in a way you won't feel regret. You can learn some life lessons from this book.

Nice book, really enjoyed the writing style.

Perfect. I love it

A bit overrated. Half way through it and its not very exciting

This was a nice book to read over the holidays. It was not too lengthy and I loved how the stories were separate in the book but still intertwined.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is the book that got me reading again, and I absolutely loved it. It has such cozy, comforting vibes and I was completely immersed, which says a lot for such a small book. It’s gentle but emotionally rich, the kind of story that quietly sneaks up on you. I loved how it explores all the different reasons people might want to travel to the past or future, and how each story pulls you fully into that moment with them. The pace is calm and easy, but never boring, and every journey feels meaningful. I’d honestly recommend this to anyone, especially if you want an easy, comforting read. A perfect book to curl up with and enjoy alongside a cuppa!

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a beautifully written book that will probably bring you to tears. Particularly, the time travel experience of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th characters were moving. Although I enjoyed the book, I agree with critics that the book was repetitive at times. I found myself skimming some sections so I could get to what i found most interesting - trying to find out who the lady in the short sleeve was and the conversations between the characters who time travelled and the people they met. No ground breaking life lessons learned that I didn't already know. My takeaway from the book is to cherish the moments you have with people - you never know when things might change, secondly, take time to listen to loved ones. Lastly, no matter how cringe/uncomfortable it feels, express those heartfelt emotions you have towards your loved ones so you don't have to ponder about time travelling! The beauty of the book is in how it illustrated these simple lessons. Some people love this book and some can't stand it. If you are easily irritated with repetition or likely to read into the fact that all the characters who time travel are women who make certain sacrifices, then you might not like this book. But if you are looking for a wholesome read, new to Japanese magical realism or care to see what they hype is about, get the book :)