Taniroku Saka: A Cookie Shop Inspired by Local Life

Akitoshi Imafuku reimagines retail with a lively, neighborhood-focused design.

Located on the historic Mt. Sanada hill, Taniroku Saka stands out for its unconventional approach to customer service. The shop’s entire sales floor is dedicated to product displays, minimizing staff aisles and encouraging staff to interact with customers outside the storefront. This design choice echoes the dynamic presence of nearby greengrocers and fish shops, where vendors actively engage with passersby, infusing the neighborhood with energy and approachability.

The concept behind Taniroku Saka is rooted in the imagery of “a sea of clouds at the mountaintop.” Although Mt. Sanada is more of a hill than a mountain, the location’s elevated position inspired the designers to evoke the feeling of enjoying tea and sweets above the clouds. This vision translates into an interior that feels airy, luxurious, and brisk—an environment that elevates the simple act of purchasing cookies into a memorable, sensory experience.

Akitoshi Imafuku’s design not only redefines the spatial layout of a retail shop but also enhances the social aspect of shopping. By encouraging staff to serve customers outside, the shop fosters a sense of community and liveliness, reminiscent of traditional marketplaces. This approach aligns with contemporary trends in retail design, which emphasize interaction, experience, and local character over conventional, transactional models.

Taniroku Saka’s innovative design has been recognized with a Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category for 2025. The award celebrates projects that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and a positive impact on quality of life. According to the A' Design Award committee, such designs “authenticate experience and resourcefulness,” setting new standards for excellence in the field.

With photography by Masahiro Ishibashi capturing its distinctive atmosphere, Taniroku Saka exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform everyday spaces, making them both functional and inspiring. The project stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping not just environments, but also the social fabric of communities.

Taniroku Saka invites visitors to experience a fresh take on retail—one where tradition, innovation, and local spirit converge, offering a taste of both the neighborhood’s past and its creative future.