Andrea Larice YapWith over 1,700 branches in Japan, Starbucks has emerged not only as a cafe for your favourite premium coffee but also as a space that transcends the boundaries of a typical coffee shop. From Starbucks in Tokyo to Osaka, its unique concept stores each boast a distinct personality, often blending local influences with the brand’s global allure. Here, we list some of the most exceptional Starbucks in Japan that you surely wouldn’t want to miss!
Also read: 12 Traditional Airbnbs in Japan for a Unique Travel Experience
Most unique Starbucks stores in Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka
1. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Image credit: Starbucks Reserve Official Website
Among all of the Starbucks in Japan, Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo is the ultimate showstopper when it comes to interior design. A spectacle in its own right, this Nakameguro Starbucks Reserve near Shibuya lets you witness the whole process of coffee making, from roasting whole beans to brewing to creating your favourite blends. Every aspect of crafting its signature coffee, tea, cocktails, and pastries is presented with an artistic flair across its four floors.
Location: 2-19-23 Aobadai Meguro-ku, Tokyo
2. Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya
Image credit: Yoshikazu TAKADA
Indulging a cuppa and people-watching are inseparable experiences. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat at the ever-so-busy Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya, then you’re in for a delightful surprise! Catch the best views of the iconic Shibuya Crossing and watch as city folk scramble about when the stoplights turn red. The cafe is part of an eight-storey Tsutaya: a haven for bibliophiles and tech geeks alike, so you can roam about and explore
Location: Q-Front 1F, Udagawacho 21-6, Shibuya, Tokyo
Also read: 14 Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo to Level Up Your Feed
3. Starbucks Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
Image credit (L-R): Kanesue; Hiro – Kokoro☆Photo
Speaking of views, situated right in the heart of the historic city of Kyoto is Starbucks Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku. It boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that treat you to views of the famous Rokkaku Temple. This unique Starbucks in Japan was also strategically built in accordance with the city’s laws that protect and preserve its natural landscapes. Hence, it makes for an ideal spot to take in the beauty of both tradition and modernity.
Location: 254 Donomaecho, Nishi-iri, Higashiotoin, Rokkaku-dori, Chuo-ku, Kyoto
4. Starbucks Ueno Onshi Park
Image credit: MIKI Yoshihito
Bask in nature’s beauty and enjoy the fresh breeze at Starbucks Ueno Onshi Park, a combination of an indoor and open-air terrace cafe. Located at the Takenodai Plaza in Ueno Onshi Park, it lets you in on a rather refreshing coffee-drinking experience.
It was meticulously designed to reflect some of the park’s notable features like its vast cherry blossom trees. This can be seen through its interior design choices; from its cherry wood furnishings to its leather seating made by the craftsmen of Taito: home to some of Tokyo’s most respected artisans.
Location: 8-22 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
5. Starbucks Kobe Meriken Park
Image credit: Starbucks Partners Official Facebook Page
Located in Kobe Meriken Park, this Starbucks branch harmoniously combines eco-consciousness with luxury. To achieve this, it incorporates sustainable materials into its design in a location that provides you with lavish panoramic views of the Kobe skyline.
The area surrounding Starbucks Kobe Meriken Park comprises bold and artistic buildings. Meanwhile, its unique architecture blends perfectly into this upscale setting. Relish the picturesque waterfront view while sipping on your favourite handcrafted Starbucks beverages.
Location: 2-4 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe 650-0042, Hyogo Prefecture
6. Starbucks Yomiuri Land Hana Biyori
Image credit: Park-ers by Aoyama Flower Market Official Website
Just when you think Starbucks’ concept stores can’t get any better, this outpost at the entertainment botanical garden Yomiuri Land Hana Biyori breaks new ground. Set in a glass greenhouse, it has a brightly lit space decked out in lush greens and flowers which allows for a refreshing cafe atmosphere. Even its Starbucks signage is made with real, living plants!
Location: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo
7. Starbucks Osaka Castle Park
Image credit: Starbucks Japan Official Website
Nestled within the historical site and urban oasis of Osaka Castle Park, this Starbucks concept store draws inspiration from the tower’s imposing stone walls. Besides featuring signature shades of walnut and accent green, it incorporates this element among its interior fittings. From its cobblestone-shaped terrace tables to its pebbled outdoor landscaping, this Starbucks in Japan truly knows how to pay homage to Osaka’s iconic landmark.
Location: 3-9 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka 540-0002, Osaka Prefecture
8. Starbucks Toyama Kansui Park
Image credit: Starbucks Japan Official Website
This Starbucks outlet amid the 9.6-hectare urban green space of Fugan Unga Kansui Park in Toyama City is nothing short of a captivating haven! Nestled within the scenic embrace of nature overlooking the Fugan Canal, it offers a serene and invigorating cafe setting with relaxing waterside views. Here, witness a diverse range of customers spanning all ages, some of which are even accompanied by their fur buddies.
Location: 5 Minatoirifunecho Toyama Fugan Canal Kansui Park, Toyama 930-0805 Toyama Prefecture
9. Starbucks Kawagoe Kanetsuki-dori
Image credit: Starbucks Japan Official Website
Boasting a beautiful traditional kurasukuri townscape exterior, Starbucks Kawagoe Kanestsuki-dori stands as a testament to the timeless charm and details of Japanese architecture. Inside, you’ll find a courtyard in the centre of the cafe where seating is available. There is also a quaint garden with terrace seats towards the back of the store.
To fully capture the essence of old-school Japanese architecture, this Starbucks in Japan also showcases decorative pieces inspired by different historical periods. Some of these include a collection of fusuma paintings from the Taisho Era and bench seats made out of Kawagoe tozan: a traditional fabric that was widely loved during the Edo period.
Location: 15-18 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe 350-0063 Saitama Prefecture
10. Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
Image credit (L-R): Starbucks Stories Official Website; Starbucks Japan Official Website
When in Kyoto, don’t miss the opportunity to see the world’s first-ever Starbucks set in a traditional Japanese home. Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is located inside a 100-year-old machiya (townhouse). It, therefore, makes for a notable Kyoto tourist attraction in its own right.
When viewed from the outside, this old Starbucks in Kyoto displays traditional Japanese elements like noren curtains by the entryway and a tiled kawara roofing. Upon entering the store, customers can experience a truly Japanese ambience among its three tatami rooms. Here, they can remove their shoes, and sit on silk fabric cushions from the Tango Province, while savouring their coffee or tea picks.
Location: 349 Kodaiji South Gate Street Shimogawara Higashiiri Masuyacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
11. Starbucks Hirosaki Park
Image credit: Starbucks Japan Official Website
Starbucks Hiroaski Park stands before the majestic Hirosaki Castle Park, one of Japan’s leading cherry blossom spots in the Aomori Prefecture. Built in 1917 as the army division commander’s residence, this historical wooden building seamlessly combines Japanese and Western architecture. By retaining the building’s unique design and incorporating local materials and traditional crafts, this Starbucks outpost showcases its coffee essence while honouring the building and the legacy of Hirosaki.
Location: 1-1 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8207 Aomori Prefecture
12. Starbucks Ise Naikumae
Image credit: Starbucks Japan Official Website
Another noteworthy Starbucks cafe that exhibits the elegance of traditional Japanese design and architecture would be this one located along Oharai-machi Street. Its natural wooden exterior bends with the rest of the historic townscape of gable-roof buildings and cobblestone-paved streets.
On the first floor, you’ll be welcomed by interiors designed down to the smallest detail with inspiration from Edo-period shops. Meanwhile, the second floor is divided into three well-lit spaces where you can enjoy the natural scenery of the mountains among communal tables made out of wood from the Mie Prefecture.
Location: 37-4 Ujiimazaikecho Nakagashuraku, Ise 516-0024 Mie Prefecture
Also read: Starbucks in Taiwan: 17 Most Beautiful Stores You Have to Visit
As the coffee giant continues to expand its presence, each outpost stands as a modern manifestation of Japan’s rich history and culture. From bustling Tokyo to the countryside landscapes of Osaka, these Starbucks in Japan offer more than just premium coffee. Rather, they also show an awe-inspiring journey through the essence of Japanese culture.
From Starbucks in Tokyo to Osaka, are you already eyeing which ones to add to your bucket list? Perhaps you’ve already been to a few. Share your Instagram cafe snapshots with us @tripzillamag by using the hashtag #TripZillaShare! Itadakimasu!
Featured image credit: Starbucks Stories & News | Official Website
