HOME Kansai Kyoto Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Ever Seen A Starbucks Like This? 3 Uniquely Japanese Starbucks Redefining Modern Cafes

Ever Seen A Starbucks Like This? 3 Uniquely Japanese Starbucks Redefining Modern Cafes

• Written by: Steve Csorgo

Last updated: 13 June 2023

While the advent of modern coffee chains in neighborhoods like Kyoto and Kawagoe may have once signaled traditional Japanese culture's downfall, Starbucks has ingeniously integrated new stores into their surroundings to preserve cultural heritage and inject life into regional economies.

Here we’ll take a look at three Japanese Starbucks who have successfully merged traditional style with 21st-century coffee!

Kawagoe, affectionately called ‘Little Edo,’ is a beautiful neighborhood not far outside Tokyo. A vital merchant hub during the Meiji era, the charming townscape provides an authentic glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Ancient storage warehouses, Showa era stores, traditional buddhist temples, Starbucks...wait, what? Many tourists do a double take as they realize one of Kawagoe’s old buildings is a Starbucks. With lines of locals young and old looking to sip on their favorite brew while strolling, the Japanese love it! You won’t find a Starbucks like this anywhere else in the world, that’s for sure!

Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is one of 27 Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores conveying local history, traditional crafts, and ancient culture. Instead of demolishing local buildings to make way, this Starbucks blends flawlessly into its quaint wooden Kyoto surroundings.

Best of all, it’s situated on the beautiful Ninenzaka pathway leading to the world heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple! So feel free to grab a guilt-free coffee during your Kyoto escapades!

Afternoons with a delicious brew and gorgeous flowers - life doesn’t get better! Yomiuriland's Hana-Biyori greenhouse has it all: Japanese flowers, unique tropical aquariums, cute otters, and now an eye-catching new Starbucks cafe!

Yomiuriland's Hana-Biyori Starbucks is super spacious, modern, and fresh. Visitors can bask in the dreamy scent of botanicals while relishing their favorite Starbucks and soaking in the pleasant atmosphere. While not a traditional rendition like the above, this Starbucks shows how flexible and creative the chain is willing to be!

Ancient tea-houses, traditional warehouses, a garden brimming with native flowers. Would you believe we’re talking about Starbucks? With innovative design preventing the blemishing of historic neighborhoods, Starbucks has shown how big businesses can come to small towns without being an eye-sore! We can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!

Written by:

Steve Csorgo

From Melbourne, Australia, Steve lives in Niigata City, two hours north-west of Tokyo. His passions include discovering local sake, dining at interesting restaurants and travelling as much of Japan as possible.

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