The Old House Café is photogenic both inside and out — a global Starbucks in one of the world’s four great ancient mansions

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The world’s most influential coffee chain, Starbucks, has a global footprint. Beyond its sleek, luxurious, and stylish outlets, its traditional architectural branches are equally captivating. Here are four Starbucks locations housed in historic buildings, including those in Kyoto, China, and Thailand—each from the exterior to the interior exudes an old-world charm.

1. China – Starbucks Kuanzhai Alley Branch in Chengdu
Chengdu’s Kuanzhai Alley in China is a historical and cultural district, where buildings are all traditional Qing Dynasty-style siheyuan (courtyard houses) made of brick and tile. Stepping into this area feels like entering a time tunnel. The Starbucks here retains the architecture of the historic mansion, with both the exterior and interior brimming with an antique ambiance.
 
2. Japan – Kyoto Machiya Starbucks
The newly opened Kyoto Ninen-zaka Yasaka Chaya store is located near the historic Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It transformed a century-old traditional machiya (townhouse) into the first-ever machiya-style Starbucks, becoming the world’s first branch where customers can enjoy coffee while sitting on tatami mats, elegantly blending Eastern and Western, as well as old and new, cultural elements.

3. Thailand – Chiang Mai
Thailand’s Kad Farang Village in Chiang Mai is a shopping district full of northern Thai Lanna style. The Starbucks here is one of the most beautiful in Thailand and the world’s first Lanna-style Starbucks, attracting many locals and tourists alike.

4. \抢锏?- Ubud Starbucks