The Apple of the coffee world: Blue Bottle Coffee expands to Tokyo
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Founded in 2002 and hailed as the Apple of the coffee industry, Blue Bottle Coffee has opened 14 stores in the U.S., starting from its flagship store in San Francisco, followed by New York and Los Angeles...
By MOOK Travel Life Network, translated by Zhang Yingying
The American coffee chain Blue Bottle Coffee, which has garnered attention in the U.S., had 14 branches across the country since its founding in 2002. Its original store is located in Oakland, California, and its stylish presence can also be found in major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Its minimalist style has earned it the nickname “the Apple of the coffee world,” showcasing its distinctive design and the captivating atmosphere that draws fans. 2015 was a milestone year for Blue Bottle Coffee, as the brand made its first international expansion. It chose Japan, globally renowned for its tea culture, and its first overseas store opened on February 6 in Tokyo’s Kiyosumi-Shirakawa district. The café attracted large crowds daily, with people lining up for its opening, marking the official arrival of Blue Bottle Coffee’s charm in Asia.
The American coffee chain Blue Bottle Coffee, which has garnered attention in the U.S., had 14 branches across the country since its founding in 2002. Its original store is located in Oakland, California, and its stylish presence can also be found in major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Its minimalist style has earned it the nickname “the Apple of the coffee world,” showcasing its distinctive design and the captivating atmosphere that draws fans. 2015 was a milestone year for Blue Bottle Coffee, as the brand made its first international expansion. It chose Japan, globally renowned for its tea culture, and its first overseas store opened on February 6 in Tokyo’s Kiyosumi-Shirakawa district. The café attracted large crowds daily, with people lining up for its opening, marking the official arrival of Blue Bottle Coffee’s charm in Asia.
Blue Bottle Coffee’s first Japanese store officially opened on February 6. (Image source / runyongroup)
Blue Bottle Coffee follows its own business philosophy. Unlike typical cafés that emphasize various customer services, it does not offer Wi-Fi or takeout. Customers who want coffee have to wait on-site, and there are no elaborate specialty drinks either. However, this commitment to a focused service approach has actually attracted a loyal customer base. The brand insists on letting customers enjoy its self-roasted coffee, concentrating the product’s appeal on the coffee itself.
To prepare for the opening of its Japanese branch, Blue Bottle Coffee from the U.S. specially dispatched trained staff to Japan to share coffee-making expertise. (Image source / Blue Bottle Coffee Japan)
Simple blue-and-white tones with a strong design sense. (Image source / Blue Bottle Coffee)
The first store in Japan is located in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, a name not as familiar to general tourists as popular sightseeing spots. It is situated in Koto Ward, Tokyo, within a quiet and laid-back residential area with a touch of traditional town charm. Transportation is fairly convenient via the Oedo and Hanzomon subway lines. The choice to open Blue Bottle Coffee’s first overseas store in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, rather than in a bustling district or a well-known trendy neighborhood, reflects the brand’s continued adherence to its philosophy of carefully selecting locations and maintaining its unique style.
Blue Bottle Coffee’s Tokyo Kiyosumi-Shirakawa branch. (Image source / Blue Bottle Coffee)
Every cup of coffee uses beans roasted in-house. (Image source / Blue Bottle Coffee Japan)
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