By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
The American coffeehouse chain "Starbucks" has a global presence, with over 1,000 locations in Japan alone. In addition to the newly opened Machiya Starbucks in Kyoto, there are many stores that incorporate local environments and cultural elements into their designs. These cafes are more than just places to grab a coffee—they become unique sights along your journey. Below are eight uniquely designed Starbucks locations in Japan. On your next trip to Japan, don’t forget to slow down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and appreciate the artistry of these special Starbucks shops.
Japan Starbucks Hirosaki Park Front Store (Photo / Japan Starbucks)
1. Aomori - Hirosaki Park Front Store
The Starbucks Hirosaki Park Front Store in Aomori Prefecture is housed in a building originally constructed in 1917 as the "former 8th Division Commander's Official Residence." It is the second Starbucks in Japan to be located within a tangible cultural heritage site. The exterior retains the well-preserved Western-style architecture of the Taisho period, exuding a strong retro ambiance.
【Info】
Address: 1-1 Kami-Ginsei-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori
Business Hours: 07:00 – 21:00
Japan Starbucks Hirosaki Park Front Store (Photo / Find Travel)
2. Kobe - Kitano Foreigners' Houses Store
The Starbucks Kobe Kitano Foreigners' Houses Store is located in one of the Western-style buildings in the Kitano Foreigners' Houses area. This two-story wooden structure was built in 1907 by Americans and is full of exotic and historical charm. It is the first Starbucks in Japan to be situated within a tangible cultural heritage site.
【Info】
Address: 3-1-31 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Kobe B8
Business Hours: 08:00 – 22:00
Starbucks Kitano Foreigners' Houses Store (Photo / Japan Starbucks)
3. Kyoto - Ninen-zaka Yasaka-cha-ya Store
The newly opened Kyoto Ninen-zaka Yasaka-cha-ya Store is located near the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. The over 100-year-old traditional Machiya residence has been renovated to become the first Machiya-style Starbucks. It is the world’s first Starbucks where customers can sit on tatami mats while enjoying coffee, elegantly blending Eastern and Western, old and new cultural elements.
Starbucks' 2017 Machiya-style café in Kyoto sparked discussion (Photo / Japan Starbucks)
【Info】
Address: 349, Yamamachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, at the entrance east of Kiyotaki-dori, south gate of Kiyomizu-dera
Business Hours: 8:00 – 20:00
Kyoto Machiya-style Starbucks (Photo / Japan Starbucks)
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