The Hidden Starbuck’s Gem in Toyama — Confess Your Love on Tenmon Bridge

Reported by Reporter Lin Youshan / Field Report from Toyama, Japan

Japan’s New Romantic Landmark！ Toyama is located in central-northern Japan and boasts not only the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route but also Toyama Castle and what’s ranked as one of Japan’s top 10 — and hailed as the most beautiful in the world — lakeside Starbuck’s. In addition to its mirror-like architecture and scenic surroundings that change with the seasons, including green lawns and canal bridges, Toyama Lakeside Starbuck’s becomes a popular romantic confession spot at night, drawing couples and love seekers from near and far.

▲ The Tenmon Bridge near Toyama’s most beautiful Starbuck’s at night is also a popular spot for confessions and dates. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Tenmon Bridge is located next to Toyama Lakeside Starbuck’s, flanked by two approximately 20.4-meter-high observation towers. Spanning the 58-meter-long bridge is a red wire called “Akai Ito Telephone,” symbolizing a way for lovers to whisper sweet nothings or confess their feelings to someone special.

▲There are two observation towers by Tenmon Bridge next to Toyama Lakeside Starbuck’s, and visitors can choose either one, take the elevator to the top to enjoy views of the pathway and surrounding night scenery, or use the voice pipes installed at the tower tops to talk to loved ones or friends at the other end. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Therefore, visitors can freely choose which observation tower to go to, take the elevator to the top, where not only is there a message book for guests to leave notes, but also thoughtfully placed plastic cups with actual thin red threads serving as voice pipes, allowing people to whisper their thoughts to the person on the other side.This romantic touch adds a sweet element to the most beautiful Starbuck’s, and nearby Tenmon Bridge is also home to a French restaurant, another popular spot for proposals among couples.

▲Starting around October, Christmas tree-shaped lights are set up at the entrance to the pathway of Toyama Lakeside Starbuck’s. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Additionally, from the JR underpass to the entrance pathway of Toyama Lakeside Starbuck’s, Christmas tree-shaped lights are installed around October. At night, these lights cast beautiful reflections on the clear water surface, making for a stunning view whether you’re enjoying the scenery up close by the water or looking out from Tenmon Bridge or the Starbuck’s.

▲The ordering process at Lakeside Starbuck’s is very user-friendly, with most menu items featuring illustrations, and the dessert counter is also open-display, so language barriers are not a concern. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Once inside the Starbuck’s, staff will provide a cardboard menu for customers to choose their favorite drinks or desserts, all with illustrations, making it very convenient and considerate for foreign visitors to order by simply referring to the images.

▲On your way back, you can take the city’s tram to your desired destination or JR Toyama Station. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

When returning, you may also choose to walk to a nearby tram stop and take the tram to your destination or back to JR Toyama Station.

STARBUCKS Toyama Lakeside Park Store
Location: Minato-nyuubunecho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
Phone: 076-439-2630
Business Hours: 8:00～22:30 (irregular breaks)
Transportation: 15-minute walk from the north exit of Toyama Station (JR Takayama Main Line, JR Hokuriku Line)

▲ Free ride tickets can be obtained from city hotels. (Photo / Reporter Lin Youshan)

Toyama Free Tram Ride Tickets
To celebrate the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen,Toyama City is currently running a special promotion from March 14, 2015, to December 31, offering any guest staying at a city hotel the chance to get 2 “free tram ride tickets” from the front desk.However, regardless of length of stay, each hotel can only issue 2 tickets. For more details, please click here

Toyama Autumn Climate
October in Toyama is roughly equivalent to late autumn in Taiwan, with large day-night temperature differences. The average nighttime temperature is around 12°C, and even on sunny days, it can feel quite chilly. It is recommended that visitors bring a light scarf or a small warm jacket for warmth.