10 Must-visit Japanese Starbucks Stores that Are Unique to Japan Only!

10 Must-visit Japanese Starbucks Stores that Are Unique to Japan Only!

Starbucks is a coffee chain originated from Seattle, USA. It is widely popular around the world with drinks limited in each region. In Japan, Starbucks is a place you can go to get delicious coffee with nice interior to relax. Starbucks is expanding not only in the busy city of Japan but also in various locations such as popular tourist destinations.

              Among the countless Starbucks stores across Japan, there are several concept stores that are specifically built to suit a particular theme of that location. All stores are popular for their stylish and relaxing atmosphere, a perfect spot for a quick stop to catch a break.

 

 

 

1. Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store

 

Photo: 4travel

 

This Starbucks is located next to the Kamo River which represents a beautiful scenery of Kyoto. It is a popular location where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the riverside while enjoying the traditions of Kyoto. If you love Starbucks, you’ll definitely love this store. A time to drink coffee on the banks of the Kamo River is a unique way to enjoy Kyoto. It's definitely worth a visit.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

Photo: 4travel

 

 

 

2. Toyama Kansui Park Store

 

Photo: 4travel

 

This beautifully designed Starbucks store is located in the Toyama Canal Kansui Park on the north side of Toyama Station. It combines the beautiful exterior of glass window that contracts the green grass surrounding it. The store has won the best design award of all Starbucks around the world! 

The clear class exterior allows you to see through the pleasant view of the beautiful Kansui Park. You wouldn’t want to miss out if you are in the area, this place is definitely a tourist destination!

 

Photo: 4travel

 

              Even more of a stunning view once the sun has subsided, the warm light of the store shines down onto the glass, illuminating a beautiful scene that can only be witness here!

 

Photo: instagram/junya_mizobe

 

 

 

3. Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store

 

Photo: 4travel

 

This store is located near the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, it is only a few minutes’ walk from the Shrine, a great place for a quick coffee stop. The exterior of the store stands out, so it is hard to miss it. It has a creative design with the unique wooden structure that matches the green scenery of the backyard.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

Designed with the concept of "fusion of tradition and modernity with natural materials" by architect Kengo Kuma, the wooden structure spreads inside and outside the store, and you can enjoy coffee in a mysterious space.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

              It is a great place if you’re planning to spend your next coffee break in an extraordinary space, surrounded by amazing woodwork!

 

 

 

4. Starbucks Coffee Kawagoe Kanetsuki Dori

 

Photo: 4travel

 

This Starbucks is located in the beautiful district of Koedo Kawagoe's landmark. It is about a 20-minute walk from Kawagoa Station, you can enjoy the exquisite retro buildings along the sidewalks on your way from the station to the shopping districts. It also has brewery townscapes reminiscent of the olden days, bringing you back in time.

              The Starbucks coffee is located in a vintage Japanese building style which is decorated with modern furnitures. This is a specially designed Starbucks Regional Landmark Store in a symbolic location of Japan. Once you enter, you will find a counter that stretches in a straight line, with table seats, terrace seats, and a courtyard that are connected in a straight line. It is definitely a must visit if you are nearby.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

If you are visiting on a nice summer day, the courtyard is definitely a place to relax. It is aesthetically designed with wooden seats and one-tone furniture that is both stylish and comfortable.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

Photo: 4travel

 

 

 

5. Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan

 

Photo: Ijinkan

 

This Kitano Monogatari-kan building that was built in 1890 and it was planned to be demolished after the damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, but it has now turn into a Starbucks Coffee for anyone to visit. It was also recently registered as tangible cultural property. The store features a retro building that stands out from the surrounding stores. The interior is reminiscent of those olden days, the rooms are divided on the second floor.

The store still maintains the historic traditions and is furnished with vintage chandeliers, chairs, red sofas and fireplace which give the atmosphere of the western mansion, as if you have travelled back in time.

 

Photo: Ijinkan

 

Photo: Ijinkan

 

 

 

6. Hakodate Bayside Starbucks Store

 

Photo: 4travel

 

A store that blends into a warehouse district by which is located in Hokkaido. It is a famous tourist destination due to its retro and vintage looking building. Unlike your typical Starbucks store, Hakodate Bayside is decorated with comfortable couches that might make you fall asleep! It is located in a warehouse district near the sea, you can enjoy the calming view while sipping a cup of hot chocolate!

 

Photo: 4travel

 

 

 

7. Fukuoka Ohori Park

 

Photo: travel4

An environmentally friendly store that is located in Prefectural Ohori Park, it is a coffee store with a minimalistic design that blends into the scenery of the park.

The store use FSC-certified wood (certification for environmentally friendly products) that correspond with the store’s environmentally nature.

The interior is simple yet stylish, where you can enjoy the calming warm lights that does not disturb your eyes. Comfortable couches and stools for you to sit and relax while sipping your coffee.

 

Photo: travel4

 

 

 

8. Ueno Onshi Park Store

 

Photo: 4travel

 

This Starbucks is a large and spacious café to enjoy your coffee break. It is a wood-type building that blends well into the surrounding landscape full of forest and park. This park is a tourist destination with many popular spots around such as Ueno Zoo, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and National Science Museum. A great way to end your day after exploring the park.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

 

 

 

Sources

Icotto 1 2 3 4

 

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