Japan puts its own spin on everything, and this traditional Japanese-style Starbucks is the perfect example!
Located in the heart of Ninenzaka street in Kyoto, this traditional Japanese-style Starbucks offers a unique and unforgettable cafe experience.
Complete with tatami mats, tea ceremony tables, and vintage shoji (paper doors), you get the full authentic Japanese samurai-esque atmosphere while sipping on your favorite Starbucks drink.
Perfectly Camouflaged
As you walk down the popular Kyoto street of Ninenzaka, you will be taken back in time with awe-inspiring traditional architecture reminiscent of Japan’s Edo Period.
Never in your wildest imagination would you expect to see a familiar restaurant or cafe chain here.
In fact, if not for reading this article or having prior knowledge of its existence, you may just miss the traditional Japanese-style Starbucks as you walk along Ninenzaka.
The global coffee establishment perfectly blends in with the rows of traditional wooden structures on each side.
Don’t Miss It!
In all honesty, even using Google Maps, I almost walked right past it.
Unlike the typical Starbucks, there is no big green logo to catch your attention, nor are there posters or billboards of menus at the front entrance.
Instead, the only clue you get is a small faded out logo imprinted on a wooden plank with letters that reads “Starbucks” vertically.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll find it relatively easily, though it may be especially difficult to find let alone get in during crowded tourist hours.
To avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting in the early hours of the morning, perhaps as a nice breakfast option after walking up to Kiyomizu-dera temple.
Feels Like Somebody’s Home
The moment you walk in, you already know you’re in for something different.
Wooden floors, vintage home decor, and dimmed lights create a relaxing ambiance that is nothing like the typical hustling and bustling Starbucks cafes.
Once you’ve collected your order, you can head on up the wooden staircase to the common area.
There, you will have access to beautiful views of Ninenzaka from the windows as you make your way along the corridor.
Traditional Japanese-Style Seating
Once you arrive to the seating area, you will find that you have several options to choose from.
You can choose to sit on a comfortable chair and rest your drink on a standard coffee table as per the usual Starbucks layout.
Or, you can take the authentic Japanese-style experience to another level and hit up the traditional tatami mat seating area.
The pillows and tatami mats create a comfortable seating arrangement and the vintage rotating table adds a unique element to the experience.
In the early hours of the morning, you can enjoy the beautiful sun beams lighting up the room through the traditional paper doors and windows.
Enjoy Quality Coffee Time With A Friend
After a long morning of walking up to Kiyomizu-dera temple, a quiet coffee session with a friend is just what the doctor ordered.
This was our first glimpse of what a traditional ryokan experience would be like.
In many ways, this Japanese-style Starbucks is a great way for foreigners to become accustomed to dining on the floor, particularly if they have ryokan stays booked.
Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting here early in the morning, otherwise a peaceful and relaxing experience can turn into a stressful and crowded one!
Don’t Worry, The Coffee Is Still Good!
You may be concerned about the menu itself, especially when practically nothing here resembles your standard Starbucks establishment.
Rest assured, the menu is still exactly the same as any other Starbucks store.
Also, like any Starbucks, there is a station for you to add sugar, syrup, and other toppings to your drink and an accompanying bin for paper cup disposals.
I ordered myself a double-shot cafe latte and was pleased to get my morning caffeine hit after an exhausting morning exploring Ninenzaka.
Japanese Starbucks also offers its own unique seasonal items such as sakura (cherry blossom) lattes in Spring, melon frappés in Summer, and chestnut coffees in Autumn, so be sure to check them out!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
