Starbucks has been in the coffee game since 1971 and has spread all over the world, satisfying tons of coffee lovers. However, did you know that Japan was the first location outside of the US and Canada? Starbucks in Japan is truly a game changer, with plenty of reasons to stop by during a visit to Japan.
Today, we’re diving into the world of Japanese Starbucks. Read on to learn more about its history in Japan and some of the things that makes Starbucks Japan special compared to its American counterpart.
When did Starbucks First Come to Japan?
As we mentioned before, Starbucks was first established way back in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, opening in the city’s Pike Place market. However, Starbucks came to Japan 24 or 25 years later (based on your personal definition). You see, late 1995 saw the establishment of Starbucks Coffee Japan, but the first location wasn’t opened until almost a year later in August 1996.
Japan’s Ginza location in Tokyo was the first branch outside of the US or Canada, but it was so successful that Starbucks Japan announced plans for 10~12 more locations in Japan within a year. Now, Japan has 1,733 Starbucks locations in Japan, including one of the world’s eight Starbucks Reserve Roastery locations, opened in 2019 in Tokyo’s Meguro area.
What’s Different Between Starbucks in America and Starbucks in Japan?
So, how has Starbucks actually made a name for itself in Japan? What makes it so special? Well, there are actually a few reasons why. If you’re visiting Japan from another country, you’ll notice two things that really set it apart (and one added bonus)—a constant flow of limited-time menu items, Japan-only Starbucks goods, and gorgeous or unique locations.
Kikan-Gentei & Seasonal Drinks
One of the things we love about Japan is how much the country loves a kikan-gentei (limited-time) item. Tons of businesses, from McDonalds to 7-11, feature new items or flavors almost every month. Starbucks is no exception to this, switching it up with new drinks and food added to its menu every month.
You can always trust that there will be a new Frappuccino, and the new fraps are often accompanied by a second (or third) new drink and a few new food items as well. For example, April or May are sakura (cherry blossom) season, so we enjoyed a tasty green tea sakura mochi drink and sakura donuts and cakes.
Meanwhile, this month is all about fall, so the PSL (pumpkin spice latte) came back alongside a baked sweet potato caramel frap, a chestnut Mont Blanc, a sweet potato & vanilla chiffon cake and more!
These additions are not often found outside of Japan, including Starbucks’ home country of the US. This rotating schedule is something that a lot of Japanese residents and natives look forward to. Even those who don’t care for coffee may try to make a trip to Starbucks to try the limited-edition treats before they go away.
Plus, there’s no guarantee that that exact same flavor will come back for the same month next year, so the incentive to get these seasonal items is high.
Japan-Only Starbucks Merch
Starbucks is known for making high-quality cups and mugs that are perfect for holding their coffee, but not all Starbucks merch is the same. Starbucks Japan adds to the merch lineup with Japan-exclusive cups.
The most popular for tourists is the ‘Been There’ series of mugs, which feature unique designs for certain areas of Japan, like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto and many more. You can also find the ‘Jimoto Made’ series, with jimoto generally meaning hometown. This line features products made by local Japanese craftsmen.
Those two lines just scratch the surface of the Japan exclusives. Add in a rotation of seasonal goods, like sakura season or Christmas season, and cute items just for funsies, and you have a plethora of Japan-only coffee drinking products. Luckily, you can buy some of these awesome Starbucks Japan products on MiauMall!
Remarkable locations
There’s something about Starbucks here in Japan where they choose amazing locations that combine the local scenery and vibe with amazing design and architecture. While there are tons of places to choose from, here are just a few that stand out for one reason or another.
Tokyo Roastery
Like we mentioned, this is one of the eight Reserve Roasteries in the world. The Tokyo Roastery has four floors, each gorgeously designed and featuring unique decorations. The second floor is all about tea and Japan’s legacy with it and has a Japanese washi paper wall and an origami ceiling. This location is reservation-only, but it’s well worth it.
Kyoto’s Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
This Kyoto location is famous on social media with its traditional Japanese style that perfectly blends into Kyoto’s aesthetic. The outer architecture dates back to the Taisho era (1912-1926) (aka the same time period as Demon Slayer). This location also features traditional tatami floor seating, Japanese art and a Japanese garden.
Its gorgeous and unique design (and proximity to the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple) is why this location has popped off so much on social media.
Ehime’s Dogo Onsen Ekisha
This is another unique location inside of a historical building close to another amazing historic site. While Ehime is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists, it’s home to an amazing bathhouse that’s been around for over 3,000 years. The nearest station has a Starbucks that sits in a Western-style Japanese building from the Meiji era (1868-1912), complete with characteristics of that era.
The communal tables and bar counters are even made with railway components, incorporating its closeness to Dogen Onsen Station in its design. You can even watch the trains come and go from the windows as well!
Fukuoka’s Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando
Fukuoka is famous for amazing food and a rich culture. That culture includes plenty of handicraft and unique architecture, which is on full display at this location. It was designed by a famous architect, Kengo Kuma, and features 2,000 cedar beams that are put together in the traditional kigumi style.
This style interlocks wooden joints and doesn’t use nails, which is a common technique often seen in Japanese traditional architecture. This location uses this technique in such a way that it creates an amazingly cool interior, perfect for relaxing with some coffee.
Yomiuriland Hana Biyori Starbucks
Yomiuriland is most well-known as an amusement park with fun rides and plenty of cute characters. However, it also has golfing, a large health park, and a gorgeous botanical garden Starbucks.
That’s right! This Starbucks is inside of Yomiuriland’s greenhouse which itself is surrounded by flowers. It has amazing seating with tons of plants that allows coffee-drinkers to appreciate gorgeous greenery as they relax.
Saitama’s Kawagoe Kanetsuki-Dori
Kawagoe is known for its Little Edo (the old name for Tokyo) vibe. Kanetsuki-dori is especially known for its traditional Japanese architecture with a modern look. This Starbucks fits in perfectly with the other buildings with an amazing design that combines a traditional Japanese storehouse design with a clean, modern feel.
The inside is decorated with Japanese art, including Japanese sliding doors repurposed as art, and some seats with cushions made using kimono cloth. The outdoor seating is also gorgeous and features a Japanese-style garden.
Starbucks in Japan has made a name for itself with amazing limited-edition drinks, both Japan-exclusive and limited-edition merch, and cool locations that encompass Japanese culture. If you’re visiting Japan, don’t write Starbucks off of your list completely. You’re sure to enjoy a unique experience if you give it a try!
