Unique and Impressive, This Starbucks in Japan Has Its Own Special Character that Differs from Typical Modern Starbucks!
Who doesn't know this coffee place? Various hot and cold coffee-based beverages are available in cups or special branded drinkware with its iconic logo. With a comfortable seating area, sofas, round tables, and various other furniture adorning this place. However, there's something different about Starbucks in Japan. Two Starbucks buildings that will surely change your perspective on this typically Western-style coffee shop. Let's find out what these two places are.
Starbucks Kawagoe Kanetsu Dori
The Starbucks located in the Saitama area, adjacent to Tokyo, boasts an intriguing exterior. Unlike the typical Starbucks with modern architecture and glass walls, this café features the distinctive appearance of a traditional Japanese house, visible from a distance. Its roof exudes an Edo period ambiance that blends seamlessly with the cityscape of Kawagoe.
The use of Japanese cedar wood as a building material is a product of the Saitama region. What makes the interior of this café truly unique is the seamless blend of modern and Edo-era architectural styles. The prominent use of black and white lacquer can be seen on the columns and the structural framework of the furniture. This coffee shop resembles more of a bar than the typical Starbucks.
Various artworks adorn the interior walls of this coffee shop. The decorative displays in these artworks also span different eras in Japan. Each visitor can choose which piece of art they'd like to appreciate, as every side and corner of the room holds a unique artistic value.
In addition to the artworks, this coffee shop features a unique and beautiful Japanese-style garden. In the outdoor seating area, visitors can enjoy the beauty of various weather conditions during the changing seasons. Meanwhile, in the indoor area, there is also a garden along the edge of the bar seats within the café.
Starbucks Kyoto Edo
If the coffee shop in Kawagoe has already excited you as a Starbucks lover, wait until you see this Starbucks in Kyoto. Located in Higashiyama, this coffee shop does not resemble the typical Starbucks in any way. It is exceptionally unique and has an architectural style reminiscent of the Edo period. This is because it is situated in the historic district of Higashiyama, and its building design is adapted to its surroundings.
This coffee shop was designed through the renovation of a 100-year-old wooden building. It's not just the materials that catch the eye, but also the partition dividers, the hanging curtains at the entrance, and the distinctive wall design reminiscent of the Edo period. Even the logo of this favorite coffee shop is featured on those curtains.
Even though Starbucks is a modern coffee shop, adapting the entire building to its surroundings is also Starbucks' responsibility. Not only the exterior but also the interior captures attention. Inside, there are spaces designed to resemble open and relaxed tea-drinking areas. This is undoubtedly in line with Japanese traditions.
In these three rooms of the franchise coffee shop, visitors are required to remove their shoes because the seating area doesn't have chairs; instead, it uses cushioned seating. Enjoying coffee in a 'lesehan' style certainly offers a unique experience. The rooms have tatami floors and short round tables. However, for those who prefer not to sit on the floor, there are also areas with regular tables and chairs available.
The seating area without tables is especially comfortable for gathering with friends and family, fostering a sense of togetherness. Each room is adorned with hanging art decorations on the walls, giving it a distinctive and standout appearance, attracting many patrons. People come not just for coffee but also to experience this unique place.
Adding to its uniqueness and beauty, on the ground floor of this building, there are three Japanese-style gardens complete with tsukubai, a ritual stone. This certainly enhances the charm of the coffee shop. Not to forget the white gravel that adorns the ground area, providing a clean and serene ambiance.
Meanwhile, in the other garden, which is more spacious, there is grass and various traditional Japanese props. Of course, the overall design of this coffee shop is a commendable effort in preserving the culture and community of the district.
While waiting in line, visitors are not allowed to wait outside the building, so they are limited to enter the coffee shop. This Starbucks has become popular among visitors since its opening. So, if you're ever in Japan, you already know which Starbucks to visit!
source: livejapan | huffingtonpost | simplemost
