Inside Kyoto's Japanese Style Starbucks
Added 2017-07-03 01:20:13 +0000 UTCIt seems everyone stops into a Starbucks when visiting Japan. It may be for the coffee (by the way, convenient stores have fresh grinder coffee machines for ¥100 / $1) or it may be for their amazing designs like this new Starbucks at NINENZAKA in Kyoto's Higashiyama District. Just a few year ago, it would have been IMPOSSIBLE for a foreign chain to own property here. Today, Starbucks is one of the first and they've gone to extreme lengths to make it fit in. A lot of respect to Starbucks for the effort because this store is beautiful.
Comments
I believe just the opening and crowds will go down after a while. Most people will be taking out coffee and there is a queue area inside.
ONLY in JAPAN
2017-07-04 07:46:34 +0000 UTCThey’ve embraced Japan’s artistic sensibility through aesthetics both inside and outside of the store. For the ticket system, is that just for soft opening? How do they plan to manage the crowds?
Judy Fong
2017-07-04 05:55:57 +0000 UTCI'm not a Starbucks person. I think they did a fantastic job in blending in with the location not only with the exterior. Even the style and décor of the interior was in keeping with tradition. Obviously it's still a modern Starbucks, but to my eye, tastefully done. I think Starbucks should be commended. Hopefully Japanese franchises can learn from what they've done and help to keep that area a living place and not be simply a location for kitsch souvenirs.
Uncle Elias
2017-07-03 03:09:25 +0000 UTCIf you look straight at it, that's what you'd see Amanda. The story is more than coffee and more than just a Starbucks. It's not. People were flabbergasted by what they saw. The experience was unlike any other Starbucks I've ever been in. It's about the building and ambiance not the coffee -- but Starbucks has done an amazing job of not just selling coffee but preserving the area and feeling around it. That is a very Japanese trait.
ONLY in JAPAN
2017-07-03 02:55:30 +0000 UTCI agree, the store is very attractive, but it's still just Starbucks. I know I'm only one person, but I follow you to see the "Only in Japan" features. I really like the content that's not so western. Arigatou.
Amanda C.
2017-07-03 02:30:51 +0000 UTC
