Starbucks has become a beloved part of Japanese culture since opening its first store in Ginza in 1996. With over 1,600 locations nationwide, from bustling city streets to quiet countryside spots, Starbucks has seamlessly integrated into Japan’s coffee scene. Interestingly, Japan was Starbucks’ first international market outside the United States, making the relationship between Starbucks and Japan somewhat unique and special.
Numbers don’t tell everything, but the brand’s rapid expansion speaks volumes. In 2013, Starbucks Japan earned over ¥125 billion ($825 million USD at the time of writing) with 600 fewer stores than today. Since then, they’ve maintained a bold growth strategy, adding around 100 new locations annually. Though no longer publicly traded since 2015, Starbucks’ dominance in Japan shows no signs of slowing down.
But what makes Starbucks so successful in Japan? Beyond the numbers, there’s a deep cultural connection that keeps customers coming back. So, what is it about Starbucks that resonates so strongly with the Japanese public?
Starbucks was the First Coffee Shop of its Kind in Japan
When Starbucks arrived in Japan, it introduced a completely new coffee culture. Customizable drinks, multiple sizes, and specialty beverages were unheard of in a country dominated by kissaten 喫茶店, small, traditional coffee houses with simple black coffee and wooden interiors, much like tea houses but for coffee lovers.
As second-wave coffee chains like Tully’s, Costa, and Dunkin’ spread globally, Starbucks set itself apart with consistent quality, global bean sourcing, and regionally labeled brews (Verona, Guatemala, Ethiopia). Unlike the often smoky kissaten, Starbucks was smoke-free from the start, attracting a younger, trendier crowd. Plus, being an American brand, like McDonald’s, it symbolized modernity and progress.
The truth is, Starbucks has always been a progressive, inclusive company, and Japan has taken notice. For example, in July 2020, Starbucks opened its fifth deaf-language store in the world, in Tokyo’s Kunitachi.
Starbucks was a Place for Everyone
A quick walk through a Starbucks in Japan reveals a diverse crowd: couples on dates, business people with laptops, students buried in notes, folks stopping for 10 minutes to jack into Wi-Fi, remote workers camped out for hours, and travelers checking maps, all seamlessly blending into the coffeehouse atmosphere.
This universality is reflected in Starbucks’ price point, as well, which adds to its appeal. The Japanese public tends to be wary of things that are too cheap, but also wants a good value for money. Starbucks’ prices hit the sweet spot between these two: affordable for those on a budget (their specialty drinks may actually be cheaper than in other countries), and not too low-cost for folks wanting something that feels a bit classy.
For travelers, Starbucks is a go-to spot. No Japanese is required, and the menu is familiar — just say, “triple grande hot soy latte,” and you’re set. Drink signage is in English, and staff in tourist-heavy areas like Shinjuku are often trained to assist non-Japanese speakers. Customization is also a perk, a rarity in Japan, though complex orders might get lost in translation.
Beyond its standard menu, Japan-exclusive seasonal drinks make Starbucks special. Think matcha lattes, cherry blossom-themed beverages in spring, and chestnut lattes in autumn, all aligning with Japan’s obsession with seasonal flavors. But sorry, no Pumpkin Spice Latte or flavored syrup pumps like in the US.
Cultural nuances set Japanese Starbucks apart. Queuing is strict, even at the pickup counter, with no crowding around waiting for names to be called. In fact, no names at all; baristas call out drinks in order, so keep your receipt handy.
Another quirk? Mindful interactions. Avoid touching mugs or thermoses unless buying, and respect personal space at the counter. If ordering soy milk, you’ll get a special card — hand it in when collecting your drink to prevent mix-ups and cross-contamination. Do you want to check a typical Japanese Starbucks menu? Here you have it.
What are the Most Unique and Beautiful Starbucks in Japan?
The Starbucks experience in Japan isn’t just limited to just coffee, though. There are a number of unique and cool physical locations. Here you have some of them that renewed traditional buildings:
- Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya (Kyoto): A 100-year-old renovated townhouse blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern coffee culture.
- Kitano Ijinkan (Kobe): A Western-style Starbucks housed in Kobe‘s historic building reminiscent of downtown Boston.
- Kawagoe Kanetsuki Dori (Saitama): An Edo-era inspired location with an open storefront, evoking old Japan in Kawagoe.
- Starbucks Dogo Onsen Ekisha (Ehime): A hot spring-themed Starbucks located near Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest onsen, featuring traditional wooden architecture.
Here you have some modern ones:
- Starbucks in Toyama Kansui Park (Toyama): Often called “the most beautiful Starbucks in the world,” this location in Toyama offers stunning waterfront views in a serene park setting.
- Starbucks Yomiuriland Hana Biyori (Tokyo): A botanical Starbucks inside an eco-friendly greenhouse, surrounded by lush flowers and plants.
- Starbucks Hamamatsu Castle (Shizuoka): Located next to Hamamatsu Castle, this Starbucks combines historic charm with a modern coffee experience.
- Starbucks Kamakura Onarimachi (Kamakura): A Zen-inspired Starbucks featuring a traditional Japanese garden and an open-air terrace, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Kamakura.
If you want to discover more unique Starbucks in Japan, check out the map at the end of this article.
It may go without saying, but these types of locations afford variations on not only the Starbucks experience in Japan but the coffee-drinking experience in general. This is true for locals looking to escape for an hour, or for travelers who want to take advantage of the uniqueness of Japan’s relationship with Starbucks. If you venture to any of these kinds of unique locations, be prepared to wait in line outside even before you make it to the counter. No matter how much time you have, though, it may prove completely worth the wait.
Re-experience the Familiar at a Starbucks in Japan
Visiting Starbucks in Japan is a way to re-experience a familiar place through Japanese eyes. Furthermore, it’s a way to gain insight into how Japan sees itself, its own preferences, its likes, and dislikes, and also how Japan sees the rest of the world.
The next time you visit Japan, don’t discount how novel the familiar can be. Find a Starbucks along your route and pop in. Pay attention to details, take note of what is similar, and what is different, and grab your favorite drink in a foreign country. Or, just take a look at the seasonal menu and snag unique Japanese items while the moment lasts.
