{"id":74719,"date":"2025-02-20T17:10:51","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T08:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=74719"},"modified":"2025-02-20T17:10:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T08:10:56","slug":"starbucks-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/starbucks-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Starbucks in Japan: Why They are so Popular and Why You Should Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Starbucks has become a beloved part of Japanese culture since opening its first store in Ginza in 1996. With over 1,600 locations nationwide<\/strong>, from bustling city streets to quiet countryside spots, Starbucks has seamlessly integrated into Japan\u2019s coffee scene<\/strong>. Interestingly, Japan was Starbucks’ first international market outside the United States, making the relationship between Starbucks and Japan somewhat unique and special.<\/p>\n\n\n Numbers don\u2019t tell everything, but the brand\u2019s rapid expansion speaks volumes. In 2013, Starbucks Japan earned over \u00a5125 billion<\/a> ($825 million USD at the time of writing)<\/strong> with 600 fewer stores than today. Since then, they\u2019ve maintained a bold growth strategy, adding around 100 new locations annually. Though no longer publicly traded since 2015, Starbucks\u2019 dominance in Japan shows no signs of slowing down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what makes Starbucks so successful in Japan? Beyond the numbers, there\u2019s a deep cultural connection that keeps customers coming back. So, what is it about Starbucks that resonates so strongly with the Japanese public?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Starbucks arrived in Japan, it introduced a completely new coffee culture<\/strong>. Customizable drinks, multiple sizes, and specialty beverages were unheard of in a country dominated by kissaten<\/em> \u55ab\u8336\u5e97, small, traditional coffee houses with simple black coffee and wooden interiors, much like tea houses but for coffee lovers.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n As second-wave coffee chains like Tully\u2019s, Costa, and Dunkin\u2019 spread globally, Starbucks set itself apart with consistent quality, global bean sourcing, and regionally labeled brews<\/strong> (Verona, Guatemala, Ethiopia). Unlike the often smoky kissaten, Starbucks was smoke-free from the start<\/strong>, attracting a younger, trendier crowd. Plus, being an American brand, like McDonald\u2019s, it symbolized modernity and progress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> in the world, in Tokyo’s Kunitachi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quick walk through a Starbucks in Japan reveals a diverse crowd<\/strong>: couples on dates, business people with laptops, students buried in notes, folks stopping for 10 minutes to jack into Wi-Fi<\/a>, remote workers camped out for hours, and travelers checking maps, all seamlessly blending into the coffeehouse atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This universality is reflected in Starbucks\u2019 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n For travelers, Starbucks is a go-to spot<\/strong>. No Japanese<\/a> is required, and the menu is familiar \u2014 just say, “triple grande hot soy latte,”<\/em> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond its standard menu, Japan-exclusive seasonal drinks make Starbucks special<\/strong>. Think matcha lattes, cherry blossom-themed<\/a> beverages in spring, and chestnut lattes in autumn, all aligning with Japan\u2019s obsession with seasonal flavors<\/a>. But sorry, no Pumpkin Spice Latte or flavored syrup pumps like in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another quirk? Mindful interactions. Avoid touching mugs or thermoses unless buying, and respect personal space at the counter. If ordering soy milk, you\u2019ll get a special card \u2014 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.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Starbucks experience in Japan isn\u2019t 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here you have some modern ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\nStarbucks was the First Coffee Shop of its Kind in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Starbucks was a Place for Everyone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Most Unique and Beautiful Starbucks in Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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