Welcome to the exciting world of Starbucks Japan, where coffee culture meets the rich traditions of Japan in the most delightful and unique ways! Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious, you’ll learn why the Starbucks stores in Japan are different and why they stand out from the rest of the world.
With over 1,900 stores across Japan, this popular coffee shop from North America has become a staple in Japanese people's lives, no matter their age. From seasonal drinks you can’t find anywhere else to cozy atmospheres with stunning views, there’s always something to enjoy. Ready to explore? Grab your favorite coffee and get to know what makes Japanese Starbucks special!
- Japanese name: スターバックス (Sutabakkusu)
- Shortened name: スタバ (Sutaba)
- Number of stores in Japan: 1,917 (as of March 2024)
- Fun Fact: Starbucks Japan is the first Starbucks store outside North America!
GET TO KNOW STARBUCKS JAPAN
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard of Starbucks Japan. It’s a coffee shop where people go to have coffee and other yummy drinks. But you don’t just go there to grab your usual caramel macchiato or vanilla latte. Starbucks Japan is known for its special drinks and treats which you can only find there. Some of these treats are inspired by Japanese flavors, like candied sweet potato and cherry blossom!
For Japanese people, it’s a great spot to hang out with friends, relax, or even work. Additionally, tourists make it a point to visit a Starbucks store in Japan for its beautiful architecture, which is a mix of traditional and modern design. By blending American flair and Japanese culture, Starbucks Japan offers a delicious and unique experience for everyone!
HISTORY OF STARBUCKS JAPAN
Starbucks Japan opened its first store in Tokyo’s Ginza district in August 1996. This was Starbucks’ first venture outside of North America, and it quickly became a hit! People loved the cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee. The company had big plans to open 10 to 12 more stores in the Tokyo area within a year and a half. Over the years, Starbucks Japan has introduced unique drinks and treats inspired by Japanese culture.
Apart from that, this coffee company has been known for its dedication to inclusivity. Takafumi Minaguchi, the current president of Starbucks Japan, was inspired by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz’s philosophy of “treating people” well. Under his leadership, Starbucks Japan has opened a sign language store and employed members with disabilities. Through these efforts, Starbucks Japan continues to grow and thrive.
IS JAPANESE STARBUCKS DIFFERENT?
Absolutely! Think of Japanese Starbucks as the cool cousin of your local store, with a dash of kawaii vibes and a sprinkle of Japanese culture. Japan is known for its unique culture, and it’s no surprise that Starbucks Japan differs from the usual coffee shop we know. They have distinctive, Japan-exclusive flavors and Starbucks Japan merchandise, and every corner of a Japanese Starbucks store screams style and creativity.
IS STARBUCKS JAPAN OWNED BY STARBUCKS?
Yes, Starbucks Japan is indeed owned by Starbucks Corporation. So, you can expect the same quality and standards, but with a delightful Japanese twist. Despite having its own character, the Japanese Starbucks stores adhere to the aim of Starbucks cafe spaces to serve as a “third place,” somewhere other than your home, school, or workplace, where you can connect with other people.
HOW MANY STARBUCKS ARE IN JAPAN?
Hold onto your matcha lattes, because as of March 2024, Japan boasts over 1,900 Starbucks locations! Each one offers a unique vibe and a chance to discover something new. Whether you’re in bustling Tokyo or serene Kyoto, there’s always a Japanese Starbucks nearby to welcome you.
WHY IS STARBUCKS POPULAR IN JAPAN?
Starbucks is super popular in Japan, and it's easy to see why! When Starbucks Japan opened its first store in 1996, it was a new kind of coffee shop that Japan had never seen before. Unlike the smokey atmosphere of kissaten or old-style Japanese coffee shops, Starbucks felt like a calm and cozy place where you could enjoy high-quality coffee from all over the world.
WHY IS STARBUCKS SO SUCCESSFUL IN JAPAN?
Starbucks is one of the biggest coffee chains in Japan, opening about 70 new stores each year. The secret to its success? Innovation! Starbucks Japan knows that it’s not just about the coffee, but the whole experience. They stay trendy by renovating their stores and using social media to connect with their customers.
However, innovation isn’t the only factor in the company’s success. Starbucks Japan also used incorporation by blending American coffee culture with Japanese traditions. For example, Japanese Starbucks partners don’t ask for customers’ names when taking orders because the Japanese value their privacy. Instead, they call out each drink in order. They also honor Japanese festivals and traditions by offering seasonal drinks like the Sakura Frappuccino.
STARBUCKS REGIONAL LANDMARK STORES
To prove their commitment to respect Japanese culture, Starbucks Japan has special stores that are unique and fit perfectly with the local scenery and culture. There are 28 of these special stores across Japan, each designed to blend with the local environment.
Some are in old, renovated buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, while others are built to match beautiful parks or historic sites. They serve the same menu items, plus some special drinks just for the region. These landmark stores make your coffee break extra fun and a great way to experience Japanese culture!
THE WORLD’S FIRST TATAMI-FLOORED STARBUCKS
One of the Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores in Japan is the Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya. It’s extra special because it’s the world’s first Starbucks with tatami flooring, a traditional type of floor covering in Japanese houses. Located on the Ninenzaka pathway leading to the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this store blends perfectly into the beautiful old streets of Kyoto.
From the outside, it looks like a modest, old Japanese house, and you won’t even notice it if you’re not looking closely! If you want to visit this store, look out for its noren or curtain divider at the entrance, and the lantern with the Starbucks logo. Just remember not to line up outside because it’s prohibited!
Inside, you can enjoy your coffee on tatami mats and cushions. There are even special rooms upstairs where you can take off your shoes and relax. This Starbucks lets you enjoy coffee in a traditional Sukiya-style tea house that’s more than 100 years old. Here, you can experience the rich history and culture of Kyoto!
IS THERE A STARBUCKS RESERVE IN JAPAN?
Yes, there is a Starbucks Reserve in Japan! The Starbucks Reserve Tokyo Roastery is located in Tokyo. Unlike regular Starbucks stores, Reserve is fancier with premium coffee blends and Starbucks goodies you can’t find anywhere else. This four-story store has a huge roastery where they roast the coffee beans right in the store, so you can see the whole process. The design is beautiful, mixing modern style with Japanese touches.
HOW BIG IS STARBUCKS IN TOKYO?
Tokyo is like the heart of Starbucks Japan. The city is brimming with Starbucks outlets, each one more charming than the last. In Central Tokyo, there is a Starbucks store near every major station. From traditional tea-house-inspired stores to super-modern chic cafes, there’s a Starbucks for every mood and occasion!
ENJOY STARBUCKS COFFEE SURROUNDED BY ART
If you’re an art lover, you’ll have a nice time having your drink at Starbucks Kyoto BAL shopping mall. The store has an artistic and edgy design with over 80 art pieces on display. It feels like an artist’s studio, with creative works of young, talented artists in every corner. This is a fun and special place to experience both coffee and art!
WHERE IS BOTANICAL STARBUCKS JAPAN?
Aside from arts, you can also enjoy your drink at Tokyo’s Starbucks outlet in the popular amusement park, Yomiuriland! Known as Botanical Starbucks, this cafe is inside the Hana-Biyori greenhouse, a large hall filled with blooming flowers and lush greenery. It’s a light and serene atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and sipping your favorite brew with nature!
HAVE A CUP OF TEA AT STARBUCKS TEA & CAFE!
Another special Starbucks store in Japan is the Starbucks Tea & Cafe, which focuses on tea! This new store offers a colorful and heartwarming tea experience with lots of different teas from the TEAVANA tea brand. The menu has three categories—Tea Creations, Tea Lattes, and Tea Frappuccinos. The store is beautifully designed so guests can enjoy tea while relaxing in the cozy space.
ENJOY COFFEE WHILE READING AT STARBUCKS JAPAN
At Starbucks Japan, you can do more than just enjoy delicious coffee. In fact, at the Starbucks Coffee WEST WALK Lounge Store in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, you can read the latest business books, literature, and other cool content while sipping your coffee.
This store has over 10 Kindle Fire HDX tablets and 4 Kindle Paperwhite e-readers from Amazon that guests can use for free! The books get updated regularly, so there’s always something new to read. It's a perfect spot to relax, catch up on reading, or even do some work. Plus, they have special drinks you can only find at Roppongi Hills!
Additionally, there are a number of Tsutaba stores located across Japan! What’s a Tsutaba? It’s a Tsutaya Bookstore and Starbucks Coffee in one! Here, you can get a book from Japan’s popular bookstore and grab your favorite Starbucks drink. There are power outlets and WI-FI, so you can even work and study!
STARBUCKS JAPAN’S DEDICATED SPACE FOR FOCUS
Starbucks Japan also has a cool store in central Tokyo with a special space for people to focus and work. They teamed up with Think Lab to create this space, which is all about helping people concentrate.
On the first floor, it looks like the usual Starbucks where you can order your drink. But on the second floor, there are cozy solo working areas and a Smart Lounge for group meetings with projectors and semi-private tables for teleconferences. It’s a perfect place to get things done while enjoying your favorite coffee!
THE FIRST SIGN LANGUAGE STARBUCKS IN JAPAN
Have you heard of Starbucks Japan’s Signing Store? It’s a special store where staff mainly use sign language to communicate. This Starbucks store opened in 2020 in Kunitachi, Tokyo. Although this is the fifth Starbucks Signing Store in the world, it is the first to open in Japan.
This unique store is for everyone to enjoy, whether they know sign language or not. There are different ordering methods, such as sign language, a digital voice input system, and a detailed menu sheet. The store even has art on the walls that celebrates sign language, showing how it can connect people in fun and meaningful ways.
STARBUCKS JAPAN: A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
Although its first sign language store opened in 2020, Starbucks Japan’s advocacy for inclusion and diversity goes way back. Since opening its first café in Japan in 1996, Starbucks Japan has been welcoming partners with disabilities and challenges. Today, over 350 partners with disabilities are part of the Starbucks family, making it a wonderfully diverse and inclusive community.
Starbucks Japan has been supporting these partners since 2002 with training programs, coaching, and flexible work schedules to help them grow in their careers. This commitment breaks down barriers in the workplace, creating a place where everyone can shine and feel right at home.
STARBUCKS JAPAN LEADS IN DIVERSITY
Showing their commitment to equality, Starbucks Japan also worked with different organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. One of those was with the Rainbow School Project, which was created to raise awareness of gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Starbucks Japan launched different merchandise such as color-changing cups that celebrate diversity and a sparkly “No Filter” cold cup tumbler that encourages everyone to shine bright and live like themselves.
“You need a filter to make coffee, but you shouldn’t put a filter on people’s hearts.”
Part of the profit was donated to diversity programs in schools across Japan. In addition to donations, Starbucks partners have also shared their experiences with young people!
STARBUCKS JAPAN’S PLANET POSITIVE AGENDA
Starbucks Japan is doing amazing things to help Earth with its Planet Positive agenda! By 2030, the company wants to cut down carbon dioxide emissions, water use, and waste by half. To reach this goal, it has launched lots of cool projects. To start, some Starbucks stores in Japan are now using renewable energy from solar, wind, water, and geothermal sources.
To reduce plastic waste, Starbucks Japan is using stainless steel cutlery and paper straws. They also give customers an option not to use plastic lids for their cold drinks. Moreover, to reduce food waste, select Starbucks stores across Japan mark down some bakery products by 20% a few hours before closing. Starbucks Japan also started a fun Tumbler Club that encourages customers to use reusable Starbucks cups. If you bring a reusable tumbler to the store, you can get a discount on your drink!
RECYCLING WITH STARBUCKS JAPAN
In dedication to its Planet Positive Agenda, Starbucks Japan also launched different recycling projects! It released a Greener Series collection of reusable items like coffee sleeves and shopping bags made with recycled disposable items. Plus, the coffee chain teamed up with stationery brand Campus to schedule books made of recycled milk packs.
Starbucks Japan also has a Coffee Ground Recycling Loop Program, where they partner with farmers to turn used coffee grounds into compost for growing vegetables or feed for cows that produce milk used in Starbucks drinks. These projects and more help Starbucks Japan reduce waste and energy use, making the world a greener, cleaner place!
A PICTURE BOOK FROM STARBUCKS JAPAN
Starbucks Japan had something super special for the holidays! They teamed up with TV writer Osamu Suzuki to create a wonderful picture book called "You Can Be Santa Claus Too." Even though it's a picture book, it's meant for adults and has a heartwarming message. The story is all about how anyone can be a Santa and bring joy to others.
STARBUCKS JAPAN’S BANANA FASHION SHOW
To launch their new dessert drink Banana Frappuccino, Starbucks Japan had a super fun event In 2014. They held a cool fashion show at The Garden Hall, Tokyo, where model Yu Yamada wore a dress with bananas and frappuccinos on it. The show had a "Happy, Yellow, Frappuccino" theme with a big stage like a banana farm. Models walked to live music and big-screen videos. The event was all about the happy vibes of the new drink and looked amazing with bright yellow everywhere!
JAPANESE STARBUCKS TEAMS UP WITH FASHION BRANDS!
Speaking of fashion shows, Starbucks Japan went beyond the food industry and collaborated with popular fashion brands. They’ve worked with Cath Kidston to make library-themed mugs and bottles, and with Kate Spade New York to create stylish Starbucks tumblers. You can even find awesome bags and accessories from their collaboration with Converse Tokyo and Porter Bag.
There’s a lot more! Starbucks Japan also joined Alice and Olivia for some cute and chic mug and cup designs, while BEAMS added trendy, urban styles. Fashion brand Ron Herman also brought a beautiful Christmas vibe with their wooden musical instruments with the iconic Ron Herman and Starbucks logo. They even partnered with Undefeated for a sporty look. Starbucks truly isn’t just a coffee shop anymore, it’s a whole lifestyle!
CUTE COLLABS WITH STARBUCKS JAPAN
Adding up to their special collaborations, Starbucks Japan also worked with famous kawaii characters—Peanuts and Disney! Imagine sipping your favorite Starbucks drink from a mug with a Mickey Mouse design, or wearing a cap with an embroidery of a barista Snoopy. These limited-edition items surely brought a smile to everyone’s day!
SIP IN STYLE WITH STARBUCKS JAPAN DRINKWARE
Starbucks Japan has teamed up with US drinkware company Stanley for stainless steel bottles that are perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold. They’re super durable and have a minimalist stylish design. Another US brand that paired with Starbucks Japan is Fire-King, a glass and ceramic tableware company. They crafted beautiful mugs with a classic milk glass look, featuring a special design that’s sure to catch your eye.
STARBUCKS JAPAN & FAMOUS ARTISTS
Starbucks Japan doesn’t just collaborate with brands; they team up with famous Japanese artists, too! In 2020, they had a collaboration with musician Dai Hirai for their official holiday song entitled “Starbucks, Me and You.” This song was added to the in-store background music of Starbucks stores nationwide. It was also available for streaming on various music platforms.
The coffee chain also worked with illustrator Shogo Sekine and the creative unit KIGI to create beautiful, artistic designs for their merchandise. Even Japanese musician and designer Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design has been having a partnership with Starbucks Japan since 2012.
Moreover, traditional doll maker Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo brought their beautiful artistry to Starbucks Japan. Shimada Koen specializes in making gosho-ningyo or childlike palace dolls, and they created a special six-doll collection with a Starbucks Reserve motif. These collaborations make each visit to Starbucks Japan feel like a fun and artistic experience!
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE DRINK AT STARBUCKS?
Starbucks Japan is known for its wide range of unique flavors, among those, the ones that are easily distinguishable as authentic Japanese flavors are the sakura-themed drinks. These drinks are inspired by Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. When you’re in Japan, make sure to try these spring limited edition drinks. You can also check out our blog about Starbucks’ Japan-exclusive flavors!
TASTE JAPAN WITH 47 JIMOTO FRAPPUCCINO FLAVORS!
Starbucks Japan made 47 special Frappuccino flavors to celebrate its 25th anniversary! This series is called JIMOTO Frappuccino. “Jimoto” means local in Japanese, and each flavor in this series is made by local Starbucks partners and can only be found in its own prefecture. It just shows how much Starbucks loves and appreciates the communities in Japan.
STARBUCKS JAPAN JIMOTO MADE SERIES
Aside from local Japanese flavors, Starbucks Japan also boasts special, regional merchandise. It’s called JIMOTO Made, and it’s a series of products created using local materials from various parts of Japan. This series was created to promote each region of Japan, its industries, and the people who live there. The products from this collection are sold exclusively in local stores, so it’s considered the perfect souvenir gift!
ENJOY STARBUCKS COFFEE AT HOME!
If you don’t have time to line up in a Starbucks store, you can still enjoy your favorite drink at home in many ways! You can buy Starbucks coffee and tea to brew your favorite drink. There are also ready-to-drink Starbucks lattes in cups and bottle which you can buy from a konbini or Japanese convenience store. With all these options, you can have a Starbucks party right in your own kitchen!
IS JAPANESE STARBUCKS EXPENSIVE?
Well, let’s say the price range of the Starbucks Japan menu hits the sweet spot! The Japanese people don't like things that are too cheap, but they also want good value for their money. Starbucks Japan offers just that. It's affordable for people on a budget, but at the same time, it's not so cheap that it feels low-class. So, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly drink or something a bit fancy, Starbucks Japan has got you covered!
HOW TO ORDER STARBUCKS IN JAPAN
Ordering at Starbucks in Japan is easy and fun! You don't need to know Japanese to order your favorite drink. Just say the name of your drink, like "triple grande hot soy latte," and the staff will understand you. The menu items come in both English and Japanese languages, plus some stores have staff who speak English and are ready to assist non-Japanese speaking customers.
The sizes are the same as back home: Tall, Grande, and Venti. If you want to customize your drink, you can use words like "hotto" for hot and "aisu" for iced. If you're unsure, just point at the menu and smile—the friendly baristas are there to help! Another tip: when you get your drink, keep your receipt handy since they call out each drink in order, and not by name. Enjoy your Starbucks experience in Japan, and don't forget to check out the unique drinks and items they offer!
WHERE TO BUY STARBUCKS JAPAN MERCHANDISE
There are a lot of unique and interesting Starbucks goodies, and you can get them in several places! If you’re looking for a special Starbucks Japan tumbler or a Starbucks Japan mug, you can visit any Starbucks store in Japan. They have a variety of unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
You can also check out the Starbucks Japan online store for a bigger selection, including limited edition items. Another place to visit is online stores that sell Japanese products, like Japan Candy Store! Check out our Japanese Starbucks collection of tumblers, mugs, and coffee from Starbucks. Enjoy shopping for your special Starbucks Japan goodies!
So, there you have it – the fascinating world of Starbucks Japan! It’s more than just a coffee shop; it’s a cultural experience, a fashion statement, and a special place to make memories. Starbucks Japan has managed to mix the modern American style with the values and traditions of Japan to make an amazing experience.
Have you been to a Starbucks in Japan? Which drink would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below so our fellow coffee lovers can give it a try!