Kyoto Starbucks
Starbucks Coffee, a globally recognized coffee brand, boasts numerous outlets across Japan, becoming a favorite spot for both residents and tourists. Across the country, certain special concept stores have gained particular popularity. For instance, the Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya, which opened its doors on June 30, 2017, stands out as the first Starbucks set in a machiya, a traditional Japanese wooden townhouse. This store is situated in Ninenzaka, a well-known street that leads to the Kiyomizudera Temple, a site on the World Heritage list.
With over 26,000 outlets spread across 75 countries globally, including 1,260 in Japan alone, this American coffeehouse chain ranks as the world’s largest. In Kyoto, where the brand boasts 26 other locations, this particular Starbucks is distinctive – it either stands out or blends in, depending on your perspective.
About Kyoto Starbucks
The creation of Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya was a decade-long journey from conception to fruition. Kyoto, already familiar with concept stores that offer a traditional Japanese ambiance, includes notable examples like the Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku near the birthplace of ikebana at Rokkakudo Temple, and the Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi, which features a terrace overlooking the Kamo River. The Starbucks team aimed to establish an unparalleled store that would reflect Kyoto’s rich culture and history more profoundly than ever. However, this ambition presented significant challenges.
Tucked away on the inconspicuous Ninenzaka street, which could easily be overlooked, there exists a unique Starbucks establishment. Deeply embedded in the cultural tapestry of Kyoto, Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya in Japan represents a blend of international coffee culture and local historical essence, having welcomed its first visitors in 2017. Picture a traditional Japanese machiya (wooden townhouse) converted into a sanctuary of coffee, where each corner subtly narrates Kyoto’s cultural stories, from traditional noren curtains to a roof lantern adorned with the Starbucks logo.
Securing an ideal location proved difficult, as most traditional Japanese structures are too compact to accommodate a large coffee shop. Additionally, renovating an ancient building to meet modern standards was a formidable task. Even after a suitable building was found, transforming it into a Starbucks while adhering to regulatory standards was complex. The successful establishment of the Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya store was ultimately possible thanks to collaboration with local authorities
