Kyoto, a city that has flourished as Japan's capital for over 1000 years. Centered around the Imperial Palace where emperors and royal families resided, numerous temples and shrines were built, and an elegant culture unique to the capital developed. Many of these historical buildings are still strictly preserved today, with many registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
In fact, Kyoto has many unique Starbucks locations that exude a Kyoto-like atmosphere, so much so that some people visit specifically for them.
Among these, there are special Starbucks known as "Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores" in Japan. We'll introduce you to Starbucks locations where you can immerse yourself in a Kyoto-like atmosphere, including the world's only Starbucks with tatami mats.
If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Cafes, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Best Cafes I recommend and how I felt each Cafes.
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A Starbucks with "Tatami Rooms" Exists in Kyoto
Since the first Starbucks in Japan opened in Tokyo's Ginza in 1996, its popularity has spread rapidly. It quickly expanded nationwide, and currently, about 1900 Starbucks stores are loved by local residents across the country.
Among these numerous stores, "Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores" hold a special place.
Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores are locations with higher cultural value, utilizing places that symbolize the region, such as historically designated buildings or structures with traditional architectural styles.
There are only 28 such stores across Japan, and due to their rarity, they are also popular as tourist spots. The prime example of this is the "Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store."
Its most distinctive feature is that it's the only Starbucks in the world with "tatami rooms." Located on Ninenzaka, which leads to the World Heritage site Kiyomizu Temple, why not visit after praying at Kiyomizu Temple and enjoy a unique break time?
Three Highlights of Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store
A Kyoto-like Appearance Created by Renovating a Townhouse
source： Official website
Ninenzaka is a historical area where you can enjoy the traditional landscape of machiya (buildings for both residence and business) from the 1800s to early 1900s. Blending in while creating a modern atmosphere is the Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store. Here, you can thoroughly enjoy the ambiance unique to traditional Japanese houses over 100 years old.
The building used is a Kyoto townhouse with a daibei (large wall), which refers to a gate and wall. Daibei were said to be built exclusively for residences of wealthy merchants and doctors at the time. It's the only structure remaining as it was along Ninenzaka, making it very valuable and worth seeing just for this.
The interior is a special space that maintains as much of the building's original form as possible while incorporating sophisticated Starbucks-like furnishings throughout.
The World's First Customer Seating with "Tatami Rooms"
source：Official website
The Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store attracts attention as the world's first Starbucks with "tatami rooms" (traditional Japanese flooring material). On the second floor, there are three tatami spaces: a Japanese-style room overlooking the back garden, a 4.5-tatami room (about 7-8 square meters) with a private room feel, and a raised floor area. It offers an atmosphere reminiscent of an old Japanese inn.
You can relax by taking off your shoes, and the sense of liberation will completely soothe your travel fatigue. The inner Japanese-style room has a tokonoma (a slightly raised alcove in a Japanese-style room, considered a sacred place for gods in Japan) with artistic hanging scrolls and seasonal flowers beautifully arranged, expressing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
Please sit on cushions incorporating Kyoto's traditional techniques such as Tango chirimen and Nishijin-ori, and relax.
Interior Decorations that Evoke a Kyoto-like Feel
source：Official website
Numerous contemporary artworks skillfully incorporate Japanese traditional techniques and Kyoto's traditional crafts, sublimated with new interpretations. You can enjoy luxurious moments savoring a cup of bliss while appreciating dynamic works that make you feel the artists' passion.
Siren Art Made with Japanese Paper
One of the features of the Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store is the incorporation of art that crosses over the good old traditions with the present throughout the interior.
Original siren art made with washi (Japanese paper) and fabrics woven using the same technique as Nishijin-ori, one of Kyoto's traditional crafts, each piece exudes presence while matching the space.
Some works on display are by JUN INOUE, who created the mural at Nike headquarters, attracting attention for their high-sensitivity art selection known to connoisseurs. The fragrant coffee enjoyed in this refined atmosphere, as if in a gallery, is truly exceptional.
<Store Information>
・Address: 349 Masuya-cho, Shimogawara Higashi-iru, Koudaiji Minamimondori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Access:
7-minute walk from Kiyomizumichi bus stop on Kyoto City Bus routes 206 & 100 from JR Kyoto Station
7-minute walk from Kiyomizumichi bus stop on Kyoto City Bus route 207 from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
7-minute walk from Kiyomizumichi bus stop on Keihan Bus routes 83, 85, 87 & 88 from Keihan Main Line Gion-Shijo Station
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-532-0601
・Hours: 8:00-20:00
・Official website
Three Starbucks Where You Can Feel Kyoto's Elegant Atmosphere
Kyoto Uji Byodoin Omotesando Store
source： Official website
The "Kyoto Uji Byodoin Omotesando Store" stands on the approach to Byodoin, a World Heritage-registered temple that also appears on Japanese currency. Like the Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store, it's popular as a Regional Landmark Store.
The beautiful space design, rich in greenery and in harmony with the surrounding townscape, is impressive, and the autumn foliage of Byodoin spreading before your eyes is soothing to the heart. The interior has high ceilings and large glass windows that let in soft sunlight, creating an open design.
The garden facing the terrace is also atmospheric, and it's recommended to visit during the light-up time. Here too, you can see original artwork combining Kyoto's lacquer art and coffee bean sacks.
Please check out the interior that allows you to feel the fusion with Kyoto's culture.
<Store Information>
・Address: 21-18 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Access: 11-minute walk from the south exit of JR Nara Line Uji Station, 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line Uji Station
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 0774-25-7277
・Hours: 8:00-20:00
・Official website
Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store
source：STARBUCKS STORIES JAPAN
The "Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store" is located at the foot of Sanjo Ohashi bridge along the Kamo River, which flows through the center of Kyoto. With the peaceful scenery of the Kamo River just outside the window, it's a place where you can feel Kyoto's rich nature despite being in an urban area.
One enjoyment unique to the Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store worldwide is the experience of "Noryo Yuka," a summer tradition in Kyoto.
Noryo Yuka is a Kyoto-specific custom held annually from May to September. About 100 restaurants and ryokan along the Kamo River set up elevated floor seating extending over the river. Enjoying meals while feeling the river breeze and cooling off - you can experience this summer tradition of Kyoto that has continued since the 1600s only at the Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store.
At Starbucks Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store, you can enjoy Noryo Yuka without additional charge when you purchase products. As Kyoto's summers can be severely hot, please enjoy a cool moment on the Noryo Yuka.
<Store Information>
・Address: 1F Omiya Building, 113 Nakajima-cho, Sanjo-dori Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Keihan Main Line Sanjo Station
6-minute walk from Exit 2 of Kyoto Subway Tozai Line Sanjo Keihan Station
7-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kyoto Subway Tozai Line Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-213-2326
・Hours: 8:00-23:00
・Official website
Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku Store
source：Karasuma Keizai Shinbun
The "Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku Store" faces the temple "Shiunzan Chohoji," long known by the nickname "Rokkakudo" and beloved by locals. This store offers a quintessentially Kyoto experience of drinking coffee while gazing at the beautiful hexagonal-shaped hall.
Large glass windows reaching the ceiling create a sense of unity with Rokkakudo. While the design allows Rokkakudo to be seen from any seat in the store, the front-row sofa seats are indeed the best viewpoint. Inside the store, kimono tapestries created by Kyoto-based dyer Kotaro Omura are displayed, with seasonal displays throughout the year.
The presentation that makes you feel the changing of Japan's seasons also reflects the meticulous care typical of Kyoto.
<Store Information>
・Address: 254 Donomae-cho, Higashi-no-toin Nishi-iru, Rokkaku-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Kyoto Subway Tozai & Karasuma Line Karasuma Oike Station
11-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line Shijo Station
8-minute walk from Exit 21 of Hankyu Kyoto Line Karasuma Station
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-257-7325
・Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00-22:00, Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 8:00-22:00
・Official website
Two Starbucks with Attractive Modern Atmospheres
Kyoto BAL Store
source：BAL Official website
Over 80 contemporary art pieces fill the space from the entrance to the walls, ceiling, and table tops... The "Kyoto BAL Store," with its unique and artistic worldview that sets it apart from other stores, is located on the 3rd floor of "Kyoto BAL," a commercial building that houses top global brands. It's perfect for a break between shopping.
The creative collective "SANDWICH," led by Kohei Nawa, one of Japan's leading sculptors, is involved in the art direction, exhibiting works by young artists active across Japan. As Kyoto has many art universities and museums, it's said that many art-related customers visit.
It's also said to be an important presentation venue for artists, as "having a place to exhibit increases motivation and quality for creation." If you want to enjoy not just tradition and Kyoto-like aspects but also Kyoto's "modern side" incorporating contemporary art, please visit.
<Store Information>
・Address: 3F Kyoto BAL, 251 Yamazaki-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Access: 9-minute walk from Exit 6 of Keihan Main Line Sanjo Station
8-minute walk from Exit 3 of Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
11-minute walk from Exit 2 of Subway Tozai Line Sanjo Keihan Station
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-746-6710
・Hours: 11:00-20:00
・Official website
Kyoto Okazaki TSUTAYA Bookstore
source：T-site Official website
Facing Okazaki Park with its refreshing green lawn and trees, the "Kyoto Okazaki TSUTAYA Bookstore." The Starbucks here is attached to the "TSUTAYA Bookstore," known for its sensible book selection, allowing you to enjoy leisurely reading as well.
Okazaki is a popular area not just for sightseeing but also for art, with famous shrines and temples like Heian Shrine, and cultural facilities like The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto and Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art gathered here.
The TSUTAYA Bookstore often sells books related to popular art exhibitions, so after seeing an exhibition at a nearby museum, you could take a coffee break at Starbucks and then look for a book related to the exhibition. Or you could take out a drink and stroll through Okazaki Park.
For those who want to spend a relaxed time, it's recommended to spend a day in Okazaki and at the Kyoto Okazaki TSUTAYA Bookstore.
<Store Information>
・Address: ROHM Theatre Kyoto, 13 Okazaki Saishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Access: 13-minute walk from Exit 2 of Subway Tozai Line Higashiyama Station, 19-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sanjo Keihan Station
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-754-0400
・Hours: 8:00-22:00
・Official website
If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Cafes, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Best Cafes I recommend and how I felt each Cafes.
sena kanda