Starbucks Old-Japan Style - Kyoto - Letters from Japan

Starbuck's newest location in Ninenkaza Kyoto is truly unique and well worth a look, as it has been converted from an authentic, 100-year old machiya wooden townhouse in the well-preserved historical district of Higashimya.
The store features three tatami rooms (one is actually a raised platform) Japanese gardens that can be viewed through floor to ceiling windows, two coffee bars (on in the front and one in the back), and additional seating areas both upstairs and downstairs. Only in Japan could such a store exist.
Music by Adam Pacione
adampacione.com

[@chamekke]

This Starbucks limits the number of people who can be present at any one time. The trick (in my experience) is to get there before 10 AM, when the crowds begin to hit Ninenzaka. IMO the loveliest room is the rear room, which is very traditional, but the others are interesting too. I study tea ceremony and it was a fun change to sip a latte, rather than a bowl of matcha, when kneeling on tatami in front of a tokonoma! Definitely a very pleasurable experience.

[@LettersfromJapan]

Totally agree - early morning is the best time.

[@dectel257]

Been there!! Loved it. I’ll visit again for sure.

[@teateaoh2839]

I just missed the opening of that Starbucks when I was there. 😪. Oh well hopefully next trip! Awesome video!

[@LettersfromJapan]

That's too bad... but yes, you should definitely check it out next time around.

[@strappernick9891]

Very nice - I would have to check that one out! Isn't there a gigantic Starbucks in downtown Tokyo?

[@brianschwarz]

Good work.

[@LettersfromJapan]

Thanks Brian!

[@SimonsLivingroom]

I walked past there while it was under construction. Looks really nice inside. Only the rather naff plastic topped frappucino beakers look a bit incongruous. Still its a bit less intimidating than attempting to enter one of the tea houses.😁 I might give it a try when I'm back next year.

[@LettersfromJapan]

Right on. Now that I think about it, I didn't order anything while I was there. Still, the atmosphere alone is well worth it.

[@carmcam1]

I went there at night, I was surprised that they closed at 8 p.m. ..never got the chance to come back because my itinerary was jam pack. Will go back there just to experience the interior

[@LettersfromJapan]

Hope you get a chance to go again! (Go early in the morning!)

[@gajananpathak6945]

waiting for a live stream I hope you will make it quick 😁

[@LettersfromJapan]

I would definitely do a live stream if I could get my portable wifi to work properly. Maybe soon... (maybe)