Experience A Unique Starbucks Cafe
Preserved In Taisho-era
Higashiyama, Kyoto, September 7, 2019
On our way to Yasaka Shrine, among the hundred-years-old houses sukiya-zukuri style residence, we came across an amazing Starbucks store preserved in a Taisho-era building. The exterior of this Starbucks store blends seamlessly with the surroundings historical buildings.
It’s located in Ninenzaka, between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. This street that has been traditionally preserved, and it’s where we truly experienced the essence of Kyoto. The cobblestone road, the traditional darkwood Japanese architecture, and the quaint little stores made it felt like we’re stepping back in time to Imperial Japan.
The inside of the cafe looks more modern while still maintaining a low-profile and minimalist atphosphere. It has the same welcoming and comfortable environment that we loved. This particulare store’s interior, with natural material like wood and lime walls, truly reflects the local culture and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
We were warmly welcomed by the staff upon entering, and we were relieved to find that they spoke English. I asked if I could take a few photos around, and they were very kind and accomodating.
This starbucks store is of a decent size, with around 50 seats. However, due to it’s location in a busy tourist area, seating can be limited. There is a waiting area next to he ordering station. While most people chose to take their orders to go, we decided to stay and enjoy the experience.
At the end of the long corridor, leading from the waiting area, we found a small inner garden. It’s one of the unique features inside this Starbucks. Although we can only enjoy the garden through the glass doors, it creates a peaceful atmosphere for patrons to enjoy while sipping their coffee.
We ordered three drinks. The first drink was Iced YUZU Citrus & Passion Tea. The second was a simple Iced White Mocha, perfect for a hot summer day. The last drink we chose was the SAKURA Strawberry Pink Milk Latte, a specialty drink not available in Canada. We had to try it, but it turned out to be a bit too sweet and rich for our taste.
Our drinks arrived quickly, and we were fortunate to find a spot upstairs. Since we visited in September, it wasn’t too busy. However, during peak tourist season, I imagine it would be harder to find a spot as people tend to sit here for a while.
The upstair seating area includes room with tatami mat flooring, where guests are required to remove their shoes before entering. The tatami mats add to the authentic experience, and the cushions are laid out on the tatami mats to create a cozy spot for enjoying your drinks.
The decor is minimalist and elegant, featuring wooden aesthetics. The room showcase a simple seasonal flower arrangements and traditional Japanese art on the wall. This setup succesfully blends the traditional Japanese tea room experience with the modern coffee culture.
We were sharing the room with other customers, as it’s spacious enough to host about 10 people. There was a group of Japanese school girls on a school field trip, dressed in beautiful Kimonos. The vibrant colors cought Nathan’s eye, and he went over to say hi and started to play with them. The girls were so friendly. They were impressed by how well-behaved and cute he was that we ended up mingling with them. This spot is great for making new friends.
Overall, our visit to the Starbucks at Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya in Kyoto left us with great memories. The cafe was a delightful blend of modern coffee culture and traditional Japanese ambiance. This Starbucks location not only offers delicious drinks but also a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and make new friends. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience something special in Kyoto.