5 Tokyo Starbucks with the Coolest Vibes!

When Starbucks first arrived in Japan, it was just a simple coffee shop. But as more and more shops opened across the country, the company started to get more creative with their locations and architecture.

Just Tokyo alone has over 300 Starbucks to choose from. From a refreshing nature break in a park, to the buzz of the downtown core, to a mecca for coffee gourmands, the capital has got an amazing selection of cool Starbucks locations to check off your bucket list.

Let’s have a look at 5 of our favorites:

1) Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Park)

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is located in both Shibuya and Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Opened in March 2020, this location was originally a rest stop before it was revamped into a Starbucks cafe. Located between the French Formal Garden and the English Landscape Garden, this two-floor modern building features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio. Perfect for soaking in the view of Nananoike pond. So whatever the weather, you can still enjoy an escape to nature while sipping on your favorite latte.

Shinjuku Park is famous for both their cherry blossoms and fall leaves, so even though this shop is relatively new, it’s already become a destination for nature lovers who just happen to live in one of the biggest cities in the world. (Gotta make the best of it right?)

2) Starbucks Reserve Roastery Meguro

The Tokyo Reserve Roastery is the biggest in the world, beating out Seattle, Shanghai, Milan, and New York.

The first Starbucks Reserve Roastery was opened in Seattle in 1971, and this Tokyo version (only the fifth roastery in the world) takes a page from them with their commitment to innovation, craft, and a fully immersive experience. From the moment you walk in, there’s a lot to take in with a mix of geometric wood patterns and the steampunk vibes of the huge copper cask at the center.

This location is actually a whole building with 4 floors to explore. You start on the 1st floor, which is all about the craft. Learn about the journey from bean to cup, as well as a bakery section with artisanal breads, pastries, and more.

Next, you move up to the 2nd floor which is all about tea, specifically the significance of tea in Japanese culture. It features a full tea bar and selection of exclusive blends from Teavana. 

Upwards to the 3rd floor which has a fun and mixology-inspired Arriviamo Cocktail Bar. Here you can sit on the balcony outside for an amazing view of the city. 

Finally, onto the AMU Inspiration Lounge on the 4th floor: a space to learn, discover, and discuss.

And, as if exploring this whole building wasn’t cool enough, it’s located right on the Meguro River, famous for being lined with absolutely gorgeous cherry blossom trees.

Just like Starbucks Japan's amazing locations, there's no end to the interesting flavors and discoveries available year-round in a TokyoTreat Japanese snack box!

3) Yomiuri Land Hana Biyori

Step into a botanical fairyland with this Yomiuri Land location.

Starbucks IN a botanical garden? Yeah, we couldn’t believe it either.

This is one of the newest Starbucks in Tokyo, which opened in June 2020. It’s located in the Hana Biyori Green House, which is part of the Yomiuri Land amusement park gardens.

Perfect for any garden or plant lover, the cafe is absolutely packed with flowers, trees, and shrubs that create an amazing botanical bonanza. As if that wasn’t enough, there is even an 8 meter long aquarium!

Of course, to visit this location, you’ll first have to pay the 1,200 yen admission to the botanical garden, but for all the flower childs, this is an experience not to be missed!

4) Tokyu Plaza Omotesando

Tokyu Plaza was designed by Hiroshi Nakamura.

Heading to Harajuku? Don’t miss out on this rooftop oasis designed by Japanese architect Hiroshi Nakamura. The Starbucks is located on the 6th floor, with a huge patio, full sized trees, and a view of the city. But it’s the entrance to Tokyu Plaza that grabs all the attention.

The geometric, futuristic mirrored installation reflects the crowds on the street and the shoppers going up the escalator for an eye-catching display. Plus, if you time it right, you can also squeeze in a trip to Meiji Jingu shrine, which is just a few steps down the street.

5) Tsutaya at Shibuya Crossing

This Shibuya Starbucks is the ultimate spot if you love people watching.

And of course, we had to save the classic Starbucks location for last. Almost everyone who comes to visit Tokyo HAS to experience Shibuya Crossing, and who can blame them? The people, the shops, the restaurants, the area has always got something going on.

But for those who really want the best view (and photos) of all those people crossing the streets at once, the Shibuya Tsutaya Starbucks located on the 1st and 2nd floors is the place to be. It’s right on the other side of the crossing, so impossible to miss. But, get there early or be prepared to wait. Everyone else wants the perfect shot too!

Always Time for a Starbucks

Tokyo is a city that’s always changing, so even though these are our top 5 picks for now, we know it won’t be long before an amazing new location is unveiled.

Which one of our picks do you vibe with? Let us know in the comments below!