Starbucks Coffee Japan aims to blend in

Starbucks Coffee Japan is aiming to blend in with its first cafe in Uji, Kyoto, giving it a local tea culture theme.

The branch of the US coffee chain will be opened by the front gate of Byodoin temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on March 31.

It will occupy a space along the front approach to the temple, offering customers a view of the Ujigawa promenade. The 142 sqm outlet will have 41 seats inside and 19 outside.

A gable roof will match local custom, and decor features will be related to Uji tea culture.
Another cafe and a parking lot stood on the site until last year.

Ten years ago, Starbucks had a 19 sqm outlet in the 587-year-old Forbidden City in Beijing, but protests led to the Seattle-based company closing it.