Starbucks Coffee Japan aims to blend in
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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.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is unique about the design and theme of the new Starbucks cafe in Uji, Kyoto?
What is unique about the design and theme of the new Starbucks cafe in Uji, Kyoto?
The cafe aims to blend in with a local tea culture theme, featuring a gable roof to match local custom and decor related to Uji tea. It is situated along the front approach to Byodoin temple.
Q.How large will the new Starbucks outlet be, and what is its seating capacity?
How large will the new Starbucks outlet be, and what is its seating capacity?
The new outlet will measure 142 square metres. It will offer a total of 60 seats, with 41 located inside the cafe and an additional 19 seats available for customers outdoors.
Q.Has Starbucks previously opened cafes in culturally significant heritage sites outside of Japan?
Has Starbucks previously opened cafes in culturally significant heritage sites outside of Japan?
Yes, Starbucks previously operated a 19 square metre outlet within the 587-year-old Forbidden City in Beijing. However, this particular location was closed following public protests.
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