We’re so excited over the new landmark of Kyoto, and can’t wait to teleport ourselves there right now!
You might have already heard about the news of the “few hours old” Tatami Styled Starbucks building along Ninenzaka Street (yes it just opened today). But before you dismiss it as yet coffee joint or think it’s all gimmick, here’s everything you need to know why you must give it a visit.
1. It Holds Over 100 Years of History
This particular Starbucks branch which goes by the name “Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Tea Shop” (translated from Japanese) is housed in a traditional 2 floor Japanese home that was constructed more than a century ago and was previously used to host geishas. For those who are born with a bad sense of directions, no worries, for the branch is situated near the popular Kiyomizu temple, so just follow the crowd.
Credit: Moshi Moshi Nippon
2. It Retains the Daibeizukuri Style
The building stands out among the others not for its iconic blue noren, but for the way that it is designed. The Starbucks branch does not face the streets directly, such that it incorporates the “daibeizkuri” style (a walled fence that separates itself from the streets). Another “wow” factor is, it is the only building along Ninenzaka that preserves the wall as-is from when it is built.
Credit: Tsunaga Japan
3. It Creates the Experience of Passing Through a Tori Niwa
The ground floor leverages on the building’s shape and creates the experience of passing through a “tori niwa” (shown below) for all patrons. For the uninitiated, the tori niwa is a pathway with an earthen flooring that leads from the entrance to the back of the house.
Credit: Tsunaga Japan
4. It Has Unique Basins
The first storey offers 3 courtyards, each with gardens and unique stone water basins, known as tsukubai. Nature sunlight coupled with flora and fauna make the perfect backdrop to get that OOTD, don’t you agree?
Credit: Zen.Org (for illustration purposes only)
5. It Offers Tatami Styled Rooms
The second floor consists of 3 rooms with tatami (a floor covering in Japanese homes). Here you can remove your shoes, sit on the comfy tatami (or the comfy zabuton cushions) and spend an idyllic afternoon sipping your cup of joe away. Each of the room also has its own original hanging scroll to maintain the union of both Kyoto and Starbucks culture.
Credit: Wow Japan
Not excited yet? Watch the video below then.
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