Where is the world's most beautiful Starbucks? Japan, of course.
In Toyama city's Kansui Park is a shop that has won awards for it's design, but it's also the location that makes it beautiful. Those big windows overlook a lake in a park, the building resting upon grass, surrounded by sakura trees. The fresh air off the sea of Japan and the beautiful sunsets over the nearby Japanese Alps can't be forgotten. I could sip a hot cappuccino all day here.

But wait! Starbucks newest shop in Kyoto (Ninenzaka) is a traditional tea house that looks centuries old! It's hard to tell it's a Starbucks until you see the sign. Inside, it's like going back in time. You definitely feel Kyoto's historical vibe sitting on tatami sipping macha tea ... lattes. This may also be the world's most beautiful shop.

Hakodate in Hokkaido is home to what many consider to be the "coziest Starbucks in the world". It's got a fireplace, wide open rooms and stairs, natural hard wood floors and a beautiful deck that overlooks Hakodate Bay. It's super cozy!

Yeah, visiting Starbucks is certainly one attraction for many visitors because it seems more than just a chain coffee shop. To me, it a reflection of the world around us -- and a really good cup of coffee.

THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED VIDEO.
I made this episode from a suggestion from a viewer in 2016 :) I also like Starbucks Japan because it's the only cafe chain that is non-smoking and has excellent coffee.

LOCATIONS featured in this video:
★ Toyama Kansui Park
https://goo.gl/maps/ffNhQMeTHpF2
★ Hakodate Bayside
☆ Shibuya Tsutaya
☆ Omotesando / Harajuku Tokyu Plaza
☆ Okachimachi
☆ Tokyo Yaesu Sakura Dori
☆ Akihabara
☆ Ueno Onishi Parek
★ Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya
https://goo.gl/maps/SrwnJMFjZ2U2

Historical note: The first Starbucks in Japan was opened in Ginza in 1996 and is located here. https://goo.gl/maps/7oVzxNJGWkn
It is being renovated until August 2017.

☆ Subtitles / this channel is supported by community subtitling! If you have the time to help, it is very much appreciated! You will be given credit as a contributor for this episode.
http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?ref=share&v=fQRt56aZnnk

MUSIC CREDIT:
* Panama Hat by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
* Payday / Jason Farnham

John on Instagram: http://instagram.com/onlyinjapantv

This show has been created and produced by John Daub ジョン・ドーブ. He's been living and working in Japan for over 19 years and regularly reports on TV for Japan's International Channel.