Starbucks Nakameguro Flagship Store

Located on the banks of the Meguro River in Tokyo, the Starbucks Nakameguro Flagship Store (Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo) is one of Starbucks' most iconic locations in Japan and Asia, and the fifth Starbucks Reserve Roastery globally. Opening in February 2019, this spectacular building, designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, seamlessly blends the Starbucks coffee spirit with Japanese artisan aesthetics, becoming one of Tokyo's most recognizable coffee landmarks. The architectural design, ambiance, and coffee experience all embody the Starbucks brand's unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative spirit.

The Starbucks Nakameguro Flagship Store is located in the Nakameguro area, near the Meguro River, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, their delicate pink petals drifting in the breeze, creating one of Tokyo's most romantic views against the backdrop of the glass building. The four-story building features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and a wooden structure, embodying a transparent, open, and natural design. Kengo Kuma's design, themed "A Fusion of Japanese and Western Style," blends traditional Japanese woodworking techniques with modern craftsmanship, creating a building that exudes both a warm Japanese aesthetic and a modern, international flair. The bronze Starbucks goddess emblem on the exterior gleams in the sunlight, becoming a popular photo op for travelers.

Entering the store, the most striking feature is the 17-meter-tall "Copper Bean Roasting Tower" in the center. This tower, symbolizing the soul of coffee, is engraved with over 2,100 handcrafted copper sheets, which gleam softly under the light. The aroma of roasted coffee beans fills the space, evoking a sense of immersion in the art of coffee. Customers can witness the entire coffee bean production process, from green beans to roasting, grinding, and brewing. This "transparent process experience" is the core concept of Starbucks Reserve.

The first floor houses the main coffee bar, offering a variety of limited-edition single-origin coffees and specialty pour-overs. Baristas, clad in leather aprons, meticulously focus on every detail of each cup, from grinding and temperature control to latte art, embodying the highest level of Starbucks craftsmanship. In addition to classic espresso, guests can savor specialty coffees prepared using a variety of extraction methods, including siphon, Chemex, and Nitro cold brew, catering to every palate.

On the second floor, the Teavana Bar is a tea-themed space. Fusioning Japanese and Western tea culture, it offers a variety of creative tea drinks and desserts, including hojicha-based lattes, yuzu green tea specials, and sparkling matcha and fruit-infused drinks. With graceful movements, the tea mixologists create a "tea theater" at the bar, blending tradition with innovation, offering customers a unique experience of "cultivated aesthetics."

On the third floor, the Arriviamo Bar is designed for those who enjoy creative cocktails. Combining coffee and alcoholic beverages, it offers a variety of exclusive concoctions, such as the Espresso Martini and the Cold Brew Negroni, creating a captivating evening experience. Many customers choose to enjoy a drink here, immersing themselves in the relaxed and romantic atmosphere of Tokyo's nightlife through the fusion of coffee and wine.

The fourth floor houses the AMU Inspiration Lounge, a space dedicated to special events, lectures, and coffee workshops. It also hosts art exhibitions and baking workshops. This area is frequently rented by businesses, designers, and artists, serving as a venue for cultural exchange and creative inspiration, symbolizing that Starbucks is more than just a coffee brand; it's a lifestyle promoter.

Beyond the beverages, the Starbucks Nakameguro Flagship Store's dessert and bakery areas are also worth a visit. In partnership with the Italian bakery Princi, they offer a wide variety of European-style breads, pizzas, desserts, and croissants. The aroma of freshly baked goods permeates the space daily, complementing the irresistible aroma of pour-over or espresso coffee. Many customers come specifically for the Princi Napoli pizza or tiramisu croissant, creating a perfect "coffee + bakery + culture" experience.

The Starbucks Nakameguro Flagship Store is also renowned for its thoughtful design details. The handrails between floors are carved with cherry blossom motifs, evoking the spring scenery of the Meguro River. Japanese washi paper and bamboo are used to create a soft, shadowy effect. The music played throughout the store changes with the time of day, from refreshing jazz in the morning to low-key blues in the evening, ensuring a unique experience with each visit.

Every spring, this location is a popular spot for "Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing." Through the store's large glass windows, visitors can overlook the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the entire Meguro River, where the delicate pink petals and the aroma of coffee intertwine to create a romantic scene. Many people reserve seats during cherry blossom season just to sip a cup of coffee and admire the dancing blossoms on a sunny afternoon.

Overall, the Starbucks Nakameguro Flagship Store is more than just a café; it is a living stage that blends art, culture, and nature. It embodies the Starbucks concept of a "third place"—a place of respite beyond home and work—to the fullest. Here, coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a culture, an experience, and a feeling. Whether you are a coffee lover, an architecture enthusiast, or just a traveler looking for a quiet corner in Tokyo, the Nakameguro Starbucks flagship store is worth your stop to savor the elegance and warmth that belongs to Tokyo.

Post by Nicola_Kyo | Oct 23, 2025