Osaka's Special Starbucks Guide 2024!
Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolis after Tokyo, has long served as a hub for merchants and logistics. Known as "the nation's kitchen" (tenka no daidokoro), it has seen remarkable development in commerce and food culture.
Today, Osaka attracts high-quality ingredients and popular restaurants from all over Japan. Its number of Michelin-starred establishments ranks fourth globally, following Tokyo, Paris, and Kyoto.
With a population of about 8.8 million, Osaka is home to approximately 7% of Japan's total population and 10% of the foreign residents in Japan. This diversity is reflected in the wide variety of dining options, including both independent and chain restaurants.
In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the most unique Osaka Starbucks locations that offer a special charm you won't find elsewhere.
Osaka: The Heart of Kansai with Captivating Starbucks Locations
Osaka boasts 154 Starbucks stores. We've carefully selected locations that stand out for their architectural design or unique menu offerings, providing experiences you can't get at regular stores.
These special Osaka Starbucks blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them perfect for photo opportunities. Relax and savor the ambiance along with your coffee at these stylish venues.
Introducing Four Chic Osaka Starbucks and Their Unique Charms
1. Osaka Castle Park Morinomiya Store
Source: Official website
The Starbucks Coffee Osaka Castle Park Morinomiya store is located within the vast Osaka Castle Park, centered around Osaka Castle.
This standalone store, set amidst abundant nature, features a design inspired by the stone walls of Osaka Castle's main tower. You'll notice stone materials used throughout the store, including the counter seats, terrace seats, and flooring.
Enjoy your café time while taking in the lush nature visible through the glass-walled interior.
Store Interior with a View of Osaka Castle and Park
Source: Official website
The Osaka Castle Park Morinomiya store features a beautiful glass-walled design that seamlessly blends the interior and exterior. Abundant natural light floods the store, and the windows offer panoramic views of the lush Osaka Castle Park. The extensive use of wood in the ceiling and furniture adds a warm, natural feel.
Nearby, you'll find fountains, expansive lawns, and benches. Consider getting your drinks to-go and enjoying them while strolling through the park.
Behind the store, on higher ground, you can see the majestic Osaka Castle. Sipping your coffee while admiring Osaka's iconic symbol amidst nature makes for an unforgettable experience.
Sharp Design Inspired by Osaka Castle's Stone Walls
Source: Official website
One of Osaka Castle's main tower's notable features is its stone walls, tightly packed without gaps. Drawing inspiration from these walls, the store's furniture incorporates stone designs in various places.
Look for the large stones used in the counter seat legs and the round stone-like furniture on the terrace. These design elements help the store blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
One corner of the store displays artwork by local Osaka artists. Whether you're enjoying the greenery of Osaka Castle Park or appreciating the art, this Osaka Starbucks offers a unique space to spend your time as you please.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 3-9 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 7-minute walk from Morinomiya Station (Exit 3-A) / 11-minute walk from Osaka Jo-koen Station
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6910-1645
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2. Starbucks Coffee LINKS UMEDA 2nd Floor Store
Source: Tabelog
The Starbucks Coffee LINKS UMEDA 2nd Floor store is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Osaka Station. This Osaka Starbucks is known for its distinctive glass-walled design.
The exterior, covered in plants, provides a natural oasis amidst the urban landscape of towering buildings. Inside, natural light floods the space, allowing you to enjoy your café time while taking in the urban views through the windows.
Its proximity to Osaka Station and Umeda Station makes it perfect for a shopping break.
A Forest-Like Exterior in the Heart of Umeda
Source: Tabelog
This Osaka Starbucks is a standalone store located on the 2nd floor of LINKS UMEDA, within the Lausanne Terrace area. Its most striking feature is the forest-like exterior wall covered in plants, making it a popular spot for photos.
The store is beautiful both during the day when the greenery shines and at night when it's illuminated. The sudden appearance of this forest-like façade stands out dramatically among the surrounding urban buildings.
Warm, Wood-Based Interior: An Urban Oasis
Source: Tabelog
This Osaka Starbucks spans two floors. On the second floor, you'll find several thick pillars, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of tall trees in a forest. The bright interior, filled with natural light, offers a relaxing space to unwind.
Being in the heart of Umeda, this store can get busy during the day. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the quieter morning hours. If you're staying nearby, why not stop by for breakfast?
<Facility Information>
- Address: LINKS UMEDA 2F, Yodobashi Umeda Tower, 1-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 3-minute walk from Umeda Station (Exit 5) / 5-minute walk from Osaka-Umeda Station (Chayamachi Exit) / 5-minute walk from Osaka Station (Midosuji North Exit)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Last Order: 10:45 PM)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-4256-7703
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Takashi Nakadomari
3. Starbucks Coffee LUCUA 2nd Floor Store
Source: Official website
The Starbucks Coffee LUCUA 2nd Floor store is a "TEAVANA™" location, offering a wide variety of tea menus not available at regular stores.
TEAVANA™ is a new Starbucks concept that started in Roppongi, Tokyo, in 2020. This Osaka Starbucks opened in 2022 as the first TEAVANA™ store in Western Japan.
In addition to the regular menu, this store offers an extensive selection of tea-focused items. Whether you're a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
Enjoy Tea-Focused Menus Unavailable at Regular Starbucks
Source: FASHION PRESS
This Osaka Starbucks offers unique tea menus alongside their regular offerings. Try the "Japanese Chai Tea Latte," which blends hojicha with cinnamon and Japanese pepper, or the "Strawberry & Passion Tea," featuring passion tea with orange peel flavor and strawberry pulp. These flavorful tea options are exclusive to select locations.
TEAVANA™-focused stores are rare, with only 15 locations among the approximately 1,900 Starbucks Coffee shops across Japan.
Why not savor these visually appealing, limited-edition tea menus in the bright, sunlit interior of this unique Osaka Starbucks?
<Facility Information>
- Address: LUCUA osaka 2F, 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 3-minute walk from Umeda Station (Exit 3-A) / 4-minute walk from Osaka Station (Central North Exit) / 3-minute walk from Osaka-Umeda Station (Osaka Station Exit)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6151-1171
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4. Starbucks Coffee Sennan Rinku Park Store
Source: Tabelog
The Starbucks Coffee Sennan Rinku Park store is located in the restaurant area of the community space within Sennan Rinku Park.
From the glass-walled interior, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the blue sea and sky. With terrace seating available, this Osaka Starbucks is perfect for those who want to enjoy their café time while feeling the ocean breeze.
Open and Airy Interior with Sea Views
Source: Tabelog
The front of the store offers panoramic views of the sea and sky, allowing you to enjoy stunning vistas while sipping your coffee. The bright interior, filled with natural light, creates a beautiful and relaxing café experience.
I recommend the terrace seats where you can feel the sea breeze. Away from the urban hustle and bustle, you can enjoy a leisurely time listening to the sound of waves with coffee in hand.
Another great option is to get your drinks to-go and sit on the beach, enjoying your beverage while gazing at the sea.
Must-See Sunset: One of Japan's Top 100 Sunset Views
Source: Tabelog
In addition to the open sea views during the day, the sunset here is not to be missed. The "Tarui Southern Beach" and "Sennan Marble Beach" in front of the store are among Japan's Top 100 Sunset Viewing Spots.
Here, you can witness a magical sunset scene where the sky turns shades of red and orange, accompanied by planes taking off from Kansai International Airport on the opposite shore.
As it's only about 10 minutes from Kansai International Airport, if you have an evening flight, consider visiting on your way to the airport. You're sure to encounter an unforgettable view that will leave a lasting impression.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 3-201 Rinku Minamihama, Sennan-shi, Osaka (Inside Sennan Rinku Park)
- Access: 16-minute walk from Tarui Station / 22-minute walk from Okadaura Station (South Exit) / 2-minute walk from Saiseikai Shin-Sennan Hospital bus stop
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 072-468-6740
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When Visiting Kansai, Don't Miss the Charming Starbucks in Kyoto with Traditional Japanese Design!
Adjacent to Osaka, Kyoto offers Starbucks locations that incorporate traditional Japanese architectural styles. Be sure to experience these special Starbucks spaces that blend seamlessly into Kyoto's historic landscape.
Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store: A Townhouse Exterior with Tatami Rooms
Source: Official website
Located on Ninenzaka near Kiyomizu Temple, this Starbucks is housed in a traditional Japanese building over 100 years old. It has been carefully renovated to maintain the atmosphere of the historic townhouse as much as possible. Even the iconic green logo is presented on a wooden sign to preserve the area's aesthetics.
The interior features subdued lighting, creating a calm space to enjoy Starbucks drinks.
My recommendation is the tatami seating area where you remove your shoes. You can experience Japanese culture while relaxing on cushions.
The store interior showcases elements of Japanese culture, including wall art made from washi paper and fabrics featuring traditional Japanese patterns created using time-honored techniques.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 349 Masuya-cho, Shimogawara Higashi-iru, Kodaiji Minamimondori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Access: 20-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Exit 1) / 22-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Exit 5) / 7-minute walk from Kiyomizumichi bus stop
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-532-0601
Kyoto Uji Byodoin Omotesando Store: Elegant Atmosphere and Changing Seasons
Source: Official website
The Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Uji Byodoin Omotesando store is located along the approach to Byodoin Temple, among various restaurants and gift shops. While enjoying your coffee, you can appreciate the architectural design that harmonizes with Uji's townscape and the garden that showcases the changing seasons, from fresh greenery to autumn foliage.
Outdoor bench seating allows you to view the garden from various angles.
Inside, you'll find shelves inspired by Japanese tea rooms and artwork combining traditional crafts with coffee sacks, creating a fusion of modern café culture and traditional ambiance.
The Uji River flows beside the store, so consider getting your drinks to-go and enjoying them while strolling around the area.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 21-18 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto
- Access: 10-minute walk from Uji Station / 6-minute walk from Byodoin bus stop
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 0774-25-7277
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