Starbucks opens Japan store with traditional design

The Oharai-machi store is located along a historical street in Ise Shima.

Multinational coffeehouse firm Starbucks has opened a new store in the historical Oharai-machi, featuring a traditional Edo-era facade, Japanese shop door curtains at the entrance, and onigawara, Japanese gargoyle tiles, to decorate the roof, according to a press release.

Oharai-machi is a town near the Ise Jingu shrine, a famous site with a history of nearly 2,000 years. The Ise Naiku-mae store is located along the historical street, and is designed to fit with the winding cobblestone streets lined with traditionally-designed buildings.

The two-story wooden building blends with the local landscape. On the upper floor, quiet spaces set apart from the busy street, aiming to offer a tranquil place for customers to enjoy a cup of coffee whilst enjoying both the view and windows overlooking the townscape.