I’ve always loved stopping by a coffee shop whenever I travel, and over the years, visiting unique Starbucks stores has quietly become one of my travel traditions. Ironically, I’ve always been more of a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf girl, but I admire how Starbucks transforms historic buildings and iconic structures into one-of-a-kind cafés while preserving their character, history, and cultural significance.
Unlike a typical Starbucks branch, these locations are designed to blend into their surroundings. Some are housed inside centuries-old traditional buildings, while others overlook rivers, parks, or bustling markets. Each visit becomes less about ordering a latte and more about experiencing a destination through design.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan or South Korea, here are some of the most unique Starbucks stores worth adding to your itinerary.
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
This is probably the most famous Starbucks in Japan. Located inside a beautifully restored traditional machiya townhouse near the historic Ninenzaka street, this Starbucks preserves Kyoto’s heritage while serving modern coffee.
Highlights include:
- Tatami seating
- Wooden architecture
- Traditional Japanese entrance
- Beautiful neighborhood for walking
Travel Tip: Visit before 8:00 AM to avoid long queues.
Starbucks Coffee Yomiuriland Hana Biyori
Unlike the historic Starbucks stores found in Kyoto and Fukuoka, the Starbucks at HANA・BIYORI in Yomiuriland offers a completely different experience. Located inside a botanical garden, the café is surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal flowers, and features an aquarium. Depending on the season, you’ll be greeted by colorful blooms, fresh greenery, or the magical winter illuminations that Yomiuriland is famous for.
It’s the perfect stop if you’re spending the day exploring the amusement park or simply looking for a relaxing café with beautiful views. During our visit, we were also able to catch the Light Show at night.
Travel Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the gardens in daylight, then stay until evening when the illuminations light up the park.
Starbucks Gyeongdong Market
If there’s one Starbucks in Korea that completely surprised me, it’s Starbucks Kyungdong 1960. Hidden above the bustling Gyeongdong Market, you would never guess that an abandoned movie theater from the 1960s has been transformed into one of the country’s most remarkable cafés.
Original architectural elements, including the theater’s entrance and expansive interior, were carefully preserved, while modern touches were added to create a space that feels nostalgic yet contemporary. Even the order numbers are projected onto a large screen, a clever nod to the building’s cinematic past.
Travel Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the space before it gets crowded. After your coffee, spend some time exploring Gyeongdong Market – it’s one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets and offers a glimpse into local life beyond the city’s popular tourist districts.
Starbucks Haeundae Busan X the Sky
Imagine enjoying your favorite Starbucks drink nearly 100 floors above the city.
Located inside Busan X the Sky, Starbucks Haeundae X the Sky offers an experience that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the turquoise waters of Haeundae Beach, the Busan coastline, and the city’s modern skyline. This used to be the highest Starbucks in the world (but it is now a title held by Starbucks Fansipan). The Starbucks Busan X the Sky is now considered the Tallest Starbucks store.
Travel Tip: Visit about an hour before sunset. You’ll get to experience Busan in daylight, watch the sun set over the coastline, and see the city transition into a sea of lights. Since the Starbucks is inside the observatory, remember that you’ll need an admission ticket to Busan X the Sky to access the café. Use discount code: RUTHACTIVITY (agoda) or KLOOKRUTH (Klook) when booking online.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan or South Korea, don’t just search for the nearest Starbucks. Seek out the unique ones instead. I am hopeful to add more stores in this list. Keep following me for more travel stories.
