Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store in Kyoto – A Unique Blend of Tradition and Coffee Culture

外資系SEOスペシャリスト

Takuma Oka (岡 拓馬)

こんにちは、岡 拓馬（おか たくま）です。
このブログでは、海外ノマド×SEO×ストック収入をテーマに、自分の経験や学びを発信しています。

高校卒業後は料理人としてスタートし、その後、航空自衛隊での勤務を経て、2016年からWebライター・SEOコンサルタントとして独立。現在は、海外の外資系企業と契約しながら、フルリモートで働いています。拠点はアジア各国を転々としており、最近はベトナムやタイ、マレーシア、フィリピンなどでノマド生活をしています。

執筆者

Hi, I’m Takuma Oka, former Starbucks barista and SEO specialist.

Visiting Kyoto in September is quite different from the peak summer months. Compared to August, the city feels calmer, making it a great season for sightseeing. Of course, you’ll still find plenty of foreign tourists around, but it’s far less crowded than the high season, and you can stroll the streets more comfortably.

This time, I visited the Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store, one of the brand’s concept stores located in Kyoto. For all Starbucks lovers, this place is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

How to Get to Starbucks Ninenzaka

On this trip, I traveled from Osaka to Kyoto. I was surprised to learn that the train fare from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is only 560 yen one way—less than 1,000 yen round trip! That makes Kyoto an easy day trip.

After arriving at Kyoto Station, I bought the One-Day Bus Pass (600 yen) and headed to my destination. If you plan to take the bus three or more times in a day, this pass is definitely worth it. Tickets can be purchased inside Kyoto JR Station.

From Kyoto Station, take a city bus from the terminal. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the nearest stop.
Board the Kyoto City Bus 206 (Route A) bound for Kitaoji Bus Terminal, and get off at Kiyomizu-michi (清水道).

From Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, it’s about a 6-minute walk to the Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store.

Crowds & Best Time to Visit

I spoke with a local Starbucks staff member, and they told me the store is almost always busy, no matter the season.

The peak hours are around lunchtime and in the evening, when it can be hard to find a seat. If you want to sit down and relax with your coffee, it’s best to come early in the morning or just before closing.

During the summer tourist high season (July–August), the store is packed all day long. Many customers are tired from sightseeing and stay for extended breaks, which lowers the turnover rate.

When I visited in September, the crowds were lighter, but even then, depending on the time of day, it was sometimes impossible to find a seat. Since the store is located near major sightseeing spots, heavy usage is inevitable.

Limited Items

When it comes to drinks and food, there are no location-exclusive menu items at this store. However, they do carry Kyoto-exclusive merchandise such as tumblers and mugs.

I double-checked this by asking the staff, and they confirmed that no special drinks or food items are available here. Interestingly, they also mentioned that many tourists ask the same question—whether there are special menu items—and even the staff think it would be nice to have them someday.

Still, the fact that you can enjoy regular Starbucks drinks while sitting on tatami mats in a traditional setting is already rare enough. That experience itself is unique to this Kyoto store, and perhaps it’s more than enough to make the visit worthwhile.

Interior & Atmosphere

From the outside, the building looks like a 100-year-old renovated inn, which it actually is. But once you step inside, the layout feels much like a regular Starbucks.

The first floor is where you order drinks and food, while the tatami seating area is located upstairs on the second floor.

Second Floor Hallway

After climbing the stairs, you’ll find a long corridor with seating areas to the right and left. There are about 20–30 seats in total, including both tatami floor seating and regular tables.

The restrooms are smaller compared to typical Starbucks stores but are available and convenient.

Shoe Rack Before Entering the Tatami Room

Naturally, you need to remove your shoes before stepping onto the tatami. Some visitors didn’t realize this and entered with their shoes on, but staff or other guests quickly reminded them.

Tatami Seating

On my visit, I ordered an iced coffee on the first floor and then enjoyed it upstairs on the tatami mats. Sitting there, I could soak in the traditional Kyoto atmosphere while relaxing.

From the tatami area, you can also look out over the Japanese garden on the first floor, which enhances the serene atmosphere.

Balcony View

The wooden window frames and balcony show their age, reminding you that the building truly has a century of history.

First Floor Garden

There’s a small but beautiful garden on the ground floor, adding to the store’s unique charm.

As the building was originally an inn, this Starbucks offers an experience you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world: enjoying coffee in a traditional Kyoto setting.

Enjoy Coffee on the Tatami at Starbucks Ninenzaka

Among the many Starbucks concept stores I’ve visited, the Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store left one of the strongest impressions.
It’s no exaggeration to call it one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions.

After all, this is the only Starbucks in the world where you can enjoy coffee while sitting on tatami mats. If you’re visiting Kyoto, it’s a spot you won’t want to miss.

Final Thoughts

The Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Store is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a cultural experience.

Located in a renovated 100-year-old inn, this unique Starbucks has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Whether you’re a Starbucks fan or simply want to enjoy Kyoto’s atmosphere in a memorable way, it’s definitely worth a visit.

If you love coffee and travel, be sure to add this store to your Kyoto itinerary. There’s nothing quite like sipping a cup of Starbucks coffee while sitting on tatami mats in a traditional Japanese townhouse.