Starbucks launched its fifth international Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Nakameguro section of Tokyo. As the first Reserve Roastery located outside of North America, the four-story location is designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma—a regular Starbucks collaborator—and Liz Muller, chief design officer for Starbucks.
The immersive design draws inspiration from the cherry blossom trees that line the Meguro River and maintains a connection to the surrounding neighborhood with glass walls and terraced floors. The modern interior is also juxtaposed with a more traditional vernacular to highlight local craftsmanship across all floors. Although the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo is home to the largest Teavana Bar, Japan’s first Princi Italian bakery, and Starbucks Japan’s first cocktail bar, Arriviamo, the interior design is anchored by a 55-foot-tall copper coffee cask detailed with handmade copper cherry blossoms. Naturally sourced wooden ceilings reflect the inspiration of origami and instill a relaxed ambiance as well. Outfitted with an open floor plan, the roastery leads visitors to the Teavana Bar on the second floor while the terraced third floor showcases the cocktail concept.
