One of the must-go places for me, was Starbucks.
Totally sounded weird, I know, but it's rare.
It's rare because they are using a traditional house in Kyoto's Ninenzaka area. The whole streets, even with new shops, are keeping the traditional building design. You can see how the inside is too.
These are called Tatami Rooms, which means the traditional style, and the most you could get is a little square cushion, no chairs. There's also traditional Japanese art and decor to match the environment. I couldn't take a full pick but to the right of us is another table that oversees a courtyard that's a rock garden, inspired by traditional tea ceremonies.
In case you have no idea what you're doing here, have no fear. The entrance of the store is actually at the side of the building. The coffee ordering part is still the same, except their menu has more varieties than ours here in the States. And you will find a card telling you each part of the room that you're enjoying your time in.
The trick of this shop, and people don't pay attention, but it is a one-way traffic. You walk in, small shop area, and then ordering area. You pick up your drink in the back of the 1st floor, which you can also see the back garden.
Then, there's a set of stairs to go up. There are staff that help you find a seat. Don't be surprise that the rooms are packed, just be patient, people do come and go. And be sure to take your shoes off when you enter the room. Sit, enjoy your drink. If you need the bathroom, there's 1, courtesy of old houses.
Now, when you exit, you go thru the set of stairs at the front of the house, and it leads you to the big sets of door, which alot of people think it's the main shop's entrance.
You can see that they put in alot of effort to preserve and exist in the space. Not just the outside to keep the integrity of the area and exit in the area. Just the details inside is great too. Wasn't easy to take photos with no one in it, but you have to choose your moment.
Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka
605-0826 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, 349
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