Starbucks Coffee - Kanazawa M’ZA — Restaurant in Kanazawa

During my visit to Kanazawa, I stopped by a local Starbucks near the station and decided to try the matcha cake—a regional offering not often found outside Japan. It was a quiet afternoon, and the store had a warm, modern ambiance with hints of traditional design elements, reflecting the culture of Kanazawa beautifully.

The matcha cake itself was a delightful surprise. Visually, it had a deep green color, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The texture was soft, slightly dense, and moist—almost like a cross between sponge cake and a pound cake. The flavor of the matcha was bold and earthy, not too bitter, but definitely not overly sweet either. It had a nice balance that allowed the tea’s natural bitterness to shine through while still being enjoyable for dessert lovers.

What I appreciated most was the authenticity. Many matcha-flavored items outside Japan tend to be overly sweet or artificial-tasting. This cake felt genuine and thoughtful in its execution. Paired with a simple iced Americano, it made for a peaceful afternoon treat.

If you’re in Kanazawa and looking for something local yet familiar, this matcha cake at Starbucks is worth trying—subtle, flavorful, and...

This is a lovely Starbucks inside a mall.

The staff is very welcoming and helpful. I wanted some information about Japan-only Starbucks coffee. A staff member (I think she was the manager) took 10 minutes to answer my questions and informed me about the range of products that can be found here. At the end she gave me a sample of the Tokyo Roast coffee which was delicious. Sadly they were sold out! Will definitely grab...

Dear Starbucks, why do you serve coffee in plastic cups if consumed within shop? I went there twice and once got it in ceramic mug and today in plastic?! I was also asked if take away or not. Why do you ask if it is always plastic cup? I also noticed it in other shops. Why?!? Can’t we save some plastic please? Mugs are anyhow...