I deeply regret leaving a one-star review, but even so, it cannot fully express my disappointment with the experience on this trip. I have always been a big fan of Blue Bottle's design and have many related products. However, this time, we went to three stores in 「Shibuya, Aoyama, and Ginza」 in search of a MAKOO Shopping Bag. I can understand that a highly sought-after item may be out of stock, but I cannot accept the dishonesty from the store staff.
We showed a picture of the bag to the staff at staff A, and they went to ask staff B, presumably a supervisor. Staff B informed us that the M size was sold out and only the smaller S size remained. So I said that I would go and choose other products instead. After a 5-minute interval, I returned to the counter with other Blue Bottle products and said that I wanted three 「MAKOO Shopping Bags (S Size)」. However, the staff member at staff C told us they were sold out!
I am absolutely certain that no one purchased the MAKOO Shopping Bag during those 5 minutes, and this is extremely frustrating. What's even worse is that my partner and I had an argument on the way to Ginza because of this incident. I couldn't meet my girlfriend's expectations, and Blue Bottle not only lied but also ruined our Japan trip, which was our first visit in four years since the Covid-19 pandemic. I have no idea what stsff C's response was supposed to mean. Was the MAKOO Shopping Bag intentionally hidden? It's unbelievable.
This is a severe PR crisis for Blue Bottle, and after leaving Japan, I have decided to sell all of my Blue Bottle products because they are now synonymous with...
Read moreBlue Bottle Coffee in Ginza offers a pleasant and relaxing café experience in one of Tokyo’s busiest shopping districts. The interior is sleek, minimalist, and well-designed, reflecting the brand’s signature aesthetic. There’s a calm atmosphere despite the surrounding hustle and bustle, making it a nice spot to take a break from exploring Ginza. The seating is comfortable, with both tables and counter options, and natural light adds to the welcoming ambiance.
The coffee is consistently high-quality, brewed carefully to highlight the subtle flavors of the beans. Seasonal drinks and specialty blends are available, alongside a small selection of pastries and snacks, which complement the coffee nicely. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to explain the menu or offer recommendations, enhancing the overall experience.
The main downside is that, like many popular cafés in Ginza, it can get busy, especially during peak hours, which may limit seating availability. Prices are slightly higher than typical cafés, but the quality and consistency justify the cost for many visitors.
Overall, Blue Bottle Ginza is a reliable choice for coffee lovers seeking a calm, stylish, and high-quality café experience in central Tokyo. It’s ideal for a relaxing break while shopping or...
Read moreStopped here for a quick matcha, a slice of matcha cake, and a cup of coffee to go. The matcha was extremely disappointing—priced at a premium over ¥800, but what I received was essentially a glass of milk with the faintest hint of green. When I politely asked staff if they could add more matcha, they insisted that this was their “standard,” and that it should taste more like milk. Meanwhile, I noticed Japanese customers behind me receiving a much darker, proper-looking matcha. Any Starbucks will serve you decent matcha and staff will be polite.
I don’t mind paying premium prices (¥1,300–¥1,500 for a quality matcha is normal), but only if you actually get a well-prepared cup. Here, it felt dishonest and dismissive. Staff were rude and pretentious when questioned, and the product did not match the price point or expectations.
Sadly this place bring embarrassment to Japan, as matcha originates here and should be a matter of national pride to serve properly. Anything less shows a lack of respect for both the tradition and the customer.
Avoid if you are looking for decent matcha. If you’re in the area, head to Nakamura Tokichi a few levels up—they serve proper matcha that’s...
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