Starbucks Coffee - Shibuya Mark City — Restaurant in Tokyo

PROS ➕ Shibuya Crossing 🚸 ➕ Taste of America

CONS ➖ Too crowded

Date visited: 05/01/2024

I'm always curious about how American coffee would taste in Japan. My friend suggests the Shibuya Crossing Starbucks, and I couldn’t agree more. The crown jewel of Washington State, here in the beating heart of Tokyo, is where my experience begins.

We try to get there early to avoid the morning rush hour, but it’s nign impossible. By nine, the street is filled with waves of people, throbbing and crashing into each other in sync with the rhythm of the traffic lights.

The shop is located a few floors above ground level. There’s no waiting line, but people have already taken seats in and around the store. The area near the windows is especially popular—you can look down at the crossing. People don’t leave once they settle in.

We approach the counter to place our orders. A young female staff member greets us; she has a trainee by her side. Our interaction takes significantly longer than usual, as she instructs her apprentice on every action she performs. I don’t mind at all—it gives me time to observe the store.

The design is consistent with Starbucks, at least in terms of theme colors. It aligns more with Japanese modern aesthetics than its American counterpart. Lighting is abundant, with a mix of artificial and natural sources. There are restrooms, which I always appreciate; they’re constantly packed that day. Floors and seats are clean and trash-free—I can imagine how thoroughly the staff polish them every night before closing.

After ordering, we retreat to one corner of the store. It takes around 10 minutes for our drinks to be ready. A young blonde staff member smiles at us from behind the counter. Surprisingly, she makes a comment about my nationality, which my friend quickly confirms. I respond with my most basic Japanese greetings—it works, but deep down I know she’s just being polite.

We settle at a table closest to a window spot, like predators stalking pristine prey. Two grande coffees are all we order—I specifically choose the mocha. It tastes exactly as expected, nothing more, nothing less. Still, I must say the flavor is significantly enhanced by the view outside, once we usurp the spot from a couple.

Watching people traverse the crossing—some tourists, some locals—I feel lucky, because I’m here. Once this trip ends, I'll return to another crossing. One I don’t look down at, but am part of. One I never chose, but never escaped. I wish this moment could last forever. But...

"My recent visit to this Starbucks in Tokyo was a nightmare. After purchasing a Frapppucino drink and looking for a place to rest and charge our devices, a Japanese employee approached us and treated us extremely unpleasantly. She insisted that we should stay standing, claiming that the chairs were reserved for 'VIP or privileged clients'. Aren't we consumers? Shouldn't we be considered privileged as clients? This discrimination was humiliating.

After a useless debate that lasted more than 20 minutes, we were finally allowed to stay due to the lack of other customers. But the damage was done. I have never experienced such a lack of courtesy and respect at a Starbucks before. This employee's attitude completely ruined our enjoyment. I rate this experience very low, and I doubt I will return to this Starbucks in the future. "You shouldn't have to endure this kind of treatment as...

Staying focused on a promising future

Ready enjoying myself with customized frappes and savory quiche while I glimpsed a girl next by me, who was studying CPA guidebooks.

It’s always inspiring to see someone so focused and determined, especially in a bustling environment like Shibuya station area. Her dedication to studying for the CPA exams is commendable, considering the distractions around her.

It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of staying focused on our goals, even in midst of busy...