The Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo is the biggest Starbucks in Japan. This roastery isn’t your typical neighbourhood Starbucks (it’s in Nakameguro) and boasts an upscale cafe feel over four floors that are a dream come true for Starbucks fans.

I first walked through the oversized doors on a cool spring morning. It was an immediate sensory overload. The smell of fresh coffee & pastries, the chatter of hundreds of people, and the hum of oversized machines created an atmosphere I’d never experienced before.

Once I got my coffee and light meal, I sat down and listened to the chill downtempo music that filled the air along with the fun sounds of humming coffee roasters. The sound of freshly roasted coffee beans rattling downpipes into their containers, ready to become an artisan beverage, is a zen-like experience.

I’ve been to this Starbucks location over four times and make an effort to visit when I’m in the area! My review shows you how to locate the Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo, so you’re wasting precious coffee time wandering, also, what drinks to try!

Table of Contents

• Getting There
• Drinks
• Food
• Merchandise
• Should I Visit?
• Tips

Getting to the Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo

The Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo is along the Meguro River, a popular spot for cherry blossoms in the spring. The easiest way to get there is a 10-minute walk from Naka-Meguro Metro Station.

Take the Main Gate exit and cross the street. You’ll pass a Tsutaya with a Starbucks under the tracks. Once you get to the river, take a left and continue for 10-minutes. You’ll walk by a Don Quixote that’s right beside the roastery.

Drinks at Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo

Aside from the gorgeous design, one of the main reasons to visit is to stress yourself out by deciding what to drink. I’m only half-joking, of course. If you look at the English menu online, you’ll notice there’s a lot of choices. I recommend perusing the menu before your visit to have an idea of what you’d like to get. Don’t worry; they have an English menu in the store too.

From flights to roastery exclusives to craft cocktails, there’s so much choice you’ll have a hard time only choosing one drink. Trust me; I had to read the menu ten times even to begin understanding what I wanted. Here’s what I’ve tried so far, along with my thoughts.

Drinks start at about ¥600 (US$5.00) and upwards of ¥2,000 (US$19.00).

Cocktails

When a Starbucks serves alcohol, you have to give it a try (the drinking age in Japan is 20, by the way). Head on up to the Arriviamo Bar up on the 3rd floor. Trust me when I say I won’t judge you for having a breakfast cocktail at 07:00. I can’t confirm or deny that I savoured a satisfying cocktail before 08:00.

Nakameguro Espresso Martini Recommended

My first experience, I’m happy to report, was exceptional. I’ve never had a martini made with espresso in my life. The martini had a mix of chestnut liqueur and crème de cacao. The bitterness forces you to sip and savour the espresso with a green bean to bar chocolate, which pairs perfectly.

As I sat at the bar, while the barista prepared my martini in front of me, freshly roasted coffee beans rattled through the maze of pipes above and landed in containers behind the bar. It was a fun little surprise.

As for the martini itself, fantastic. I recommend getting this if you have time to sit and enjoy it. Relax and soak in the atmosphere. You may see rattling coffee beans race through the pipes above you. Have I mentioned the rattling coffee beans?

Spring Shower

A simple seasonal cocktail with sakura petals inside, and I believe it was sake, but I’m not 100% sure. Either way, while it was pretty, I felt it wasn’t worth the price tag. I’d skip this seasonal cocktail and get something else, like the martini above.

Pro Tip: If you’re ordering a cocktail, ask to sit at the bar.

Espresso

Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew Recommended

The Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew was one of the first drinks, and it changed what I thought was possible with coffee. It’s coffee that’s aged in a barrel with vanilla. The vanilla notes are gorgeous on the tastebuds. While it’s a tad bitter, the smooth texture makes it a joy to drink.

Butterscotch Latte Recommended

I’m a massive fan of anything butterscotch, specifically pudding. Ask Mama Explorer, and she’ll tell you how much I adore butterscotch pudding. However, finding anything butterscotch in Japan has been near impossible until now.

The butterscotch latte is heaven in a cup. It has a smooth texture and subtle butterscotch notes. You’re able to choose what beans to use, and I went with the Tokyo Roast. This latte is hands down my favourite drink. It’s simple but full of flavour.

Teavana

Teavana Cream Soda Matcha Recommended

A simple and satisfying beverage. It uses soda water (not cream soda) with ice cream and matcha. From the name, I thought the sweetness would be overpowering, but I was wrong. It had a hint of sweetness to it, but that’s from the ice cream. Get this cause it’s delicious.

Pop’N Tea Pineapple Passion

While the presentation is fun and the added ice pop is fun, the flavour is rather dull. The tea is simple, and the pineapple flavour is almost too subtle for me. I’d skip this one.

The Food at Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo

The delicious food is by Rocco Princi, who focuses on Italian Tradition for a bakery. There’s a lot to choose from, including focaccia pizza, pastries, and other freshly baked goods. You’ll find these on the first floor.

Cinnamon Bun

I’m not one to eat at Starbucks, but I caved and tried the cinnamon bun. It did not disappoint. While I enjoy gooey dense cinnamon buns like the next person, I thoroughly enjoyed this light and flakey pastry. The cinnamon flavour wasn’t overbearing and had the right amount of crunch.

Tomato Soup Recommended

You can’t go wrong with artisan tomato soup. This one is thick and almost like a sauce than a soup. Its rich flavour and dense texture make for a delicious experience. The bread used to dip brings everything together. Get this, and you won’t be disappointed.

Ham Sandwich Recommended

The bread is the best part of this—light, fluffy, and full of flavour. The thin slices of cheese and meat make a nice light meal. I’d have this again in a heartbeat.

Merchandise

Of course, there’s merchandise. Why wouldn’t there be? You’ll find a variety of Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo-themed items, from serving trays to tote bags and tons more.

Should I Visit?

Without a doubt, this is my favourite Starbucks I’ve ever experienced. The atmosphere has so many layers, from the attention to detail, its four-story Sakura-themed cask, and extensive menu. It’s a Starbucks location that feels alive.

If you’re in Tokyo, then this is a must-visit without a doubt. Just get there early. My tips below help make your visit much more satisfying.

Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo Tips

The Starbucks Roastery Reserve is one of the most popular Starbucks in Tokyo. That means there are crowds. Here are the things you need to know.

Timed Ticket Entry

Everyone wants to experience the world’s most extensive Starbucks Roastery Reserve, which creates a long wait. You’ll have to get a timed entry ticket (called 整理券 or say-ree-ken) for a return time to line up. You aren’t allowed to line up without a ticket. Get your ticket in the small building between Starbucks and Don Quixote.

You’ll have to scan the QR code, and it’ll show your place in line. There are only so many tickets per day, so get there early.

If you get to Starbucks at 07:00 when it opens or later in the evening, you won’t need a ticket. You’ll also get the first choice of seats inside too. I’ve done this a few times and always got in when I showed up when the store opened.

Bear in mind that these timed-entry requirements may change at any time.

Tips

Here are tips to make the most of your visit:

• Save your seat first before ordering
• Save your seat by leaving a bag or handtowel (everyone does this and it’s socially acceptable)
• Choose a seat on the 3rd or 4th floor (the first two are almost always crowded)
• If you show up after 08:00 expect to wait for a seat and possibly needing a timed ticket (see above)
• The seats outside have prime viewing of the Sakura (cherry blossoms) along Meguro River
• Sit at the bar on the 3rd floor to order your alcoholic beverage (these are reserved for people ordering from the bar)
  • Review the menu on the website before visiting (makes it less overwhelming)

Are you planning on visiting? Let me know in the comments! For suggestions on other Starbucks to visit in Japan, listen to our podcast episode!

Review Summary

By

Chris Nilghe

Review Date

2021-10-18

Reviewed Item

Starbucks Roastery Reserve Tokyo

Rating

5