Starbucks has just opened its gigantic Reserve Roastery in Tokyo.
The Nakameguro store overtakes the Shanghai roastery as the world’s largest, at 32,000-square-feet. Starbucks roasteries are much more than your standard coffee shop; they roast their own beans in-house, and serve unique drinks and snacks.
Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the 4-story roastery was inspired by the cherry blossom trees that line the nearby Meguro river. In fact, thanks to glass walls and a terrace, customers will be able to gaze out over the sakura trees when they’re in bloom. The store also boasts the world’s largest Teavana tea bar, as well as an events lounge.
Five years ago, when the first roastery opened in Seattle, Starbucks’ Chief Design Officer Liz Muller said, “This is a real-life Willy Wonka experience with coffee as the heart and soul.” You can easily see the connection; the store is filled with gadgets and machinery, and the copper pipes lining the ceiling send beans whizzing through the building.
The Tokyo Reserve Roastery is now open.
