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Tokyo’s old-school neighbourhood of Yanaka is home to one of our favourite streets, the Yanaka Ginza Shotengai – a lively spot for exploring, shopping and café hopping. If you’re planning a visit, here’s a new spot to bookmark: the Starbucks Café & Art Gallery Yanaka Gotenzaka. The latest venture from Starbucks Japan isn’t your typical coffee shop, but rather a hybrid space that blends a café with an art gallery.
You’ll find the new Starbucks in a beautiful two-storey building designed by local Yanaka-based architecture firm Hagiso Co., with a design that pays homage to the neighbourhood’s roots. The first floor offers plenty of seating and natural light, along with large-scale artworks displayed in the atrium connecting the two floors. There are a total of 12 art pieces displayed on this floor.
Head upstairs and you’ll find four distinct spaces showcasing 24 artworks. The first is a counter seating area where you can enjoy the cityscape with a cup of coffee in hand. The second features a large communal table with prime views of the artworks up close. The third and fourth areas are anchored by large windows offering views of a nearby temple and have comfy couch seating.
The concept behind this art café is to celebrate Yanaka’s history and culture through a rotating display of works by emerging artists. Some will be featured in themed collaborations with creatives and Starbucks partners, while others will be part of public exhibitions, giving guests the chance to discover new, up-and-coming talent.
For the opening exhibition, works by three young artists – Karin Hosono, Shotaro Sanada and Yu Sora – are on display at the café.
The inaugural exhibition runs until June 28, before a new collection takes over. See something you like? Select pieces are also available for purchase.
For more information on Starbucks Café & Art Gallery Yanaka Gotenzaka, visit the café’s official Instagram.
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