The biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the world is now open and it’s in Nakameguro, by the cherry blossom-lined Meguro River. If you’ve been to the area recently, you’ve probably noticed the long lines and fanfare. This is only the fifth roastery that Starbucks has opened worldwide – the other four being in Seattle, Shanghai, Milan, and New York.
The massive space houses the roasting factory on the fourth floor, with each floor below devoted to a different type of Starbucks hangout. The first floor is a bakery and café; the second floor is a Teavana tea room; and the third floor is a Arriviamo cocktail bar. The fourth floor factory also has a lounge area and workshop space. There’s also outdoor terrace seating that overlooks the Meguro River. You can bet these seats will be in high demand come sakura season next month. Here’s what you can do at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo.
Tour the biggest Starbucks in the world
The Tokyo Roastery is a massive site: with its 1200sqm spread out over four floors, it’s now the biggest Starbucks on the planet (sorry, Shanghai). The exterior was designed by one of Japan’s most influential contemporary architects, Kengo Kuma, while the interior was created by the Starbucks community design team. Everything about the interior – from the lighting to the furniture made in Tendo City, Yamagata – was selected to match Kuma’s modern Japanese style.
The first thing that will probably catch your eye is the floor-to-ceiling roasting machine on the fourth floor. Standing at about 17m, this is Starbucks’ biggest roaster. The beans are roasted in this giant cask, which is connected to overhead tubes that send the beans whirling all over the store.
Buy some freshly roasted coffee beans
The first-floor Starbucks has about five different Reserve beans from all over the world on offer every day, selling the stuff that’s been roasted and packaged all on-site.
Sample some Milanese bakery treats
The baked goods on the first floor hail from the Milanese bakery Princi, which is famous for its delectable cronuts and focaccia pizza. The pastries are baked on-site, with the flour and other essential ingredients imported from Italy.
Hang out in the luxurious tea room and cocktail bar
If you want to take a break from coffee, head to the second and third floors for tea and alcohol respectively. The second floor houses the biggest Teavana tea room in the world, where the selection includes traditional Japanese and Chinese green teas as well as black teas from all over the world. All told, there are 20 different kinds of tea to try here.
The third floor hosts the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar. The drinks here all feature a bit of coffee flare, naturally. Try the espresso martini (made with chocolate from the neighbourhood’s Green Bean to Bar chocolatier), or the orange coffee tonic.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, 2-19-23 Aobadai, Meguro. Regular opening hours 7am-11pm (except Feb 28-Mar 3, 9 & 10, 9am-11pm). For more information, check the official website. Also, check out some of the most beautiful Starbucks in Japan.