With over 300 locations in Tokyo alone, Starbucks—affectionately known as "Staba" in Japan—is a popular spot for coffee lovers and those seeking a relaxing break. Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, is home to three Starbucks stores, each offering a unique experience.
Today, we’ll introduce the Hirosaki Koen-mae Store, a special location housed in a historic building.
A Café That Brings Life to the Town
Hirosaki Park is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot, hosting the Hirosaki Sakura Festival each spring, drawing countless visitors. Right in front of the park stands the Starbucks Coffee Hirosaki Koen-mae Store, a place where history and modern coffee culture meet.
This store is the second Starbucks in Japan to be housed in a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Originally built in 1917 as an official residence for the Imperial Japanese Army’s 8th Division, the building was constructed by Kinzo Horie, the sixth son of renowned master carpenter Sakichi Horie.
Sakichi Horie was a celebrated craftsman of the Tsugaru region, known for designing several iconic Meiji- and Taisho-era Western-style buildings, including the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha and the Former 59th Bank Main Branch of the 59th National Bank, both of which have become popular tourist attractions.
The exterior of the building features a unique blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles. The Kirizuma-Hafu (gable roof), a technique commonly used in shrines and temples, is combined with half-timbered Western architecture, a design style originating in Europe. The Starbucks signage blends seamlessly with the building’s aesthetic, creating a charming and elegant look.
The stylish ambiance continues inside, where Taisho- and Showa-era retro aesthetics merge with local materials and traditional craftsmanship.
To understand the concept behind this special store, we spoke with a Starbucks Japan representative:
"The concept of our Hirosaki Koen-mae store is to be ‘a café that brings life to the town.’ To achieve this, we integrated local artistry and design elements that reflect Hirosaki’s unique character and history."
Let’s explore some of the highlights that make this Starbucks a must-visit location.
Highlight #1: A Japanese-Style Room with a Taisho-Era Atmosphere
One of the most distinctive features of Starbucks Coffee Hirosaki Koen-mae Store is its Japanese-style room (washitsu).
This washitsu features kogin-zashi, a traditional Tsugaru embroidery technique, elegantly incorporated into the sofa backrests. The large, open windows offer a stunning view of the Japanese garden, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of Hirosaki’s four seasons while sipping their favorite coffee.
Additionally, the ceiling and wall panels are made from Aomori Hiba wood, while the walls contain a mix of scallop shells and used coffee grounds, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
With its rich historical elements and inviting atmosphere, this Starbucks location provides a truly unique experience. If you ever find yourself in Hirosaki, this washitsu is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Highlight #2: A Western-Style Room Showcasing the Building’s History
Another fascinating feature of this store is its Western-style room (youshitsu), which tells the 100+ year history of the building through a collection of archival photographs.
Guests can sip their coffee while learning about Hirosaki’s past and admiring the timeless architecture. During Hirosaki Sakura Festival (late April to early May), the windows offer breathtaking views of Hirosaki Park’s cherry blossoms in full bloom. In every season, the park’s picturesque scenery makes for a memorable café experience.
Much like the washitsu, this youshitsu is a highly sought-after seating area. If you visit Hirosaki Park, stopping by this Starbucks for a relaxing break is highly recommended.
Limited-Edition Tsugaru Glassware
There are three Starbucks locations in Hirosaki:
- Hirosaki Koen-mae Store
- TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Hirosaki Hiroro Store
- Hirosaki Sakurano Store
These three stores exclusively sell a special, locally crafted glass: Tsugaru Vidro HIROSAKI 266ml (¥3,080 including tax).
This exquisite glassware is inspired by the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Park, featuring delicate shades of pink. Each glass is handcrafted by artisans in Tsugaru, ensuring a unique and high-quality finish.
Tsugaru Vidro is a traditional glasswork technique originally developed from the production of glass fishing floats near Mutsu Bay. Using the high-quality sand of Shichiri Nagahama Beach on the Tsugaru Peninsula, the glass is crafted with the free-blown (chubuki) technique, a challenging and intricate method.
With its deep-rooted local craftsmanship, the Tsugaru Vidro HIROSAKI glass is a highly sought-after item. If you’re interested, be sure to get one early, as stock is often limited. Before purchasing, we recommend checking availability with the store.
JIMOTO Made Series: Celebrating Local Culture and Craftsmanship
The Tsugaru Vidro HIROSAKI 266ml glass is part of Starbucks Japan’s JIMOTO Made Series, an initiative that highlights local industries, materials, and craftsmanship by developing exclusive products for specific regions.
A Starbucks Japan representative shared more details about the series:
"The JIMOTO Made Series is a collection of products that incorporate local industries and materials, sold exclusively at stores in those respective regions. This initiative was born from our desire to celebrate and honor the people, industries, and traditions of each location."
In addition to Hirosaki, Starbucks has launched JIMOTO Made Series products in regions such as Tottori, Kyoto, and Kofu (Yamanashi), with 14 locations nationwide offering exclusive items. If you're interested, check the Starbucks Japan website and consider picking up a unique souvenir on your travels.
A Starbucks Experience Unlike Any Other
To wrap up our feature, we asked Starbucks Japan about their vision for the Hirosaki Koen-mae Store:
"In our youshitsu, guests can relax while enjoying the seasonal beauty of Hirosaki Park. Beyond this, we offer meeting rooms from the building’s original design and a washitsu overlooking a Japanese garden, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the ambiance of the Taisho era. We hope both tourists and locals will enjoy a **Starbucks experience different from their usual visits."
Through initiatives like these, Starbucks continues to embrace and preserve regional culture and craftsmanship. If you ever find yourself in Hirosaki, be sure to visit this exceptional location.
Store Information
- Store Name: Starbucks Coffee Hirosaki Koen-mae Store
- Address: 1-1 Kamishirogane
-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8207 - Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Phone: 0172-39-4051
- Official Website: Starbucks Japan - Hirosaki Koen-mae