Supermarket Starbucks
STARBUCKS RESERVE® ROASTERY, TOKYO
2 CHOME-19-23 AOBADAI, MEGURO CITY, TOKYO 153-0042
What is the Tokyo Starbucks?
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery sitting in Tokyo is a massive, beautifully designed flagship that goes beyond a typical Starbucks that you see and think of. You’re firstly greeted by these bold, heavy doors which lead you seamlesly into a very unique experience. Located in Nakameguro along the Meguro River, it’s one of the largest Starbucks in the world and offers an immersive experience with four floors dedicated to coffee, tea, cocktails, and pastries. It’s especially popular during cherry blossom season, as you can sip your drink while enjoying river views lined with blooming sakura.
What I love about this place was each level has something unique.
1st floor
freshly roasted, single-origin coffee & a souvenir shop
2nd floor
Teavana tea-inspired drinks
3rd floor
Italian-style bakery
4th floor
A bar serving coffee-inspired cocktails as well as a rooftop terrace.
The bun
This Starbucks cinnamon pastry is a decent-sized, golden, sticky treat with a flaky, crunchy shell that practically shatters when you bite into it. It reminded me of a typical supermarket pastry from back home but made with a lot of more love. Each layer reveals a hint of buttery richness, with just enough cinnamon spice however, any less, and it wouldn’t taste of much in all honesty. Though it’s a bit oily, leaving a light sheen on your fingers, it adds a pleasant, indulgent feel. The inside isn’t as soft or airy as you might hope, but it’s sturdy and layered with flavour. While it didn’t exactly steal the show, it’s still a solid pick if you’re wanting something sweet with your coffee and for me, it was a must-try for the blog.
The Topping
The topping on this cinnamon bun appears to be a simple, clear sugary glaze that forms a thin, crackly layer over the pastry, making the toasted brown exterior pop with a rich caramel colour. It’s dusted with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, adding an extra touch of crunch and sweetness to each bite. The glaze is just sticky enough to hold everything together without being overly gooey, which works well with the crisp, flaky layers beneath it. It doesn’t overpower the flavor but adds a subtle shine and a hint of extra sweetness. Overall, it was a tasty bun, though not something I’d rush back to get again.
Texture 6/10
Taste 6/10
Appearance 6/10
Overall 7/10
Tokyo
The biggest city in the world!
Tokyo is home to over 37 million people in the Greater Tokyo Area, making it the most popular urban areas world wide as well as the largest city in the world!
The transportation system is vast and at first it can seen very daunting however, it quickly becomes easy to navigate, thanks to signs in English and Japans efficient metro lines. If you want insane views of this monstrous city-Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, offers breathtaking views and, on clear days, you might even be able to see Mount Fuji (roughly 143km away)! If you’re up for a shopping spree, Ginza is the luxury district, while Shibuya is bustling with trendy shops and nightlife.
What is there to do in Tokyo?
Tokyo offers tons of unique experiences, especially for visitors looking to dive into a blend of entertainment, art, culture, and history. In this short blog post I will barely scratch the surface of what there is to do in this vase city. But alas here are a few recommendations…
Then there’s teamLab Borderless and Planets, an interactive digital art museum where you literally step into the art. The installations move around you, reacting to your presence in rooms that feel like they’re straight from another world. It’s a total sensory experience that’s become a must-see for visitors to Tokyo. I must warn you, like most attractions in the biggest city in the world – IT WILL BE BUSY.
If you’ve heard to Tokyo, you’ve heard of the Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Watching the crowd flood through when the lights turn green is both chaotic and mesmerising! Just around the corner, you’ll find Joypolis, an indoor amusement park with VR experiences, rides, and arcade games galore. It’s a perfect spot for those wanting a dose of Tokyo’s high-tech and playful side. It’s also a great way to escape the intense heat during the summer.
For a touch of history , the Imperial Palace in the heart of Tokyo offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s imperial history. Although the inner grounds are closed to the public, you can explore the beautiful East Gardens, walk along ancient stone walls, and take in the scenery of what was once Edo Castle. It’s a peaceful escape from Tokyo’s fast pace streets.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are both top-tier attractions that go beyond the classic Disney parks. Disneyland is full of the usual charm with famous characters and magical rides, while DisneySea, unique to Tokyo, offers a nautical twist with incredible themed areas. It’s an experience on another level, perfect for Disney fans or anyone wanting a bit of adventure.
