Inside the ‘5-Star’ Starbucks we don’t get in South Africa – Photos

·7 Jan 2026

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo, Japan, is the ultimate version of a coffee shop that Starbucks has to offer.

There are only five Starbucks Reserve Roasteries across the world, according to the Starbucks website – with the USA, Japan, China, and Italy home to these premium locations.

BusinessTech visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo and was blown away by the scale and variety of what was on offer.

Starbucks describes their Roasteries as “theatrical, experiential shrines to coffee passion” that provide the “most extraordinary coffees Starbucks has to offer”.

Coffee beans are roasted on-site at the Tokyo store, offering a wide range of flavours and drink options.

The store was bustling with baristas working at espresso machines, drip-coffee stations, and science-looking beakers on the first floor.

The store’s bakery is equally impressive, offering both savoury and sweet treats – from custard-filled croissants to pizza beads covered in cheese.

Tea lovers are also catered for, with Starbucks’ Teavana brand located on the second floor. They offer tea, food, and tea leaves to customers.

Both the first and second floors offer retail spaces, too, with mugs and other Starbucks-branded items for sale.

The third floor is home to a cocktail and coffee bar, along with an expansive outside seating area which offers views of the Meguro River and the surrounding city.

The fourth and final floor is occupied by the “AMU Inspiration Lounge”, which Starbucks states is a place for people to connect.

The standout feature of the Tokyo Starbucks Reserve Roastery is its enormous copper cask, which towers in the centre of the building.

The massive structure is surrounded by coffee roasters and a network of tubes which criss-cross throughout the store.

Walls are decorated with coffee cards and tea cups, while a massive all-glass wall on the front of the store gives great views both in and out.