Remember in my Cafe Cubanos Hakuba post when I said I’d rather go to Starbucks? Well, we did exactly that. We hunted down the one and only Starbucks Hakuba, tucked inside the Snow Peak Land Station complex. Turns out it’s less than a 10-minute drive from where we were staying at Il Bosco. Easy peasy.
Why Starbucks Hakuba Isn’t Your Average Coffee Run
Look, this isn’t really a food review. Starbucks is Starbucks — the quality is pretty consistent wherever you go in the world. Touch wood, I’ve never had a bad cup abroad. But this outlet? This one’s different. Very different.
Architecture by Kengo Kuma
The whole place was designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Think large wooden lattices and wide, sweeping rooflines that mimic the ridges of the surrounding Japanese Alps. It’s stunning.
Please, do yourself a favour and snap photos from the outside before heading in. Easily one of the most beautiful Starbucks outlets I’ve ever set foot in.
Starbucks Hakuba x Snow Peak: Glamping Coffee Vibes
- Snow Peak collab: The seating features outdoor tables and camping chairs from the iconic outdoor brand Snow Peak.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows: Panoramic, unobstructed views of the Japanese Alps from every angle.
- Outdoor patio: Benches outside where you can sit right in the snow.
Coffee in the Snow — A First for Me
The place was packed (no surprise, being the only Starbucks in Hakuba). We shared a big communal table indoors, ate our cakes by the glass window, then took our coffees out onto the patio. Sipping hot Starbucks in the snow, staring at the Japanese Alps? Absolutely amazing.
I’m a self-proclaimed ‘polar bear’ — I love the cold. So this was heaven for me. If you’re not a fan of the chill, stay indoors and keep cosy. Either way, the views win. Bonus: you can even build a snowman while you’re outside. Ha!
Final Verdict: Is Starbucks Hakuba Worth It?
If you’re ever in Hakuba, regardless of the season, Starbucks Hakuba is 100% worth the visit. It’s not just coffee — it’s an experience.
