Starbucks

Name: Starbucks
Type: American Cafe Chain
Website: www.Starbucks.co.jp/en/home.htm

In Brief: Whether or not you like Starbucks in your home country (I personally prefer Gloria Jeans) if you're after a 100% smoke free cafe that is fast, easy to find (there's a Starbucks almost everywhere in Japan) and serves exactly what you order, Starbucks is the way to go. They accept all major credit cards, money orders and of course cash (only Yen of) as well as their own Starbucks card though be warned as Starbucks cards from other countries such as Australia and Canada and the States will not be accepted.

The quality of Starbucks in Japan vary greatly depending on region. For example, the Starbucks in Roppongi Hills always serves 1st class coffees but the Starbucks in Saitama (specifically Shin Koshigaya) will constantly serve you the wrong drink (despite numerous repetitions of your order) and the milk tastes burnt most of the time due to the lack of steam wand cleaning. Normally good in the CBD, don't have high expectations once you hit the suburbs.

Something positive worth mentioning is the beautiful designs on the Starbucks mugs in Japan. They make great presents for family and friends and also great moments for yourself. I personally love the Kyoto purple and orange design and the tropical Okinawan look. If, like me and you collect these but don't want to carry them around, you can buy all the major designs at Narita airport before your departure, however less famous ones such as Roppongi Hills (a very cool design) and Saitama (worth missing) are only available on location.

Warning: Each Starbucks in Japan seems to have a different policy on serving whipped cream on coffees and frappucinos. It's always best to clarify "No whipped cream" or "With whipped cream" even of you ordered a light/skim or soy coffee (no kidding). You will also have to specify hot (regular), cold (iced) or frappuchino for each drink. Simply saying "Tall Mocha" isn't understood as a regular Mocha here. Say that and you may end up with a Mocha Frappuchino or an Iced Mocha. You should also double check the size. The names are the same but they may hear Venti, even though you said "Short". Check to see what size cup they grab after you order and recheck the price with the menu, just in case.