Starting February 1, 2023, visitors to Nagano will be able to experience an unforgettable winter experience at Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps. The Kamakura Footbath will invite guests to soak their feet in a warm bath as they sit in a traditional Japanese igloo while sipping local amazake and enjoying the snowy scenery. 

Soak your Feet Inside a Hot Footbath Inside a Kamakura

During February when snowfall is the heaviest, these kamakura, or igloos, can be spotted in the hotel’s courtyard. A private footbath is available inside each structure, which will keep guests from experiencing the cold wind. According to many, having a cool body and warm feet is the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep and good health.

Taste Amazake from a Local Brewery

Kurazukuri Amazake is brewed at Hokuan Brewery in Omachi, Nagano. Made exclusively from home-grown, expertly polished sake rice, the sweet beverage has a delicate flavor similar to wagashi. Why not warm your body from the inside out with this traditional drink?

Enjoy the Winter Landscape Illuminated by Bamboo Lights

Around each kamakura are a sea of bamboo lanterns, popular in the area. Guests can gaze out at the cold winter landscape beneath the awesome peaks of the Japanese Alps while pondering what the spring will bring. 

Starbucks will open the first Starbucks Tea & Cafe location in Kyushu at AMU Plaza Hakata on April 27, 2022. This spin-off shop specializes in colorful, aromatic tea-based beverages, and has locations in Tokyo, Toyama, and Osaka. 

Starbucks Coffee AMU Plaza Hakata, the first Starbucks Tea & Cafe to open in the Kyushu area, is a new store on the second floor of Amu Plaza Hakata directly connected to JR Hakata Station.

Yuzu & Citrus Lavender Sage Tea / Japanese Chai Tea Latte / Strawberry & Passion Tea Frappucino®

Starbucks Tea & Cafe will offer a lineup of 13 types of tea-based beverages, including tea lattes and tea frappuccinos made with seasonal ingredients. The Japanese Chai Tea Latte is new this season and includes hojicha with spices like yuzu peel, ginger, Japanese pepper, and cinnamon. 

Come enjoy this cozy space and enjoy a warm cup of tea at this unique Starbucks where tea is the main attraction!

Starting December 26, 2021, participating Starbucks locations in Japan began selling the ‘Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Frappuccino,’ the ‘Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Tea Latte,’ and the ‘Oolong meets Citrus Tea Latte.’ Each beverage is available in hot or cold versions. 

The Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Frappuccino combines roasted green tea (hojicha) with a sweet caramel sauce.

Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Frappuccino / Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Tea Latte

The Frappupccino contains a base made with hojicha and black tea, mixed with a hojicha-infused caramel sauce that contains roasted hojicha powder. The flavor is deep and rich, without too much sweetness. 

The Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Tea Latte mixes in fresh cream and white mocha syrup to bring out the flavor of the tea. Perfect for a dreary winter day, the drink is topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. 

Oolong meets Citrus Tea Latte ／ Hojicha meets Caramel Cream Tea Latte ／Caramel Apple Redbush Tea

The Oolong meets Citrus Tea Latte combines TEAVANA Zen Clouds Oolong tea, with its refreshing scent and flavor, with steamed milk. Topped with a freeze-dried blend of Satsuma mandarin and yuzu peels, it tastes just like the winter season. Oolong tea pairs well with slightly tart fruits, with the milk and whipped cream cutting the acidity of the citrus. The Caramel Apple Redbush Tea combines classic South African Redbush tea with apple cinnamon pulp, topped with fresh whipped cream and caramel sauce.

These limited-edition drinks will be on the menu until January 18, 2022. 

Starbucks Coffee Japan has launched the second product in its “double the love” collection, the first collaboration with fashion brand Ron Herman, at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo.

Castanets (white and navy) ￥2,200 each / Guiro ￥3,960/ Bell ￥4,400

The theme of “double the love” expresses the moment when you and your loved one can feel the love by choosing and giving a gift while thinking of the joy on the face of the recipient. For the second edition, under the theme of “sharing together,” a variety of musical instruments made of wood, such as castanets, guiro, and bells, as well as wooden ornaments are available to make your time with family and loved ones more enjoyable.

Ornament heart/star (red, navy, white) ￥1,320 each

Wooden ornaments in the shapes of stars and hearts can be hung on the tree or used as decorations to accentuate your room, adding to the Christmas spirit! As you reflect on this year, spend a happy time with your family and loved ones, thinking of each other and overflowing with love.

With the desire to deliver a heartwarming moment of sharing and caring for each other, the greeting card workshop “Make your gift double of your love” is scheduled to be held online from 10am on December 18 and at RHC Ron Herman Kawasaki on December 19. While drinking coffee, think of the face of the person you are sending a gift to, and spend a moment making a greeting card to express your feelings.

A part of Hoshino Resorts, KAI Alps is an incredible hot spring inn located in Omachi, Nagano prefecture, at the foot of the Northern Japanese Alps. In February 2022, the hotel will allow guests to book the Shinshu Snow Hut Experience, where visitors can enjoy the winter in a traditional snow-packed hut surrounded by bamboo lights. This area is one of the snowiest places in the region, and the locals have plenty of knowledge when it comes to getting through the cold.

Nagano prefecture is often called the ‘Space prefecture’ for its beautiful starry skies. Inside the snow hut, guests will be surrounded by lights, and bamboo lanterns will light the way. These gentle lights are perfect for the white of winter, despite the cold. 

Exclusively for this package, a kotatsu (heated table) will be placed inside the huts, and guests can wear traditional local clothing perfect for the weather. Sweet sake made at the Hokuan Sake Distillery in Omachi City and local rice cakes with Nozawa pickled greens, a Shinshu specialty, will also be served up. 

How would you like to partake in this traditional experience?

Earlier in the fall season, Starbucks Japan unveiled their popular Sweet Potato Frappuccino to herald in the cool weather. Now, the drink has been transformed for the mischievous Halloween season, with the Treat with Trick Frappuccino now available at participating stores nationwide. 

Treat with Trick Frappuccino Tall, Takeout: ¥678 / Dine-In: ¥690

What’s different about this drink? While it may contain the same base ingredients, the color has been changed with the addition is chocolate powder and purple potato-flavored sauce. Customers can also add the “Popping Topping” for an extra charge, basically adding Pop Rocks to the drink. Each is made of white chocolate. 

Popping Topping, Takeout: ¥108 / Dine-In: ¥110

Be sure to stop in for these limited-time treats before they’re gone!

Karuizawa Hoshino Area, a place known for bringing nature and culture lovers together, will be offering a new one-day hot spring spa plan from November 4, 2021, until March 19, 2022. This is the perfect way to unwind from the stresses of the past year while getting away from crowds and responsibilities. Because it’s only one day, it’s perfect for those who can’t take a long vacation, but who are still desperate for some relaxation! The package will include access to hot spring baths, body care, a choice of lunch and drinks, and plenty of skincare amenities.

Tonbo-no-Yu Hot Spring, open since the Taisho era, will serve as the main location for the getaway. The springs themselves are bicarbonate and chloride springs with soft and thick waters in which to achieve the perfect soak and detox. Getting out of the water will leave a veil of salt on your skin, moisturizing it and cleansing every inch of your body. The open-air bath is surrounded by trees, while the indoor baths offer excellent views through oversized windows. 

Five Luxuries to Enjoy on the One-Day Getaway

[Power Up] Proper Bathing Instructions for the Best Hot Springs Experience

For those looking to maximize their hot spring experience, a comprehensive bathing guide will be provided to all guests, including breathing exercises and techniques for a great facial massage. The plan includes rental towers, and guests can feel free to enter the springs as many times as they like. At the reception desk, guests will also be given a bottle of Apple Vinegar Water to help them stay properly hydrated while soaking. 

[New] Gentle Skin Care while Relaxing in the Spring

Those participating in the one-day plan will be given OSAJI amenities to use during their stay. The brand is made up of safe and organic products approved by dermatologists, to be applied before and after bathing. 

[Power Up] Improve Gut Health with Healthy Beverages

When guests get out of the bath, a warm brown rice amazake will be waiting, shown to improve the intestinal environment and boost natural immunity. By using brown rice, the drink contains larger amounts of Vitamin E and dietary fiber than traditional amazake. This tasty drink will be served at Cafe Hungry Spot, adjacent to the springs. 

Relieve Stiff Joints with Attentive Body Care

At Tokoyo, located within the Harunire Terrace in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, guests will get a 30-minute body care treatment with their choice of foot massage or shoulder and neck massage. Unwind and let go of all of your stress. 

Choose From Six Different Restaurants for Lunch

For lunch, six restaurants in the Hoshino area are at your beck and call, from Japanese cuisine to Italian. There’s no need to make reservations in advance; choose what you’re craving the day of, and don’t stress! 

Fall is in the air, which means seasonal treats are back at Starbucks! The Sweet Potato Frappuccino will be available at participating Starbucks locations beginning September 22, which also happens to be the first day of autumn. 

The 4th annual Artful Autumn @ Starbucks promotion is back for 2021! This year’s concept is ‘Made by Earth,’ and the lineup of new products features fall ingredients that highlight the bounty of the planet. 

Tall Sweet Potato Frappuccino To-Go: ¥638 / In-store: ¥650

The new drink is filled with the flavor of baked sweet potato, honey, and molasses. Each beverage is made with roasted sweet potatoes that have been cut into pieces, keeping some of their unique texture. Sweet potato flakes sprinkled on top add a bit of crunch!

If you’re in Japan, be sure to grab one before they’re gone!

Starbucks Coffee Japan is releasing its new summery GO Pineapple Frappuccino® and GO Peach Frappuccino® at all branches on August 4.

Starbucks Japan’s first pineapple beverage, plump and sweet

Left: GO Pineapple Frappuccino® | Right: GO Peach Frappuccino® | Tall ¥680 (Takeaway), Tall ¥693 (Have-In)

The two fruity drinks arrive in time for the height of Japanese summer this August. This also marks the first time Starbucks Japan is serving up a pineapple Frappuccino®. The GO Pineapple Frappuccino® is loaded with ripe and fresh pineapple pieces along with a pineapple puree and pineapple sauce. When you’ve sipped about half the cup, mix in the whipped cream to transform the drink into smooth and milky heaven.

The GO Peach Frappuccino® is also loaded with its titular fruit, making it so refreshing it’s like eating a whole juicy peach. Enjoy a combination of fresh peach pieces, puree, and sauce, one which maintains the rich original flavour of this summer-classic fruit.

Reusable Coffee Cup With Changeable Coloured Lids (437ml) | ¥385 (Tax Included)

August 2nd will mark 25 years since Starbucks arrived in Japan, bringing to the country a culture of walking around with your coffee in hand. This summer, the coffee chain is also releasing a new collection of seasonal tumblers, as well a new reusable coffee cup which you can swap out with different coloured lids. While the new beverages are on sale, if you buy one of them together with a reusable cup, you can get a free size upgrade on your Frappuccino®.

Starbucks Japan added three new teas to its drinks menu on June 16: the ‘Pink Frozen Lemonade & Passionfruit Tea,’ ‘Yuzu ‘Citrus & Tea,’ and ‘Houjicha & Classic Tea Latte.’ The beverages combine classic Japanese flavours like yuzu, matcha, and houjicha. Refreshing and relaxing are key components of this line-up.

Pink Frozen Lemonade & Passionfruit Tea

Takeout: Tall ¥529 / Have-In: Tall ¥539

The ‘Pink Frozen Lemonade & Passionfruit Tea’ uses a tea blend of hibiscus, orange peel, cinnamon, and liquorice, coupled with fruity pink grapefruit for a refreshing kick.

Yuzu Citrus & Tea

Takeout: Short ¥453／Tall ¥496／Grande ¥540／Venti®︎ ¥583

Have-In: Short ¥462 ／Tall ¥506 ／Grande ¥550／Venti®︎ ¥594

This is an update of Starbucks Japan’s iconic Yuzu Citrus & Tea. The use of fresh citrus fruits adds a refreshing layer to the drink, such as pink grapefruit, and combines deliciously with yuzu peel.

Houjicha & Classic Tea Latte

Takeout: Tall ¥496 / Have-In: ¥506

A blend of houjicha and black tea mixed with rich cream and sweet white mocha syrup.

Dear readers, the time has finally come once again—the Spring season at Starbucks Japan officially begins on March 17, which means we can expect plenty of tasty-looking beverages to drool over. This begins with two coffee delights: the light and uplifting Banana Almond Milk Frappuccino®︎ and the subtly sweet Honey Oat Milk Latte, both of which will hit Starbucks branches across Japan this Wednesday.

Banana Almond Milk Frappuccino®︎ | ¥620 (Tall Size Only)

The Banana Almond Milk Frappuccino is exactly what it says on the cup. A bright, uplifting combination of naturally-sweet banana and the nutty flavour of almond milk. The drink is topped with Starbucks’ first-ever almond milk whipped cream and finished with a topping of banana chips fried in coconut oil for texture.

Honey Oat Milk Latte | Short ¥430, Tall ¥470,  Grande ¥510,  Ventii®︎ ¥550

The Oat Milk Latte made a delicious appearance at Starbucks Japan last year for a limited time where coffee-loving customers could customise their beverage. This year, it arrives in a new flavour: added to the shot of espresso and oat milk is an irresistible squeeze of honey flavoured-sauce which has a slight fruity flavour to it.

This is just the start of the Spring season at Starbucks in Japan, there are sure to be even more drinks to come so stay tuned.

Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that the 14th entry to their “JIMOTO made SERIES” will be a new 296ml coffee cup which comes with a koshu inden lacquer sleeve. The item will be released exclusively in Yamanashi Prefecture at 8 Starbucks branches.

JIMOTO made Series KOSHU – 296ml Cup With Koshu Inden Sleeve | ¥8,200 (Before Tax)

Inden no Yamamoto

The “JIMOTO made Series” is a collection of unique products by Starbucks Japan that incorporate the local resources and traditional craftsmanship from each region across the country, and as such are sold exclusively at branches in those regions. The line-up showcases the various designs particular to the regions. The series began in December 2015.

The new JIMOTO made Series KOSHU is made in collaboration with Japan’s only shop—which is located in Yamanashi—that holds an official title to manufacture koshu inden, a traditional style of leathercraft in which the artisans use lacquer to pain designs on deerskin. The coffee cup sleeve’s design incorporates numerous motifs related to Yamanashi Prefecture, such as the Takeda clan crest, the cherry blossoms of Mount Fuji, the Japanese bush warbler, and of course coffee beans as part of the collaboration with Starbucks.

Do you own any of the collectables in the JIMOTO made Series? Be sure to find out if a Starbucks you’re visiting while in Japan is part of the series.