The Perfect Starbucks:

All Starbucks' are a little bit different. They are quite similar in many respects, and, really, the lattes are the reason that I frequent the shops. So, keeping in mind that all are similar, I look for the little differences.

Here are some features that the perfect Starbucks must have:

([{Hold on, I'm thinking...}])

East Central Tokyo

Jimbocho

Surprisingly relaxing in busy Tokyo.


Otemachi

Small, no restrooms, but decent.


Ginza 1

Busy and stressful; should be a refuge in busy shopping district, but fails.


Kasumigaseki

Small, unfriendly.


Tameike-Sanno

Busy, hurried, lots of small tables.

West Central Tokyo

Shinjuku Lumine

No reason to go here.


Shinjuku Southern Terrace

Busy, but two real bathrooms; efficient; relaxing porch. Nice refuge.


Shinjuku Mainz

The only Starbucks within several blocks in SW Shinjuku Station area; otherwise no reason to go here.


Shinjuku Nissan Bldg(?)

Nice if you can find a cozy seat in the back.


Shinjuku My Lord

Too busy to be worth your time. Use the Nissan Bldg (a block away), or New South Exit instead.


Shinjuku Station New South Exit

Nice if you can find a cozy seat (but they're few and far between). The porch is great on warm days.


Shinjuku L Tower

OK if you have to wait for a bus; the only Starbucks in the Northwest area of the Station.


Mei-dai-mae

Busy, packed.


Shibuya 1




Shibuya 2




Shibuya 3

Non-Central Tokyo

Hachioji Keio Plaza

Friendly, convenient, something about it I like.


Hachioji Tokyu Square

Friendly, but not cozy. Busy and anxious. I prefer the Keio Plaza shop across the street.


Fuchu Station

Inconvenient and uncomfortable.


Tama-Sakai

Another Real Starbucks in Japan. Superior.


Grandberry Mall

Nice, a little inconvenient, no bathrooms.


Machida

Wonderful! Finally, a real Starbucks store in Japan. Drive-through, restrooms, cozy seats, long hours. Very comfortable.

Outside Tokyo

Kofu Central

Big, friendly, not exactly convenient, but relaxing.


Tatomi-cho Kofu

No restrooms, zero ambience, free parking in front is a huge plus in Japan.


Nagano

Nice, big, lots of cups, beans.


Kyoto




Kyoto2




Narita Airport 1




Narita Airport 2

Downtown Seattle

McCormick's




Pike Place

Greater Seattle

Fremont




Ballard Fred Meyer

This is about as bad as you can do for a Seattle Starbucks.


Green Lake

Rushed, busy, upstairs needs to be redecorated.

Washington State

Gig Harbor

Outside Washington State