Starbucks Japan is known for taking advantage of the country's beautiful scenery and regional flavors to release exclusive goods, such as stylish Mt. Fuji cups and sakura-flavored Frappuccinos. Recently, however, they've extended that incorporation of Japanese charm beyond flavor and aesthetic, and into architecture, opening up a traditional-styled Starbucks in Kyoto made from a 100-year old converted Japanese tea-house.

Now that effort continues with a brand new Meiji-era architecture style Starbucks opening nearby Dogo Onsen, one of the hot springs said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.

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The new Starbucks takes advantage of the Dogo Onsen train station in Ehime. The station building itself was originally built in 1912 (and part of the first railway in Shikoku), and even after several re-modelings, shows off Meiji-era architecture, which embraced popular Western architecture styles and combined them with traditional Japanese building methods. The station serves as a gateway to Japan's oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen, and props up the surrounding area with a timeless charm.

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The first floor features a counter made from real railroad ties, as well as a view of arriving and departing trains through the windows behind the baristas. The second floor features sofas and a lounge area, with an interior decor that hearkens back to the Meiji era, but also sports a railway theme. Wallpaper is done up in the classic artwork you might find in a passport, and tables are constructed out of railroad ties and other pieces. The Starbucks was designed with the idea of reinvigorating the community around the station, and under the concept of providing coffee for travelers with long train journeys.

The Dogo Onsen station Starbucks is set to open up on December 12th, 2017. It will be open from 8:00 AM-9:00 PM, and offers 53 total seats (45 indoors, 8 on the terrace). You can find access information here.

If you're looking for another winter travel to spirit you away, try this incredibly nostalgic and charming hot spring town.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.