Starbucks' Highest-Elevation Store Opens in Japan

In a bid to attract more visitors to a once-booming ski area now seeing just a third of its former traffic, Japan’s Nagano Prefecture is turning to coffee. Yari Pass, a mountain pass near Mount Fuji in the town of Yamanshi, is home to the Yarihotsu Ski Area—historically popular, but now quieter. To breathe new life into the location, operators have chosen an unexpected draw: the world’s highest-altitude Starbucks.

The new Starbucks will officially open on October 18 at 2,307 meters above sea level, making it the highest-elevation Starbucks store anywhere in the world. The shop sits atop Yari Pass within the Yarihotsu Ski Area, offering visitors not just coffee, but also sweeping views of the surrounding alpine landscape—including, on clear days, iconic Mount Fuji.

A New Kind of High-Altitude Experience

This Starbucks location is unprecedented for the company—it’s their first café set inside an active ski resort, and uniquely positioned at extreme elevation. While Starbucks has opened stores in high places before, including mountain towns and airports, none have reached this height or been integrated within a ski area environment. The location is expected to draw hikers, seasonal tourists, and coffee adventurers alike.

Why This Location?

The Yarihotsu Ski Area, located in the Japanese Alps, receives around 120,000 annual visitors—down significantly from its peak during Japan’s skiing boom. At an elevation of 2,307 meters, it’s among the country’s higher-altitude ski spots. The decision to install a flagship coffee experience here reflects a broader strategy: using unique settings to spark renewed interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Officials hope the Starbucks will become a destination in itself, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.

What to Expect at 2,307 Meters

Aside from the record-breaking elevation, the store promises classic Starbucks offerings tailored to the alpine environment. Guests can enjoy their coffee while looking out over vast mountain scenery and seasonal cloud seas. Although the menu is expected to follow standard Starbucks offerings, the real appeal lies in the setting itself—high-altitude sipping with one of Japan’s most recognizable peaks often visible in the distance. The café experience here is as much about the location as it is the drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the highest Starbucks in the world?

The highest Starbucks is located at Yari Pass in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, at an elevation of 2,307 meters above sea level. It sits within the Yarihotsu Ski Area and officially opens on October 18, 2024.

Is this Starbucks inside a ski resort?

Yes, this is the first Starbucks to open inside an operational ski resort. The location is within the Yarihotsu Ski Area at Yari Pass, aiming to attract both skiers and hikers visiting the alpine region.

What makes this Starbucks unique?

Besides being the highest-altitude Starbucks globally, it’s also the company’s first cafe located within a ski resort. It offers views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains, providing a unique high-mountain coffee experience.

When does the new Starbucks open?

The new high-altitude Starbucks is set to open on October 18, 2024. It will begin serving customers at 2,307 meters above sea level.

Can you see Mount Fuji from the Starbucks?

Yes, on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible from the Starbucks location at Yari Pass. The elevated position offers panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including Japan’s most famous mountain.

Why was this location chosen for a Starbucks?

The location was selected as part of an effort to boost tourism in the Yarihotsu Ski Area, which has seen a major decline in visitors. The hope is that the unique high-altitude Starbucks will attract hikers, tourists, and coffee enthusiasts to the area.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for High-Altitude Coffee

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