Starbucks to Open Highest-Elevation Shop in Japan

Cold weather and thick snow often drive people indoors—but a steaming cup of coffee with a view can turn a freezing day into something special. That’s the idea behind a new Starbucks set to open on one of Japan’s tallest peaks, offering more than just warmth.

The highest-elevation Starbucks in the world will open at 2,307 metres above sea level on Mount Yari, inside the Shiga Kogen ski area in Nagano Prefecture. The shop is scheduled to officially begin serving customers on December 18.

Why Mount Yari?

Mount Yari, part of the Northern Japanese Alps, is a popular skiing destination that sees around 120,000 annual visitors. Though those numbers have dropped to roughly a third of peak skiing years, the location still draws enough traffic—and offers jaw-dropping views—to justify a unique café experience.

A First for Starbucks: Ski Slope Location

This new store marks the first time Starbucks has opened a location inside a ski resort. Positioned right at the summit, it offers guests panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape—including possible sightings of Mount Fuji on clear days. The plan is to serve hot drinks to skiers and sightseers while they take in the snow-covered peaks and, when conditions allow, the famous cloud sea.

What Makes the Altitude Significant?

At 2,307 metres, this Starbucks will officially become the brand’s highest-altitude store globally. While Starbucks operates in mountainous regions around the world, including the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps, none sit quite as high as this Nagano location. The altitude brings both scenic grandeur and logistical challenges for operations and customer comfort.

Bringing Coffee Culture to the Slopes

Rather than simply placing a standard outlet in a cold climate, Starbucks is tailoring the experience for high-altitude visitors. The summit location allows coffee lovers to combine their caffeine fix with alpine scenery—offering a moment of warmth and indulgence in an otherwise rugged environment. The move also supports local tourism efforts to draw more year-round visitors to the Shiga Kogen region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the highest Starbucks in the world located?

The highest Starbucks is located on Mount Yari (Yarigatake) in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, inside the Shiga Kogen ski area at an elevation of 2,307 metres above sea level.

When will the new Starbucks at Mount Yari open?

The new Starbucks store atop Mount Yari is scheduled to open on December 18, 2013.

Is this the first Starbucks in a ski resort?

Yes, this is the first time Starbucks has opened a store inside a ski resort, specifically within the Shiga Kogen area on Mount Yari.

How many visitors does the Shiga Kogen ski area get per year?

The Shiga Kogen ski area, where the new Starbucks is located, receives approximately 120,000 visitors annually.

What can visitors see from the new Starbucks?

Visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding alpine mountains and, on clear days, may see Mount Fuji. The summit also offers views of the snow-covered landscape and possible cloud seas.

Why is this Starbucks considered the highest?

With an elevation of 2,307 metres, it surpasses all other Starbucks locations worldwide in altitude, making it the highest-altitude Starbucks store globally.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for High-Altitude Coffee

For enjoying coffee at high elevations like 2,307m on Mount Yari, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers bright floral and citrus notes ideal for cutting through the cold. Their PWN Golden Mandheling provides a heavier body with sweet, nutty layers perfect for a warming mug. Both single origins highlight the clarity and balance that stand up well in thin mountain air. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.