Japan Starbucks Unveils Giant 30cm Christmas Mug

If you’ve ever wondered just how big—and expensive—a holiday-themed coffee mug can get, Japan’s latest Starbucks release might surprise you. This isn’t your average reusable cup. We’re talking about a colossal ceramic mug that’s turning heads for both its sheer size and its eye-watering price tag.

The answer is simple: Japan Starbucks released a Christmas-themed giant mug with a 30cm (nearly 12-inch) diameter, priced at ¥86,400 (about $600 or £4500)—roughly the same as an iPhone 6S at launch in Japan.

What Is This Giant Starbucks Mug?

Unveiled as a Japan-exclusive Christmas limited edition, the oversized mug boasts a massive 30cm opening—far larger than any standard coffee cup. It’s designed as both a collectible and, apparently, a potential gift box. The mug was listed for sale on December 1st, 2015, exclusively through Japanese Starbucks stores and online.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price tag is steep: ¥86,400 JPY. For context, that’s nearly identical to the launch price of an iPhone 6S in Japan, which also cost around ¥86,800 JPY. That puts this ceramic mug in luxury territory—not just for its size, but for its cost.

Why Would Anyone Buy This?

Beyond being a novelty, some buyers have used the mug in creative ways. One customer reportedly took the mug into a Starbucks store, asking if they could use it for a refill under the chain’s bring-your-own-cup policy. Others online joked about using it as a foot bath. Its size and design—displayed stuffed with gifts on the Starbucks Japan website—make it more of a statement piece than a practical vessel.

What Does It Look Like?

The mug is decorated to evoke a festive Christmas aesthetic. Official imagery shows it filled with wrapped gifts, playing into the holiday spirit and demonstrating how it could double as a decorative gift box. While functional as a cup, its primary appeal seems to be as a collector’s item or conversation piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Japan Starbucks Christmas mug?

The mug has a cup opening diameter of 30 centimeters, which is roughly 11.8 inches—significantly larger than a standard coffee mug or even most travel tumblers.

How much does the giant Starbucks mug cost?

The mug is priced at 86,400 Japanese Yen, which is approximately 4,500 Chinese Yuan or about $600 USD. That’s roughly equivalent to the price of an iPhone 6S in Japan at the time of release.

Is the giant mug available outside Japan?

No, the 30cm Christmas mug was a Japan-exclusive release and was only available for purchase in Japan through Starbucks stores and the official website.

What was the mug designed for?

While technically functional as a cup, the mug was primarily designed as a holiday collectible and decorative item. Starbucks Japan showcased it filled with gifts to emphasize its potential as a festive display piece or gift box alternative.

Did anyone actually try to use the mug at Starbucks?

Yes, one customer reportedly brought the mug into a Starbucks location and asked if they could use it to get a refill, citing the chain’s bring-your-own-cup policy—though it’s unclear if they were successful.

Why is the mug so expensive?

The high price reflects both its large size and its limited-edition, holiday-themed design. At roughly 86,400 yen, it costs about as much as a flagship smartphone, placing it firmly in luxury or novelty territory.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Holiday Brewing

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a bright, juicy holiday cup with notes of blueberry and floral tones, or their Yirgacheffe for citrus and stone fruit brightness. For something richer, their Classic Blend offers chocolate and caramel warmth—perfect for winter sipping. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.