Hi everyone! It has been a long time since I have had time to sit down and write. I am busy finishing my Masters in Education so my blog has had to take a back, back, BACK burner until I finish around the middle of October. BUT I have a few little bit of time this morning so I wanted to share with you a cool Starbucks that my family and I went to at the end of August.
In the past few years, Starbucks Japan has been opening stores at rest areas through-out Japan. A little more than a year ago they opened one on the island just outside of Japan. To get there you have to cross the worlds longest suspension bridge. We make this trip a couple of times a year to visit my father-in-laws home town. This is a very large rest area and has an amazing amount of traffic. When we got out of the car and walked toward the Starbucks my husband complained “Look! There are people lined up out the door.” 
When we got into the store there was a lot of staff so the line moved very quickly. We assumed at first that there would be no room to sit but after a few minutes of observations, it seemed that most people were getting their coffee and eats “to-go” and we found a table for all 5 of us easily. To my pleasant surprise, there were two partners that had been transferred to that store from the store near my house. I hadn’t seen them in a long time and even my son was happy to see them! Starbucks is really just like a family! Doesn’t matter how long you haven’t seen them, they still remember your name, your kids name and your drink order! That is true love!!
While there is only seating for about 30 or so, it was never full while we were there. So if you want to spend time sitting and enjoying the view, there will be room inside as well outside! There isn’t a lot of merchandise but that is to be expected of such a small store.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of one of Kansai’s busy stores. I hope after I finish my masters I can start taking you on tours of the different store in the Kansai area! It will be fun to compare the atmosphere at each store!
See you all real soon!
starbucksinjapan 
Sep 28, 2011 @ 00:33:07
So late in leaving a comment but just wanted to say that I LOVE all the photos! Look like a gorgeous Starbucks store. Did you take these with your new camera? I really do love our highway service areas, especially the big ones with the new Starbucks stores 😀
Oct 08, 2011 @ 18:33:30
Yup, those are the taken with the new camera. Much better huh!?
It is such a great spot! I was kicking myself for not taking more, but hey, next time right?!