As of January 2023, Starbucks Coffee had approximately 1.78 thousand shops operating throughout Japan and was thus the leading brand regarding facility numbers. Starbucks, Doutor Coffee, Komeda Coffee, and Tulley's Coffee are Japan's biggest café chain companies. Branches of these brands often stand in the busiest spots in urban areas near subway or train stations.
Consumer behavior
Although most coffee drinkers frequent coffee shops, not all are regular visitors. Coffee shops are usually busiest in the afternoon when customers commonly spend between 300 and 1,000 Japanese yen per visit. Various reasons motivate consumers to go to coffee shops, the most prominent of which is to relax. When deciding on a coffee shop, the location is often decisive. Other reasons, such as the general impression of the store and whether one can relax, are also important.
Coffee consumption
Coffee is widely consumed in Japan. Contrary to the stereotype of Japan as a tea nation, per capita coffee consumption in the country is higher than green tea consumption. Japanese drink more than ten coffees per week on average. However, as mentioned above, only a fraction of coffee drinkers regularly visit coffee shops. Most people drink coffee at home, school, or work.
