European influences are key to the stores we found in Tokyo this month, with Ginza continuing to be the most favoured location.

Brands from Sweden and Italy are incorporating influences from their own countries, particularly as art, into their store designs. Some are also taking inspiration from Japanese culture, such as historical maps and art.

Bespoke and exclusive elements are another feature of stores, such as limited edition flavours and fabrics.

We also found a Chinese beauty brand using miniature recreations of Chinese natural elements.

Take a look at the best new stores we found in Tokyo in March.

Image credit – Starbucks

Starbucks Ginza House, Ginza

Starbucks has celebrated its 2000th store in Japan by launching a new space dedicated to tea.

The Starbucks Teavana Store is located within an existing Starbucks store in Marronnier Street, which has been renamed Starbucks Ginza House. The new floor will offer a range of tea related experiences and products.

The space evokes Japanese tea culture, with floral wall art and seating at a tea bar, to allow visitors to watch matcha being freshly ground. Customers will find a menu dedicated to tea and can choose from a range of tea leaves.

The store also offers some products specific to this location, including a caramel macchiato, tea latte and frappuccino. There will also be a limited selection of Matcha Mousse Tea & Strawberry available on a first come, first served basis.

Image credit – Mazda

Mazda, Minami-Aoyama

Japanese car brand Mazda has launched a new experiential concept store this month.

The space is designed to help Mazda connect with customers and car enthusiasts with a range of different exhibits and events. These include workshops and discussions on a variety of themes, and a permanent display of Mazda cars, such as concept vehicles. Another display depicts the history of Mazda using miniature cars, and future exhibitions will be made available on rotation.

Customers will also be able to test drive the MX-5 and enjoy coffee from Itsuki Coffee at the specially created café space in the store.

Image credit – Byredo

Byredo, Omotesando

A flagship store arriving in Tokyo this month is from Swedish beauty brand Byredo.

The space is minimalist with neutral tones, but includes decorative features on the ceiling hand-painted by Miriam Eklöf and Ulrika Svensson. Eklöf also curated a selection of art and vintage pieces, such as a sofa by Alvar Aalto and a Märta Måås-Fjetterström tapestry

Customers can browse the brand’s entire range of perfumes and beauty products, alongside homewares and items from the Byproduct label.

Kiton, Ginza

Another flagship, courtesy of fashion brand Kiton, has launched in Ginza.

The store combines Italian luxury with Japanese minimalism, making use of locally sourced materials along with bespoke pieces from Italy. This includes a sculpted table to show off the latest collections located at the front of the store, with sustainable touches, such as recycled fabrics covering fixtures and fittings.

Visitors to the store can find womenswear across the ground floor, while on the first floor they can browse the men’s collection and visit the new Su Misura atelier. This new space is dedicated to men’s clothing and allows customers to choose from luxury fabrics exclusive to the Ginza location.

Image credit – Florasis

Florasis, Ginza

Chinese beauty brand Florasis launched its first flagship store in Tokyo, the first Chinese beauty brand in this location.

The store is inspired by the concept of a hidden garden, where people can relax in nature, and uses traditional Chinese design ideas. This includes the brand’s colour, which is inspired by ancient eyebrow dye. However, the store does also incorporate the latest skincare technology.

Customers can explore the brand’s products around different areas of the store, including a dressing table designed with a small lake in the centre with miniature rocks representing the Taihu Stone. There are also services available in store so customers can experience Chinese makeup, and limited edition makeup sets that use hand embroidery on the packages.

Image credit – BRIONI

BRIONI, Ginza

Another Italian luxury store is opening in Ginza this month from BRIONI.

The store design reflects its location in Ginza, with a specially created carpet depicting stylised versions of historical waterways, and a map of Edo period Ginza by Toshiyuki Morioka. This is complemented with vintage detailing, including dark wood panels, and curated furniture, with pieces from Antonio Piva and Franco Albini.

Collections carried by the store include a range of leather items, formal suits, casual clothing and accessories. There is also a bespoke service for men. A collection for women, called La Donna, is also available.