The Starbucks Coffee Nago 21st Century Forest Park Akemioterasu Store opened on April 15, 2026 (Wednesday) at the newly renovated 21st Century Forest Park in Nago City, Okinawa. The store sits beyond the park's lawn areas and walking paths, at a spot leading directly to 21st Century Forest Beach — just a few dozen steps from the shoreline, offering one of the most impressive oceanfront locations of any Starbucks in Japan. Guests can enjoy the scent of coffee alongside the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze.
A "Third Place" Connecting Everyday Life and Tourism
The 21st Century Forest Park renovation aims to create a "sports and recreation hub for sea and land that brings health and happiness to everyone," with the goal of revitalizing the local community. The new Starbucks store is designed to serve as a "third place" — a welcoming gathering space that bridges the everyday lives of local residents with the experiences of visitors, whether dropping in after a stroll through the park or stopping by mid-run.
The store is built to take full advantage of its oceanfront setting. From both the indoor seating and terrace, guests enjoy a panoramic view of 21st Century Forest Beach, with the blue water and sky stretching across the entire field of vision. The ocean changes color throughout the day as the light shifts, and on clear evenings the stars over the beach can be seen from the terrace.
Inside, the store incorporates elements of Okinawan culture. Ryukyuan roof tiles (琉球瓦) line the bar counter walls, and a raised-floor seating area inspired by Okinawa's traditional engawa (veranda) culture provides a space where guests of all ages can relax comfortably. An original shisa — the iconic Okinawan guardian lion-dog figure — has been custom-designed for this location. Its coloring draws from the ocean just outside, with wave-like motifs throughout the body and a design detail on the tail referencing the Starbucks Siren's hair. This one-of-a-kind shisa, blending Okinawan tradition with Starbucks identity, greets guests at the entrance.
Community Connection: Igusa Mat Lending
As part of its ties to the local community, the store offers the lending of "goza" mats woven from Okinawan igusa (rush grass). Igusa cultivation in Okinawa is said to have begun approximately 200 years ago in the Katsuren Magiri area, and goza mats woven from it have long been a regional craft tradition. Guests can borrow a mat, spread it on the lawn or beach, and enjoy their drink to the sound of the waves.
"My Fruits³ Frappuccino®" — The Second Location in Okinawa
The store is the second location in Okinawa to offer the "My Fruits³ Frappuccino®," a fully customizable frozen fruit beverage. Guests choose their blended fruit, base, cup fruit, and whipped cream topping to craft a personalized drink. Whole fruit frozen at its peak is blended directly into the base, delivering a more intensely fruity flavor. The concept is "playing to the fullest with fruit," with the bottom of the cup filled with the chosen fruit before the blended layers are added.
Store Information
- Store Name: Starbucks Coffee Nago 21st Century Forest Park Akemioterasu Store
- Opening Date: April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Address: 2-2 Miyazato, Nago City, Okinawa (Umi-no-To 2)
- Hours: 7:30 AM–9:00 PM (daily)
- Floor Area: 214.88 m² (approx. 65 tsubo); Seating: 71 seats (55 indoor, 16 terrace)
