Study with Me in Starbucks: Ranking the Coolest Spots Across Asia

Hey there, fellow Starbucks fans! ☕

If you’re like me, you love the idea of cozying up in a Starbucks with a laptop, a notebook, and your favorite coffee to get some serious work done. Over the past few months, I’ve traveled across Asia to discover the best Starbucks locations for studying. Each one had its unique vibe, but I narrowed my list to the coolest and most study-worthy spots.

Here’s how I ranked them based on my experience!

My Starbucks Study Spot Criteria

1. Crowd – I prefer quieter locations, which is ironic because the best Starbucks are often crowded. Still, I’ll deduct points for excessive noise.

2. Accessibility for Charging – Outlets are a must. If I can charge my laptop and phone without fuss, it’s a win.

3. Menu Variety – A unique menu with local twists? Huge bonus points.

4. Wi-Fi Speed – This varies by country, so I’ll consider the average internet speed of the location.

5. Ease of Access – Whether it’s raining or I’m relying on public transport, getting there should be stress-free.

6. Staff Friendliness – Language barriers aside, a welcoming smile goes a long way.

7. Ambience and Aesthetic – Finally, how well did I study? The vibe and décor play a big part.

Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary, Bali

If there’s one Starbucks that deserves to be called more than just a coffee shop, it’s the Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary in Bali. The architecture and lush tropical surroundings made me feel like I was entering a coffee lover’s paradise.

I settled into the second-floor workspace, surrounded by natural light and calming Balinese décor. With my headphones on, I powered through a solid five-hour study session, fueled by the local Coffee Latte Dewata—a standout drink prepared by skilled baristas who explained the process in detail.

• Crowd: ★★★★☆ – Busy but spacious enough to find a spot.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★★★ – Plenty of charging points available.

• Menu Variety: ★★★★★ – Unique local drinks like Coffee Latte Dewata are a standout.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Reliable and fast.

• Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ – Convenient with ample parking and transport options.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★★ – Warm, attentive, and eager to share coffee knowledge.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★★ – Stunning, serene atmosphere with lush greenery.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ 

Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Tokyo

 

Imagine studying inside a coffee wonderland, and you’ll get a sense of what the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo feels like. This multi-level masterpiece in Nakameguro is packed with stunning cherry blossom-inspired décor, gleaming copper coffee casks, and plenty of seating.

• Crowd: ★★★☆☆ – Always busy, but the spacious layout helps.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★★☆ – Many outlets, though securing a spot can be tricky.

• Menu Variety: ★★★★★ – Exclusive drinks like the Golden-sky Black Tea Latte.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Fast and reliable.

• Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆ – Centrally located, but queues can feel like an ordeal.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★★ – Polite and accommodating.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★★ – Gorgeous cherry blossom motifs and vibrant energy.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Shanghai

Stepping into the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai feels like entering a coffee amusement park. As the largest Starbucks in the world, this 30,000-square-foot space is a sensory overload of coffee, design, and innovation.

I managed to find a table near the coffee roasting machines after a 15-minute wait. The aroma of freshly roasted beans was invigorating, and the Smoked Butterscotch Nitro White paired with a fresh croissant from the live bakery made for a delightful study session. The crowd was expectedly large, but the stunning design and unique features made it worth the visit.

• Crowd: ★★★☆☆ – Always busy, with long queues at peak times.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★★☆ – Plenty of charging options, but finding an available seat can be tough.

• Menu Variety: ★★★★★ – Exclusive drinks, live bakery items, and a diverse menu.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Reliable, though slower during peak hours.

• Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ – Centrally located, though it requires patience.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★★ – Attentive, polite, and fluent in English.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★★ – Stunning design, vibrant energy, and immersive experiences.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Starbucks Rochester Park, Singapore

Tucked away in a beautifully restored colonial bungalow, Starbucks Rochester Park feels like an escape from the city’s hustle. Surrounded by greenery, this two-story café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an excellent spot for a quiet study session.

• Crowd: ★★★☆☆ – Busy on weekends but manageable during weekdays.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★★☆ – Decent number of power points scattered around.

• Menu Variety: ★★★☆☆ – Standard Starbucks menu with a few highlights like the almond croissant.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Strong and reliable.

• Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ – Convenient location near Rochester Mall.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★★ – Warm and accommodating.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★★ – Colonial charm and lush greenery make it unique.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Higashiyama Starbucks, Kyoto

This Starbucks, housed in a 100-year-old teahouse, was like stepping into another era. The charm of Kyoto’s historic streets combined with tatami mat seating made this a standout.

• Crowd: ★★★☆☆ – Limited seating and high demand during peak hours.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★☆☆ – Few outlets available.

• Menu Variety: ★★★★☆ – Standard Starbucks fare, with excellent matcha latte options.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Reliable for light work.

• Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ – Convenient and easy to find.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★★ – Polite, attentive, and welcoming.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★★ – A perfect blend of Starbucks and traditional Kyoto charm.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Starbucks Tsutaya, Tokyo

Located above the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, this Starbucks is as much a sightseeing spot as a coffee shop. While the views were incredible, the foot traffic made it less ideal for long study sessions.

• Crowd: ★★☆☆☆ – Crowded almost all day; finding a seat takes patience.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★☆☆ – Outlets available, but hard to claim.

• Menu Variety: ★★★☆☆ – Standard Starbucks fare with standout matcha drinks.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Reliable and fast.

• Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ – Easily accessible near public transport.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★☆ – Friendly and efficient.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★★ – The Shibuya Crossing view is unparalleled.

Overall Rating: ★★★

Starbucks Hualien, Taiwan

Built entirely from repurposed shipping containers, Starbucks Hualien stands out for its innovative design. While the architecture was impressive, the limited seating and warm interior made it less ideal for studying.

• Crowd: ★★★☆☆ – Can get busy with tourists and limited seating.

• Accessibility for Charging: ★★★★☆ – A few power points are available.

• Menu Variety: ★★★☆☆ – Standard Starbucks menu.

• Wi-Fi Speed: ★★★★☆ – Reliable for basic tasks.

• Ease of Access: ★★★★☆ – Conveniently located near a mall.

• Staff Friendliness: ★★★★☆ – Welcoming and helpful.

• Ambience and Aesthetic: ★★★★☆ – Unique and sustainable, but not ideal for long stays.

Overall Rating: ★★★

Final Rankings

1. Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary, Bali – ★★★★★

2. Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Tokyo – ★★★★

3. Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Shanghai – ★★★★

4. Starbucks Rochester Park, Singapore – ★★★★

5. Higashiyama Starbucks, Kyoto – ★★★★

6. Starbucks Tsutaya, Tokyo – ★★★

7. Starbucks Hualien, Taiwan – ★★★

From the tranquil greenery of Bali’s Dewata Coffee Sanctuary to the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, these Starbucks locations offered much more than just coffee. While each spot had its strengths, Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary stood out as the ultimate study haven.

Wherever you choose to study, remember: it’s not just about the coffee—it’s about the atmosphere, inspiration, and those small moments of focus and creativity. Until next time, happy studying and sipping!