We’ve covered the awesome ways that modern day services fit in with Japan’s historical neighbourhoods before, and Starbucks in Kawagoe, Saitama, is about to be a new example.

Kawagoe is a small town less than an hour away from Tokyo, making it a popular choice for tourists looking to experience Japanese history for themselves. It is known as ‘Little Edo’ because the area’s resemblance to an Edo period town, in particular the merchant’s warehouse style architecture which is prevalent.

Japanese culture purists look away now because a Starbucks is going to open on Kanetsuki street, home to Saitama’s iconic ‘Toki no Kane’. The bell tower is seen as the symbol of the area and was even included in the limited edition Coca Cola bottle design for Saitama.

However, this particular Starbucks is taking on the Edo aesthetic to blend in with the historic town as much as possible, using locally sourced cedar wood for the exterior.

But it’s not just the front of the coffee shop which stays faithful to the Kawagoe charm, they’ve also tried to add elements to the interior which pay tribute to the culture and history of the area. The counter will have a black and white pattern in reference to the plastering used in Kawagoe's Edo-style warehouses and the seats will be covered in Kawagoe Tozan, a locally made cloth.

When relaxing with your coffee, you will even be able to hear the bell tower's chimes at 12 pm, 3 pm and 6 pm (it also rings at 6 am but the Starbucks doesn't open until 8).

This Edo style Starbucks will open March 19th 2018 so being on a cultural day out doesn't mean you can't enjoy a modern day cherry blossom Frappucino!.