Cool Starbucks store - Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando

Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando

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The Starbucks store at Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando is known that Japanese modern architect, Kengo Kuma, has designed. It stands on the main approach to the Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the most major shrines in Japan. The tourists who visits this shrine often takes pictures in front of the entrance.

Dazaifu-Tenmangu

Dazaifu is the name of local administrative agency in old Japan. It served the entire island of Kyushu from 7th century to 12th century. The reason which it was built in this area is that Dazaifu was pivotal for Japan's diplomatic relations and organizing the country's defenses. It is slightly inland from Hakata, whose port was one of the main points of interaction between Japan and mainland Asia. 

http://www.pref.fukuoka.lg.jp

Tenmangu is one of the most important shrines that are devoted to the Shinto deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane. Michizane is promoted to a succession of important posts by the emperor due to his grate talent. But his rivals, in an attempt to undermine his influence at court, falsely accused him of plotting to kill the emperor. As a result, Michizane was exiled to Dazaifu where he eventually died. After his death, a number of misfortunes at court were ascribed to his angry spirit. To placate the ghost, his descendants were reinstated and became hereditary court scholars. Nowadays, he is a popular focus for prayers among students facing examinations.

The design of Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma, a Japanese architect, sees in architecture a frame of nature that bridges people with the environment. His buildings are related to the Asian tradition and to nature, using light and natural materials to produce a new kind of transparency.

The building is made of 2,000 wooden stick parts. Along the main path to the shrine, there are traditional Japanese buildings, this building is harmonizes with such townscape, using a unique system of weaving thin woods diagonally.

Honestly saying, this store is very clouded and it seems to be difficult to give you space to relax in the weekend. But I think you may feel the good atmosphere with Japanese cool design. 

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