Apple will open its first retail store in Kyoto, Japan a cultural and technological hub for Japan, this Saturday. The company has shared photos of the new location.
The new location is on Shijō Dori. The street is surrounded by many of Kyoto’s famous shrines and temples, and has served as the city’s main shopping corridor since the 1600s.
Apple Kyoto’s architecture takes inspiration from local design and materials, with the upper levels clad in a translucent envelope inspired by Japanese lanterns. The use of lightweight timber frame and special paper on the upper facade also draw reference to the country’s traditional houses. The building is centered around a multi-level atrium that is also where the store will offer free Today at Apple sessions daily on photography, music, coding and more.
Apple opened their first Apple store outside of the U.S. in Tokyo 2003. Apple is currently rapidly expanding their retail footprint in the country, planning to open several new stores, while remodeling others, over the coming years.
