At Kurasu, we’re always looking to to share Kyoto’s coffee culture with the world. Since opening our first overseas outpost in Singapore in 2017, we’ve continued to expand internationally. In 2023, we opened two shops in Jakarta, Indonesia—an exciting milestone that highlights not only Indonesia’s growing passion for specialty coffee but also Kurasu’s evolving journey as a Kyoto-born startup.
Our founder and CEO,Yozo, spearheaded this expansion. Below, we take a look at the reasons behind choosing Indonesia, the challenges and rewards of setting up shop abroad, and how we’re creating a slice of Kyoto’s coffee culture in Jakarta.
Why Indonesia?
From our online store data, we’ve long seen that Indonesia is among our top overseas markets. We also noticed many Indonesian customers visiting ourKurasu Ebisugawa location in Kyoto. Their enthusiasm for coffee culture—and specifically for Kurasu—was clear.
Another factor is Indonesia’s high import tariffs on coffee-related goods, which makes it challenging for locals to order coffee and equipment from abroad. Despite that, so many Indonesian customers made the trip all the way to Kyoto just to experience Kurasu firsthand. That inspired us to bring our coffee closer to them instead.
Moreover, Indonesia is the world’s third-largest coffee producer, yet much of its crop is robusta, commonly used in blends or canned coffee. We’ve seen a recent shift toward higher-quality arabica beans—both in production and in local consumers’ tastes—making Indonesia an exciting, fast-growing specialty coffee market. Having a physical presence there also lets us collaborate more directly with local farms, bridging the gap between roaster and producer.
From Idea to Reality: Securing the Perfect Partner
Back in late 2022, an Indonesian partner company reached out to us, expressing their interest in launching Kurasu in Jakarta. This company manages a fund that supports independent, community-driven food businesses, helping them grow while respecting each brand’s unique identity.
Their philosophy aligned well with ours: they handle aspects like funding, marketing, and back-office operations so that founders can focus on their passion—creating and serving great coffee. We were previously in talks with a different partner before the pandemic, but we never reached a final agreement. When our current partner approached us, everything clicked, and we felt confident about a fruitful collaboration.
Launching Kurasu Senopati: A “Small Start” with a Big Response
Our first Indonesian location,Kurasu Senopati, opened on the second floor of a high-end apparel store (ALTR Store) in central Jakarta. We chose this “hidden gem” approach as a modest test run, not wanting to go all-in right away. Little did we know the response would be overwhelming: lines formed from day one, far exceeding our expectations.
Tailoring the Space to a New City
In terms of design, we worked with the Jakarta branch of a Japanese architectural office (kousou inc.), whose team understood Kurasu’s identity and vision. While they referenced our Kyoto shops, they made sure to adapt every detail to local tastes and architecture. For example, we usedbanana-fiber washi lamp shades crafted by Indonesian artisans—an homage to Indonesia’s banana production and a nod to our Japanese roots. We also allowednatural light to filter through a skylight, creating a warm, inviting environment reminiscent of our shops back home.
The counter area draws direct inspiration fromKurasu Ebisugawa, but the overall color palette and textures are tweaked for Jakarta’s ambiance. The result is a space that feels both distinctly local and distinctly “us,” a balance we strive for whenever we open new locations abroad.
A Cozy Spot with Big Crowds
Kurasu Senopati only has a limited number of seats, adding to its intimate vibe—but that didn’t stop the crowds from pouring in. We were genuinely thrilled to see such a strong local interest in specialty coffee (and in Kurasu, specifically). Our biggest challenge was adjusting to the higher-than-expected turnout, ensuring that even during peak hours, we could still deliver the friendly, personal touch Kurasu is known for.
A Second Store with a “Kissaten” Twist
BecauseKurasu Senopati proved so popular, we quickly decided to open a second store just two kilometers away to help ease the crowding. This time, we took inspiration from the classicJapanese kissaten tradition—mellow lighting, comfortable seating, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee—hoping to give Jakartans an experience akin to stepping into a nostalgic coffee shop in Japan, yet with modern touches befitting the city’s vibrant energy.
A Personal Connection: Jazz, Coffee, and Kissaten Culture
Our founder, Yozo, grew up with a mother who ran ajazz kissaten in Kyoto when she was younger. From a young age, he was surrounded by vinyl records and the soothing scent of freshly brewed coffee—a blend of music and warmth that shaped his love for cafe culture. This family history played a major role in guiding the design and atmosphere of our second Jakarta store. We wanted to bring that same sense of familiarity and quiet charm to a modern-day setting, creating a space where people can relax, chat, and enjoy coffee just as they would in an old-school Kyoto cafe.
Blending Old-School Comfort with a Modern Buzz
In translating this kissaten inspiration to Jakarta, we fused theretro charm of Japan’s historic coffeehouses with a morecontemporary, social vibe—making the space welcoming for everything from late-night drinks to casual daytime get-togethers. We also experimented with expanded seating and a layout that encourages both quiet reflection and lively conversation.
It quickly became one of the most talked-about cafes in Jakarta, leading to daily lines once again. Recognizing the ongoing demand, we’ve been fine-tuning our operations to handle the constant rush while preserving that cozy, personal feel. To accommodate even more coffee lovers, we’re actively developing a third store in central Jakarta’s business district—further evidence that the city’s appetite for Kurasu continues to grow.
Growing Even More: Kurasu Menteng and Grand Indonesia
With demand still on the rise, we ventured further into Jakarta’s central areas. We opened our third shop,Kurasu Menteng, in the historic and bustling Menteng district, followed by our fourth shop,Kurasu Grand Indonesia, located in one of the city’s premier shopping complexes. Both new locations continue our goal of bringing genuine Kyoto-style coffee experiences to an ever-growing community of coffee enthusiasts in Indonesia.
Looking Ahead: More Shops, Possible Roastery, and Behind-the-Scenes Updates
As Kurasu grows in Jakarta, we’re exploring new opportunities—including the possibility of establishing a local roastery. We’ll be sharing more details and behind-the-scenes stories on our blog and YouTube channel, where you can see how our Menteng shop came together and get a glimpse of Kurasu’s day-to-day in Indonesia.
Defining Kurasu Abroad and Looking Ahead
Adapting Kurasu’s concepts for international markets is both exciting and challenging. We’re constantly asking ourselves what Kurasu stands for and how we can convey that identity in new locales without losing our soul. Clear communication with our partners—especially from a distance—is essential, so that any creative twists still align with our core vision.
Currently, we roast most of our coffee in Japan and ship it overseas, but our goal is to eventually roast locally. In Indonesia, we see huge potential to work closely with farms, building a unique supply chain and experimenting with new production methods. It’s a fast-growing market, and we feel fortunate to be part of its transformation in these early stages.
Visit Our Jakarta Locations
If you happen to be in Jakarta—or planning a trip—come say hello!
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Kurasu Senopati (1st Shop)
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Address: Jl. Tulodong Bawah I No.9, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190
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Google Maps
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Kurasu Kissaten
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Address: Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya No.1, RT.5/RW.2, Melawai, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160
3.Kurasu Menteng
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Address: Jl. HOS. Cokroaminoto No.74, RT.3/RW.5, Gondangdia, Kecamatan Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350
4. Kurasu Grand Indonesia
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Address: East Mall, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, Level 3A, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.1, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat 10310
Stay tuned for more updates on our third shop, new roastery plans, and everything else we’re doing to bring the spirit of Kyoto’s coffee culture to Indonesia. As always, thank you for your continued support of Kurasu—and we hope you’ll join us on this journey!
