Another GTL Odyssey Begins

Thanks for following my last blog on iced green tea lattes (GTLs).
 

In the 2012 GTL battle of the Pacific Rim, I gave the Koreans the win. Now that I live in Japan, I have a little more time to explore "the land of the rising sun" for this tasty drink.  Here, I hope to give the Japanese a fair chance.
 

I had planned on giving grades for quality and such.  In the end, it's too much work, so I'll just show the options available and let you decide for yourself.
 

Below are what I found from traveling around the country in the past year...
 

*All these places are chain stores, haven't found a mom-and-pop shop yet.

 

1. Starbucks
 

I was treating this GTL odyssey like an experiment, so this was the standard. It's as abundant as McDonald's in major cities across Japan.  This Shibuya/TSUTAYA shop is probably one of the most well-known locations, with an equally well-known view.

Sorry, can't find an actual Starbucks GTL pic.

 

2. nana's green tea
 

The name says it all; it's not a place where you find a triple-shot expresso. Hidden on the high floors of Namba Parks, this was my very first destination in Osaka after I dropped off my luggage at the hostel.  This location was closest to where I was staying.
 

    

 

3. Caffe Veloce
 

This particular shop is located near Yodoyabashi station, across the river from Osaka City Hall. Needless to say, it offered a great view for watching salarymen and government workers scurrying about at lunchtime and rush hour. Also a great place to hide from the scorching mid-day summer heat.
 

  

 

4. Beck's Coffee Shop
 

This shop is located at Kamakura JR station, about 40 mins away by train from Tokyo city center. Facing the wrong side for people watching, but sees plenty of business from workers, tourists, and others looking for a caffeine fix.
 

  

 

 

5. Excelsior Coffee
 

A popular alternative to Starbucks, this shop is located across the plaza from the Gundam and AKB48 cafes, next to Akihabara JR station. A nice place to chill after a long day exploring otaku land, other than the Vie de France next door.
 

     

6. Doutor Coffee
 

Located inside Morioka JR station, it's one of the few places opened early enough to accommodate sunrise commuters or a dumbass from a night bus that arrived at 7am.
 

     

7. Q's café

 

Located along a 2nd floor walkway above the west exit of Shinjuku JR station, it offers a sneaky but commanding view of busy commuters scrambling below, especially during rush hour.  Tucked away from the chaos of the station, it attracts workaholic business-persons and worn-out travelers alike.  A bit pricey though.