Starbucks is often filled with people who flaunt their productivity, and recently even middle and high school students are joining in. While that’s fine, it’s becoming less appealing. In rural areas, Starbucks is the worst. It’s no longer a relaxing, stylish spot, and its standing has gradually declined. Especially in these times of avoiding crowded places, the overwhelming number of people flocking there is challenging. Similarly crowded coffee shops, like Takakura Town Coffee and Hoshino Coffee, are also not ideal. Therefore, I recommend Royal Host, whether on weekends or weekdays. On weekends, it gets busy after 1 PM, so it’s best to go from 2 PM to 6 PM. The last two hours before closing are also great at any location. While the Royal Host in Ginza is always crowded due to its prime location, I still like it. However, the roadside locations in rural areas are the best.
You can relax and work, and I’ll also share how to be more productive. This can be useful for studying or working.
Royal Host is Great Because It Doesn’t Have WiFi
It’s better not to have WiFi in stores. Otherwise, they become crowded with people looking for free internet. If that’s the goal, they should do it at home. But there is value in working efficiently in a different environment. If you can’t work efficiently or productively, you should stay at home. This is crucial. Using such spaces to develop habits that increase efficiency at home is also a good purpose.
Starbucks promotes itself as a slow, relaxing space between home and work, but as I mentioned earlier, it’s no longer relaxing. It’s far from slow and has become a weird space.
In densely populated areas, office buildings often have Starbucks locations. In suburban areas, there might be just one or two stores, where stylish young people crowd in, making it restless. It’s supposed to be a place to spend time leisurely, but there are long lines at the counter and cars queued up at the drive-thru. The busy, cramped movements of the staff add to the chaos. Starbucks is no longer a relaxing third place.
On the Other Hand, Royal Host Doesn’t Have WiFi
So, you need a WiFi router or your phone’s tethering function to connect to the internet. This means that people who come here to work have the resources to invest in a communication setup. (Although tethering is now common, so it might be more about having the knowledge.)
If You Can Tether, Use Royal Host
As a side note, does anyone still carry a WiFi router when their phone can tether? Mobile routers are becoming extinct. Now, connecting your computer to the internet via phone tethering is mainstream. If you need more data, just add it (it’s a necessary cost and shouldn’t be skimped on if you’re doing productive work). Using services like Rakuten Mobile with unlimited LTE data (which might become standard nationwide soon) or using 5G with unlimited data is advisable.
In short, attracting people with “free WiFi” results in perpetual crowds, consuming your valuable time. Think of congestion as a collective time thief, much like traffic jams.
Some counters have power outlets, but most stores don’t provide them. This lack of outlets serves as a barrier to those who casually come to cafes.
Must-Try: Yogurt Germany for Parfait Lovers
Price: 693 yen. Adding a drink bar costs 363 yen, totaling 1,056 yen. If your productivity is worth more than 1,056 yen, it’s worth working at Royal Host. Otherwise, just relax.
Equipment for a Comfortable Time at Royal Host
Here’s why Royal Host is great. For efficient use, bring these items:
- A battery to charge your laptop.
- A smartphone capable of tethering (or just your phone if you have a WiFi router).
In case there’s a seat with a power outlet, bring a full set of charging equipment.
If you don’t have a battery for your laptop, focus intensely on your work while the battery lasts, then spend the remaining time reading a book. You’ll likely feel great after a focused session. Let’s regain the sense of accomplishment we had as kids, which we seem to forget as adults.
Earphones or headphones, preferably with noise-canceling features, are also helpful.
