Apple will open its first Kyoto store this Saturday

Back in 2003, the Cupertino-based giant began its expansion into the global retail space by choosing Tokyo as the first city outside the US to get a specialized store for all things Apple. Now, Apple claims to be "in the midst of a retail expansion in the country, opening several new stores, and remodeling many others, in the coming years."

The new Apple store in Japan will open its doors to the public on August 25 in Kyoto, on Shijō Dori. This street, surrounded by many famous temples and shrines, has been the city's main shopping corridor for more than four hundred years already.

The architecture of the new Apple store is based on the local design and materials, featuring a translucent envelope inspired by Japanese lanterns for the upper levels, as well as a lightweight timber frame and special paper on the upper facade that have been inspired by the traditional Japanese houses.

At last, there is a multi-level atrium as well that is located in the center of the building and will offer free Today at Apple sessions on a daily basis. These sessions will focus on music, photography, coding, and more.

At the end of last month, Apple operated a total of no less than 504 retail stores in 24 countries — of which 271 are located in the US. The first such location opened its gates in Virginia on May 19, 2001.