Been There – Yokohama

Starbucks Been There Yokohama mug features the symbols and landmarks of a Japanese city that transformed from a modest fishing village into the country’s premier international port after Commodore Matthew Perry forced its opening in 1859. The city rapidly became a gateway for foreign trade and cultural exchange during the Meiji period, introducing Japan to Western influences that would help shape its modernization. Despite suffering massive destruction during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and World War II bombing raids, Yokohama rebuilt itself each time, emerging as Japan’s second-largest city and a major commercial hub.… Read more

Been There – Tochigi

Been There Tochigi is a mug for a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, that evolved from a prosperous riverport town during the Edo period (1603-1867). The city flourished as a key trading point along the Uzuma River, where merchants transported goods between Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and the northern regions. The historic Kuranomachi district preserves many traditional storehouses (kura) built by wealthy merchants, featuring distinctive black-and-white striped walls that showcase the city’s architectural heritage. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Tochigi adapted to modernization while maintaining its cultural significance, though its role as a trading hub diminished with the advent of railways.… Read more

Been There – Shenyang

Starbucks Been There Shenyang is a mug for a city in Liaoning Province. Historically known as Mukden, it is one of China’s most significant industrial cities, with a rich history spanning over 2,300 years. The city served as the capital of the Later Jin and Qing dynasties before they conquered China proper, making it a crucial center of Manchu culture and power. During the early 20th century, Shenyang became a focal point of Russian and Japanese imperial ambitions, with Japan’s occupation of the city in 1931 serving as a prelude to their invasion of China.… Read more

Been There – Norwegian Gem

Starbucks Been There Norwegian Gem is a mug for one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most successful Jewel-class vessels. Built by Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, at a cost of approximately $700 million and launched in 2007, she was the last ship of her class to be constructed. During her construction, an innovative hull design was implemented that improved fuel efficiency by 5% compared to her sister ships. An interesting fact about her construction is that she was too large to pass through the River Ems normally, so the ship had to be conveyed backward over a distance of about 20 miles to reach the North Sea.… Read more

Been There – Japan Autumn

Starbucks Been There Japan Autumn follows three other country mugs for Nippon, namely: regular, Spring, and Summer editions.

The design of the mug showcases fall colors in all their beauty. Interestingly enough, the Japanese have a special word for the tradition of autumn leaf viewing. Momiji-gari is the centuries-old practice of traveling to scenic areas to view the changing autumn leaves, particularly those of maple trees. The term literally translates to “maple hunting” or “maple viewing,” though it encompasses the appreciation of all autumn foliage.… Read more

Been There – Northwestern University

Starbucks Been There Northwestern University is probably the last mug from the Campus Collection. Looking back, it has been three years since the release of the first mug from this subset.

Northwestern University, founded in 1851, is a private research institution located in Evanston, Illinois. The university was established by nine prominent Chicago businessmen who sought to create a high-quality educational institution to serve the Northwest Territory. Initially starting with just two faculty members and ten students, Northwestern has grown into a renowned academic center with multiple campuses and a diverse student body.… Read more

Been There – Kyoto

Starbucks Been There Kyoto is a mug for one of the oldest municipalities in Japan.

Founded in 794 CE as Heian-kyō, Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital for over a millennium, shaping the nation’s cultural and spiritual identity. The city emerged as a center of aristocratic culture, Buddhist scholarship, and artistic innovation during the Heian period. Despite fires, wars, and modernization, Kyoto preserved its cultural heritage through centuries, maintaining its status as Japan’s cultural heart even after the imperial capital moved to Tokyo in 1868.… Read more

Been There – Virginia Tech

Been There Virginia Tech is the latest addition to the Campus Collection set of mugs.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly known as Virginia Tech, was founded in 1872 as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. The institution began with just 132 students and has grown into one of Virginia’s largest universities, becoming a leading research institution in the United States. Throughout its history, the school has evolved from its agricultural and mechanical roots to become a comprehensive university offering more than 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.… Read more

Been There – Japan Summer

The design of the Been There Japan Summer mug is dedicated to the summer season, obviously. Let me remind you that Japanese mugs are unique in the sense that apart from the regular mug, Starbucks releases four more mugs for each season. We’ve reviewed Japan Spring recently and noticed that while the layout stays the same, certain elements of the design were adapted to reflect the different seasons of the year. There is one more interesting detail about this particular release: while all other seasons, Spring, Autumn, and Winter, were all released in 2022, the Summer Edition was released in 2023, thus leaving collectors hanging for a while.… Read more

Been There – Norwegian Bliss

Similar to mugs for Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Starbucks released ten more mugs for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Been There – Norwegian Bliss is just one of them. Stay tuned for a quick overview of the other nine mugs!

The Norwegian Bliss, one of NCL’s newest ships, offers a wealth of entertainment and activities for passengers of all ages. Launched in 2018, this 1,094-foot vessel can accommodate over 4,000 guests.

One of the ship’s standout features is its two-level electric car race track, the largest at sea.… Read more

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