Been There – Kobe
Starbucks Been There – Kobe is a mug for a prominent port city located on Osaka Bay in Japan, that has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the Nara period (710-794). During the 12th century, Kobe became a significant center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location. It was officially founded in 1868, the same year Japan opened its ports to foreign trade, marking the beginning of the Meiji era. Kobe’s port rapidly grew into one of Japan’s most important, facilitating international trade and cultural exchange. The city also played a vital role during the Meiji Restoration, contributing to Japan’s modernization and industrialization efforts.
– The front of the mug showcases the Kobe waterfront, which is a mesmerizing destination that perfectly blends natural beauty with modern urban development. Stretching along the coast of the city, this picturesque area offers stunning views of the sparkling waters of Osaka Bay. With its charming promenades, lush parks, and iconic landmarks, the Kobe waterfront has become a beloved gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The waterfront is adorned with a variety of architectural marvels, including the iconic Kobe Port Tower and the elegant Kobe Maritime Museum. Visitors can also indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the waterfront’s numerous restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines, including the world-renowned Kobe beef. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery, the Kobe waterfront offers a serene and enchanting experience for all who visit.
– Kobe beef is a culinary delicacy that has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and exquisite flavor. Hailing from the Hyogo prefecture in Japan, specifically the city of Kobe, this premium beef is renowned for its marbling, tenderness, and rich taste. The rearing process of Kobe beef involves strict regulations and meticulous care, ensuring the cattle are raised in a stress-free environment and fed a special diet that includes high-quality grains and beer. The result is a meat that is extraordinarily tender, with a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture and a distinctive, intense flavor.
– Beyond Kobe beef, the city offers a diverse culinary scene, including fresh seafood from the nearby Seto Inland Sea. Dishes such as “Kobe Soba”, a noodle dish made with local ingredients, and “Akashiyaki”, a savory ball-shaped snack similar to takoyaki but made with octopus and dipped in dashi broth, are local favorites. Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown, Nankinmachi, also adds to the city’s culinary diversity with a variety of Chinese-Japanese fusion dishes.
– For those with a sweet tooth, Kobe offers delightful treats like the Kobe Pudding, a velvety caramel custard, and the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Cakes, delicate confections bursting with flavor. To complete the culinary adventure, sample the local sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, produced by Kobe’s esteemed breweries. With its array of local gastronomic specialties, Kobe is a paradise for food lovers seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
– Kobe offers several vantage points to see the city from above. One of the most popular is the Rokko Garden Terrace on Mount Rokko, accessible via the Rokko Cable Car. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Kobe, Osaka Bay, and on clear days, even the distant Awaji Island. These locations offer stunning perspectives of Kobe’s urban and natural landscapes.
– Kobe has a rich connection to music, particularly jazz. The city is often regarded as the birthplace of jazz in Japan, with the genre taking root in the early 20th century as Kobe’s port facilitated cultural exchanges with the West. The Kobe Jazz Street Festival, held annually since 1981, celebrates this legacy by attracting jazz enthusiasts and musicians from around the world. Kobe is also home to numerous jazz clubs and live music venues, such as the Sone Jazz Club, which offer regular performances and contribute to the city’s vibrant music scene.
