Been There – Sendai

It seems that the design of the Starbucks Been There – Sendai mug is all about local foods and local crafts.

– The Sendai Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals, celebrated every August with colorful decorations. The city is adorned with massive streamers made of paper and bamboo, each handmade by local shops and schools. The festival is based on the ancient legend of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. During the celebration, the streets come alive with music, dancing, and traditional food stalls, attracting visitors from across the country.… Read more

Been There – Jinan

Been There – Jinan is the mug for the capital of Shandong Province in eastern China, which has a rich history that spans over 4,000 years. Originally known as Lixia during the Zhou Dynasty, it became a significant city in the state of Qi. The name “Jinan,” meaning “south of the Ji River,” reflects its geographical roots, as the Ji River once flowed nearby. Throughout its history, Jinan has served as a cultural and administrative hub, witnessing the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Han, Tang, and Song.… Read more

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Been There – Oita

Been There – Oita is a mug for a city located on the island of Kyushu in Japan. During the Nara period (710–794), Oita flourished as a center of culture and religion, thanks to the influence of Usa Jingu Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Throughout the centuries, Oita grew through trade, agriculture, and later, its development into a center for hot spring tourism, a reputation it proudly maintains today.

– One of Oita’s most famous attractions is its playful troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama Monkey Park.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Wuxi

Been There Ornament – Wuxi accompanies the bigger mug that we’ve reviewed today, see this post. Like all Been There ornaments from China, it comes as a set of two, paired with the country ornament. It’s a bit inconvenient if you’re trying to collect all the cities, but that’s just how it is.

The ornament showcases most of the landmarks featured in the full-size mug design, but I’d like to mention these three additional symbols:

– The A Fu clay figurines, depicting a boy and a girl, are a popular form of Huishan clay figurines from Wuxi, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.… Read more

Been There – Wuxi

Starbucks Been There – Wuxi is a mug for a city located in Jiangsu Province. Wuxi is one of China’s oldest cities, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It was once a vital center for the Wu Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period. Known for its early prosperity in rice cultivation and silk production, Wuxi grew into a major commercial hub by the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its name, meaning “without tin,” reflects the depletion of local tin mines that once drove its early economy.… Read more

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Been There – Odyssey of the Seas

Been There – Odyssey of the Seas is a mug for a Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Launched in 2021, it is the second ship in this subclass. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the vessel features advanced technology, including the SeaPlex entertainment complex, a skydiving simulator, and the North Star observation capsule, which extends over the ship for panoramic views. It has a gross tonnage of approximately 167,704 and accommodates around 5,510 passengers. Designed for global itineraries, Odyssey of the Seas debuted in Israel before repositioning to the Caribbean and Mediterranean.… Read more

Been There – Yantai

Been There – Yantai is a mug for a city located on the northeastern coast of China’s Shandong Peninsula. Known as a vital port and cultural hub, Yantai’s history dates back thousands of years. It played a significant role during the Ming Dynasty as a coastal defense center against pirates and foreign invaders. The city’s name, which means “Beacon Tower,” originates from the watchtowers built to signal approaching threats. In the late 19th century, Yantai became an important treaty port, attracting foreign influence and fostering international trade.… Read more

Been There – Kunming

Been There – Kunming is a mug for the capital of Yunnan Province in China, which has long been a vital hub for cultural exchange and trade. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, it played a key role in the ancient Southern Silk Road, connecting China to Southeast Asia and beyond. The city’s architectural heritage, from traditional pagodas to historic temples, reflects the diverse influences that have shaped its development over time.

From the design of the mug:

Stone Forest (Shilin National Park) is renowned for its towering limestone formations that resemble a vast, petrified forest.… Read more

Been There – Gifu

Been There – Gifu is a mug for a city located in central Japan. It boasts a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years. Known as a strategic hub during the Sengoku period, Gifu was famously ruled by the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, who renamed the city from Inokuchi to Gifu, symbolizing his ambition to unify Japan. The city flourished as a center of politics and commerce, with Gifu Castle serving as a key stronghold. Additionally, Gifu is renowned for its traditional cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, a practice that has been preserved for over 1,300 years, reflecting the city’s deep cultural heritage.… Read more

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