Tag: Japan

Been There – Gifu

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Nara

Posted on

Been There – Nara is a mug for a city located in the Kansai region of Japan. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance as the first permanent capital of Japan. The city is home to iconic landmarks like Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant Buddha statue, and Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. With its blend of ancient temples, shrines, and natural beauty, Nara offers a serene glimpse into Japan’s past.

Here are some landmarks of Nara:

– Nara Park is one of the most famous attractions in the city, known for its free-roaming, friendly deer.… Read more

2
See more from Been There

Been There – Kanazawa

Posted on

Been There – Kanazawa is a mug for a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. The city flourished under the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly 300 years, transforming Kanazawa into a significant cultural and economic center. Despite being spared from major bombings during World War II, the city preserved much of its traditional architecture and cultural traditions, making it one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical cities.

Places to visit in Kanazawa:

– Kenroku-en is widely considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.… Read more

0
See more from Been There
This block contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made by you through such links.

Been There – Japan Winter

Posted on

Been There – Japan Winter is the fourth special edition Japan mug. As you remember, it’s the only country that gets a mug per season on top of the regular one.

Japan transforms into a magical winter landscape during the cold months, offering a unique blend of traditional customs and exciting seasonal activities that captivate both locals and visitors. From snow festivals to hot springs and winter cuisine, the season brings out some of the most enchanting aspects of Japanese culture.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Yokohama

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Tochigi

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There
This block contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made by you through such links.

Been There – Japan Autumn

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Kyoto

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Japan Summer

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Nagoya

Posted on

Been There Nagoya is a mug for Japan’s fourth-largest city with a history dating back to the Edo period. Originally a small castle town, it gained prominence in the early 17th century when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, built Nagoya Castle as a strategic stronghold. The city flourished as a political and economic center during the feudal era. In the Meiji period, Nagoya rapidly industrialized, becoming a major manufacturing hub. Despite heavy damage during World War II, the city rebuilt quickly, emerging as a vital industrial and technological center in post-war Japan, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.… Read more

0
See more from Been There
1 2 3 4