This Western-style residence retains its elegant wooden structure, stained-glass windows, vintage fireplace, and classic furniture, giving it a strong sense of Western charm and history. The interior is comfortable, and every corner has a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've stepped into a century-old Western-style mansion. Ordering a cup of coffee and leisurely admiring the architectural details while experiencing Kobe's unique port city culture is a rare pleasure.
Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Store | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Senjojiki (Wakayama Prefecture)
Senjojiki is a large, tiered rock formation that appears as if a thousand tatami mats are spread out. Senjojiki was named because there is enough space for a thousand (sen in Japanese) of tatami mats (jo, a unit for tatami in Japanese).
Standing on the vast wave-eroded rock formations of Senjojiki, you can see the Pacific's huge waves crashing before you and hear the roar of the surf—a visually stunning sight! The sandstone, carved by millions of years of weathering, has distinct layers. As you walk across the wave-like rocks, you can easily capture sweeping seascapes with a sense of grandeur and desolate beauty.
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Kinoko no Yama
Kinoko no Yama, a long-selling product that represents Meiji Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Meiji), has been a beloved national chocolate snack across generations since its launch in 1975. Its most distinctive feature is its cute mushroom-shaped form. The cracker is light and fragrant, while the chocolate portion has a two-layer structure that gives it a smooth melt-in-the-mouth texture. The slight saltiness of the cracker brings out the sweetness, while the clean finish makes it easy to enjoy.
Meiji's mushroom-shaped chocolates are small and cute, and each one looks like a mini mushroom. Just looking at them makes them appetizing. When you bite into one, the rich, smooth chocolate coating pairs well with the crispy cracker inside. The sweet chocolate and crunchy texture go together nicely. What I like most is that they're bite-sized, making them easy to eat without feeling too heavy.
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Fukusaya Nagasaki main store
Castella, a sponge cake brought to Nagasaki in the mid-16th century along with Nanban trade, quickly became a favorite across Japan thanks to its fluffy deliciousness and high nutritional value. It was particularly embraced by students who came to Nagasaki from all over Japan to study medicine and Dutch studies.
I tried the classic castella at the Fukusaya Nagasaki Main Store and found it very distinctive. The traditional storefront is full of history, and you can feel Nagasaki's unique atmosphere as soon as you walk in. The castella is soft and moist, with a light honey aroma. There are also tiny sugar crystals on the bottom, giving it a slightly crunchy and distinctive texture.
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