Stylish coffee

Today's  striking green and white building has the dubious honor of hosting a Starbucks coffee shop other expensive North American coffee shops are available, just not in one of Japan's  Tangible Cultural  Properties.

Built in 1907, the house was badly damaged in the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.  At this time the owner donated the building to Kobe City who dismantled it and preserved its materials until 2001 when it was relocated and reconstructed in its current location. In 2009 it opened as a coffee house. 

Super popular with tourists who visit the area especially to see these wonderful old houses, its best avoided if you just want a quick latte - the queues often lead to the pavement outside! 

Happy weekend Blip buddies!