history of coffee

UCC is a famous coffee brand in japan. before starbucks attacked japan, UCC was probably the only popular brand. across from the new IKEA in kobe is the headquarters, and right next door is the UCC coffee museum.

the headquarter building in the back and the museum in front... it looks more like a church?


the history of coffee and how coffee is processed are quite interesting, but honestly, there's too much text to read so i sort of gave up after the very first station... hehe~

i can learn just fine from images and displays


collection of different roasters


one of the early coffee makers - this one was from 19th century france


they also displayed hundreds of different coffee cups and saucers. this one is especially eye-catching because it's designed and made for those with a mustache.


i've always wondered what UCC stands for. now i know: Uejima Coffee Company 上島コーヒー - name of its founder.

a chronological display of the history of UCC and its products. this section is from the 1970's.


before leaving the museum, i stopped by the cafe and ordered a cup of their most expensive coffee on the menu just to try. "blue mountain no.1" (¥720) - it's really up to par!


for souvenir, i picked this limited edition coffee flavored collon (it says it's only sold in kansai)


UCC Coffee Museum
〒650-0046　神戸市中央区港島中町6丁目6-2