一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 15/21

After visiting Uji Shrine, follow the signs into a quiet residential alley and head uphill to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine, hidden deep among the trees.

This ancient shrine stands on the east bank of the Uji River. Unlike the bustling Byodoin Temple, there are hardly any noisy tour groups here, and most visitors are local Japanese people who come to worship devoutly. Surrounded by towering old trees, the air carries the fresh scent of earth and greenery. The entire shrine grounds feel solemn and ethereal, with a sacredness that takes your breath away. Away from the crowds, this secluded place lets you experience pure faith and the depth of passing time. It is definitely worth a special visit.

If you like quiet, uncrowded spiritual spots, don't miss Uji Shrine on the other side of the Uji River. As soon as you cross the bridge, the surrounding noise fades away, and it becomes so peaceful that it feels like entering another world.

This historic shrine has a special story. Legend says that when a prince set out for Uji, he lost his way. Fortunately, a mystical rabbit repeatedly looked back to guide him, allowing him to arrive safely. In remembrance of the legend of the “Looking-Back Rabbit,” later generations regarded it as an auspicious messenger that guides people back onto the right path in life.

After walking along the short approach, you can see cute rabbit lanterns standing quietly in the distance. Traces of warm, charming rabbits can be found throughout the small shrine, but the one thing you shouldn't miss is the adorable, round 3D “rabbit fortune.” After praying, don't forget to get one to take home. It offers the protection of a guiding light and makes a wonderful keepsake from this peaceful stroll through Uji.

We visited the famous World Cultural Heritage Site Byodoin, a classic masterpiece of the Heian-period aristocracy.

When we visited in early spring, the cherry blossoms by the pond were in full bloom. The snow-white and pale pink petals swayed in the breeze, complementing the blue sky and the vermilion hall reflected on the water, creating an exquisite, breathtaking scene. The famous Phoenix Hall is featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin, so travelers shouldn't forget to pull a coin from their pocket, line it up with the hall in the distance, and take a classic overlapping photo.

Besides admiring the grandeur of the hall from afar, the Hoshokan Museum on the grounds is also worth exploring quietly. Each National Treasure radiates a thousand years of solemnity and purity. It's a perfect place to slow down and quietly take in this timeless historical beauty amid the fragrance of flowers and the gentle breeze.

Another famous shop in Uji is the long-established Itohkyuemon, which is as renowned as Nakamura Tokichi. For matcha lovers, it's a must-visit pilgrimage spot in Uji.

Unlike most tea shops that mainly serve sweets, this place thoughtfully offers a wide variety of savory dishes. The classic choice is the matcha soba. The noodles are springy with a subtle tea aroma, and they're very refreshing with the special dipping sauce. You can even choose them in a hot broth, perfect for anyone who wants a proper meal.

After filling up, the main event has to be their famous signature matcha parfait. A tall glass is layered with rich, bittersweet matcha ice cream, chewy shiratama, handmade tea jelly, and sweet red beans. It offers plenty of different textures without being overly sweet, and seasonal flavors like cherry blossom and chestnut are also available. Starting with a bowl of refreshing savory tea noodles and finishing with an elaborate parfait is the ultimate Uji experience, with both savory and sweet delights!

From the station, you can see one of Japan's famous ancient bridges, Uji Bridge, spanning the wide, clear Uji River. The elegant old bridge seems to transport you back a thousand years to the Heian period.

Visiting in early spring, both banks of the Uji River are bursting with signs of the season. Snow-white Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and deep pink weeping cherry blossoms complement each other, gently decorating the city of Uji like a painting. A light breeze sends dreamy petals fluttering through the air, while the water shimmers beautifully enough to take your breath away.

Besides Uji Bridge, a walk along the river also takes you past two other bridges connecting to Nakanoshima in Uji Park. I highly recommend setting aside an afternoon, avoiding a rushed photo-stop pace, and wandering among the three bridges. Enjoy the breeze and a quiet stroll amid the fragrance of tea and the sound of water, fully immersing yourself in this historic riverside city rich in culture and romantic cherry blossom scenery.

If you're a matcha lover, you definitely can't miss this. Nakamura Tokichi Honten is a must when visiting Uji. A huge maruju curtain hangs at the entrance, and the traditional machiya immediately gives off the aroma of tea steeped in over a century of history. If you want to dine in the historic tea room, be sure to get a number as soon as you arrive, then leisurely browse the shops or pick out souvenirs.

The selection of tea souvenirs here is extremely extensive. I once bought some at the Kyoto Station branch, and after returning to Taiwan, I couldn't stop thinking about it and regretted not buying more. Whether it's premium gyokuro with a clear aroma and lingering sweetness, smooth sencha with a roasted fragrance, or matcha powder, they all make great souvenirs.

If the wait at the main store is too long, I highly recommend heading to the nearby Nakamura Tokichi Byodoin Store. The shop has a full row of large windows overlooking the Uji River, where you can escape the noise and quietly gaze at the flowing river and lush green mountains. Savor a bowl of authentic matcha in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy an incredibly relaxing afternoon in Uji.

As soon as I got out of the car and walked into La Collina in Omihachiman, it felt like stepping into the magical world of Studio Ghibli. This confectionery kingdom, designed around harmony with nature, has an undulating roof covered in greenery that blends into the distant scenery of Mt. Hachiman. When I visited in early spring, fresh green shoots were sprouting throughout the grounds, filling the area with refreshing vitality. The sweet aroma of baked butter and caramel gently drifted through the air, and simply strolling around felt incredibly soothing.

Of course, you can't miss their signature freshly baked baumkuchen. Unlike the usual packaged kind served at room temperature, the baumkuchen fresh from the oven is warm, fluffy, moist, and soft. It melts in your mouth as the flavors of egg and milk gently unfold on your tongue. It's sweet without being too rich and pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Savoring this warm, handmade treat beneath the wooden walkway surrounded by fresh spring greenery brought an instant feeling of happiness!

From Kyoto, you can take a train to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Without researching it beforehand, it's hard to grasp just how vast it is. It looks like an inland sea, with sunlight sparkling on the water. In early spring, the tranquil lake is captivating, making it an excellent place to slow down and escape the crowds of central Kyoto.

Stunning scenery is everywhere: first, visit the Shirahige Shrine torii gate standing in the lake and take in its sacred atmosphere; then head to Ukimido, one of the Eight Views of Omi, to enjoy the Zen-like view of the historic Buddhist hall blending with the water and sky. To take in the entire lake, I recommend riding the ropeway up to the Biwako Valley observation deck. Lake Biwa's serene, profound natural beauty has a deeply soothing effect on the mind and body, and it's definitely worth a special trip!

Located near Lake Biwa and listed as one of the Eight Views of Omi, Mangetsuji Temple's Ukimido is an ancient lakeside Buddhist hall steeped in poetry.

On the way from the parking area to Ukimido, you pass through narrow lanes that retain the atmosphere of an Edo-period port town. The rustic houses, low wooden walls, and occasional breeze are so peaceful and enchanting that they seem to wash away Kyoto's hustle and bustle before you even arrive.

Emerging from the lanes, a stone bridge draws your gaze out across the vast expanse of Lake Biwa. When you finally see the Buddhist hall seemingly floating on the water, its solemn presence is visually stunning. Take off your shoes and step onto the corridor extending over the lake, where the water and sky blend into one. This is the perfect place to slow down, feel the gentle lake breeze, quietly gaze across the water, and immerse yourself in a peaceful moment unique to Japan.

Shirahige Shrine, located on the shore of Lake Biwa, has a long history. Though small and simple, it offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery. The most captivating sight is the vermilion torii gate standing in the lake. With the waves around it, it seems to float on the water, often creating the dreamlike illusion of being at Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views.

For the best view of this torii gate on the water, the ideal photo spot is the observation deck inside the shrine grounds. From this elevated position, you get an expansive view that captures the depth of the lake and sky blending together while also keeping you safe.

A national highway with fast-moving traffic separates the shrine from the torii gate, and there is no pedestrian crossing at all. For your own safety and that of drivers, please don't be an irresponsible traveler and risk crossing the road to the lakeshore on the other side. The best way to experience this sacred tranquility is to quietly pray in the lake breeze from the observation deck and gaze at the torii gate in the distance.