nuevo by BUNMEIDO's Maple Castella is a new product from the long-established castella shop Bunmeido. It has a subtle maple aroma and a slightly sweeter flavor, while retaining the same delicate texture. Although the maple version is distinctive, after trying it, I still prefer the classic original castella. The cake is delicate yet substantial, with a subtle honey aroma and just the right amount of sweetness. The more you eat, the more you appreciate its simple, delicious flavor. A classic is a classic after all—the simple original is the one I can't stop thinking about.
nuevo by BUNMEIDO “Maple Castella” | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Uji Bridge (Kyoto)
Stepping out of the ticket gates at Keihan Uji Station, the first thing that catches your eye is Uji's landmark, the Uji Bridge. According to the "Uji Bridge Monument" at Hashidera Hojo-in, it is said to have been built in the second year of the Taika era (646) during the Asuka period by a monk named Doto from the Nara temple of Gango-ji, making it one of Japan’s three ancient bridges alongside the Seta no Karahashi and Yamazaki Bridge.
As soon as you exit Uji Station, you can see Uji Bridge spanning the Uji River. As one of Uji's most iconic sights, strolling along the riverbank in the summer breeze is especially relaxing.
When I visited Uji in the summer, I unexpectedly came across the summer-only “Nighttime Cormorant Fishing Sightseeing Boat” on my way back. Cormorant fishing is a traditional Japanese fishing technique in which a fisherman steers a small boat and uses cormorants to catch fish under the glow of lights in the darkness. Uji's nighttime cormorant fishing is usually held from July to September. Riding a boat along the Uji River while watching this traditional skill is a very unique experience.
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Taihoan
Built to promote Uji tea and spread the culture of the tea ceremony, this authentic tearoom is kept by the city of Uji in its setting just along the Uji River, named for its position facing the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple.
On this trip to Uji, I made a special reservation for a Japanese tea ceremony experience at Taihoan. I chose this place because I've always been interested in traditional Japanese tea culture and wanted to personally experience the quiet, elegant atmosphere of a tearoom.
The most enjoyable part was watching the tea ceremony instructor prepare the matcha step by step. From preparing the utensils and scooping the tea powder to pouring in hot water and carefully whisking it with a chasen, every movement was calm and rhythmic, conveying the importance Japanese tea ceremony places on etiquette and detail. The matcha had a slightly bitter taste, but when paired with the delicate, beautiful Japanese wagashi, its flavor became milder and the tea was even more enjoyable. The tea ceremony experience requires advance reservations, so I recommend checking the available sessions early when planning your trip.
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Nakamura Tokichi Honten, Uji Main Store
Founded in 1854, the first year of the Ansei era, this tea specialty store is located in Uji, a region nationally renowned for its high-quality Japanese tea.
Nakamura Tokichi Honten in Uji, Kyoto, was founded in 1854 and has a history of more than 170 years. It began as a tea merchant and has long been known for its Uji tea. The shop retains the style of a traditional machiya townhouse, and you can enjoy specialties such as matcha desserts and tea soba noodles. If you're tired from walking around, stop in, sit down, and take a short break with a cup of rich matcha and a sweet. Before leaving, you can also pick out some Japanese tea to share with your family in Taiwan.
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