Before visiting Byodoin Temple, you'll pass through a shopping street full of Kyoto charm. Both sides are lined with many long-established matcha shops, and the faint aroma of tea in the air reminds travelers that they've arrived in Uji. Besides enjoying rich matcha, some shops also offer elegant matcha and wagashi sets where you can experience the pleasure of the tea ceremony yourself.
Byodoin Omotesando | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
-
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Even though located in Sapporo City with 2 million residents, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers the beauty of mother nature. In spring, the hay comes out in green. In summer, lavender fields send out fragrant greetings. Fall foliage will be exquisite, and winter will spread a white snowy carpet. The majestic scenery in all four seasons is perfect for photography.
I made a special trip to see the famous statue of Dr. Clark at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. Dr. Clark was an American agricultural scientist and educator who came to Hokkaido in 1876 and helped establish Sapporo Agricultural College, greatly influencing the development of agricultural education in Hokkaido at the time. What left the deepest impression was his phrase, “Boys, be ambitious!” which also became a symbol of Hokkaido’s pioneering spirit. Standing at the observation hill and seeing the doctor pointing into the distance, it felt as though he was reminding people to bravely pursue their goals.
It was raining during this visit, so we missed the expansive grassland views you get on a clear day. Because of the bad weather, the sheep were resting indoors, so we didn’t get to see them grazing on the grass. I heard that on sunny days, around 200 to 300 sheep graze outside, leisurely feeding in the lush green fields. It must be a very soothing sight.
-
-
Jingisukan Anbe
A jingisukan specialty restaurant with over 70 years of history, located just across the Hayase River from JR Tono Station. Jingisukan is often closely associated with Hokkaido, but it’s also popular in Tono, Iwate Prefecture. Per-capita lamb consumption here rivals Hokkaido. Known as the originator of “Tono Jingisukan,” this is a beloved spot that draws visitors day after day.
Jingisukan barbecue is also one of the must-eat foods when visiting Hokkaido! First, beef fat is spread evenly over the sizzling grill, giving the slices of meat a rich aroma as they cook. Then, tender slices of meat are laid out and slowly grilled. Fresh local Hokkaido vegetables are spread beneath the grill, catching the dripping meat juices and fat. The vegetables soak up all that flavor, creating a delicious mix of savory and sweet! Hokkaido vegetables are already naturally very sweet, and grilling makes them even sweeter and tastier. Eating big bites of meat with the vegetables is simple but incredibly satisfying and enjoyable!
-
-
Naruko Onsenkyo
Naruko Onsenkyo consists of five areas: Naruko, Higashi-Naruko, Kawatabi, Nakayamadaira, and Onikobe. There is a record in the "Shoku Nihon Koki (Later Chronicle of Japan )" that the hot springs gushed out due to a volcanic eruption in 837. Naruko Onsenkyo is characterized by its unique hot springs. It is known as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan with seven of the ten types of hot spring qualities (according to the Ministry of the Environment's "The ABCs for the Safe and Secure Use of Onsen”).
The last time I visited Naruko Onsen was during a cold winter. Soaking in a hot spring was perfect in the frigid air. This small place in northeastern Japan doesn't get many foreign tourists. Most visitors are Japanese travelers, so it feels less bustling and more quiet and unassuming.
Besides its hot springs, Naruko Onsen is also famous in Japan for producing kokeshi dolls. After my bath, I wandered into some shops across the street and happened upon Grandpa Seiichi Okazaki's little shop. It was very simple inside, but felt warm and welcoming. Traditional tools for making kokeshi dolls lined the walls and tables. Each one looked as if it had been used for many years, with the passage of time etched into the wood. They must have accompanied him in his work for a long time.
We naturally started chatting in Japanese, and he seemed very happy. As we talked, he made a small sake cup by hand and gave it to me as a keepsake. It was just a simple little gift, but it added an unexpected touch of emotion to the trip. Before leaving, I also picked out a small kokeshi doll to take home. I never imagined that little wooden doll would sit there for so many years.
I hope I get the chance to return to Naruko Onsen someday and see whether Grandpa Okazaki is doing well.
-
