Blue Seal is one of Okinawa's most famous and iconic ice cream brands. It offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic creamy options to distinctive Okinawan flavors. The texture is smooth, and the sweetness is just right. I think the signature vanilla sea salt is a must-try. The subtle saltiness pairs with the rich, creamy vanilla for a very distinctive flavor. If you want to try something different, you can also choose a tropical fruit flavor. It's sweet, tart, and refreshing, with a distinctly Okinawan vacation feel! Boxed versions are also sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, so you can buy some to enjoy at your hotel.
Blue Seal Café Kokusai Street Store | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Nakatanido
The lively shout of "Haiyo!" kicks off the action, followed by the rhythmic "pachi, pachi!" of pounding mochi echoing through the air. As the pace intensifies dramatically, the crowd erupts into cheers. Famous for its lightning-fast mochi pounding performances, Nakatanido is not just putting on a show-it's showcasing a traditional technique from the owner's hometown of Kamikitayama Village in Nara Prefecture, which produces exceptionally soft and chewy mochi.
When visiting Nara, besides seeing the deer and visiting Todai-ji Temple, Nakatanido's mugwort mochi is another classic snack that I think you have to try!
The soft, chewy mugwort mochi is filled with sweet, rich red bean paste made from Tokachi red beans from Hokkaido. The subtle fragrance of mugwort pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the red beans. It's sweet without being too rich, with plenty of texture. The freshly made mochi is especially soft with a slight chewiness, and is worth trying for yourself.
Every time I pass Nakatanido, I'm drawn to the lively, suspenseful “mochi-pounding show” outside the shop. The two masters work in perfect coordination: one calls out loudly, while the other quickly turns the mugwort mochi in the mortar during the brief pauses, immediately followed by another fast, precise strike. Their movements are perfectly synchronized and fluid, making it impossible to look away. You can't help but wonder, “At that speed, aren't they afraid of hitting his hand?”
This is also a successful sales strategy for the shop. After all, once people watch the performance, they naturally want to buy a piece of freshly made mochi to try!
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Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding at the flagship Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding Store!
Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding is a classic Nara souvenir that includes a line of luscious, local flavors including the Nara special custard, Yamato Tea, a spiked pudding made with regionally sourced Nara sake and the Nara yae-zakura pudding topped with Yoshino cherryblossoms.
When you visit Nara, besides seeing the deer, don't forget to try a jar of the popular dessert, Daibutsu Pudding! There are several locations in the city, so it's best to buy it at the end of your itinerary. It's also convenient to take on the train and enjoy at your leisure. The pudding has a dense, smooth texture, with mild yet rich egg and milk flavors, and it isn't overly sweet. The cute glass jar can be washed and taken home as a keepsake, and the decorative lid makes it even more delightful.
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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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