The Maple Mania's Maple Butter Cookies have a subtle maple aroma when you bite into them. Combined with the rich buttery flavor, they have an extra layer of sweetness, and the crisp texture is also very appealing. However, they're a little too sweet for me, so they're best enjoyed with unsweetened tea or coffee. This helps balance the sweetness and brings out the maple aroma even more. The packaging is elegant and high-quality, making them a very presentable souvenir.
The Maple Mania: "Maple Butter Cookie" | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.
The most unforgettable sight was the Kiyomizu Stage. It's hard to imagine that such a magnificent structure was built without using any nails. From the stage, you can look out over Kyoto. There are cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, mountains covered in red maple leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter. It's picturesque in every season.
After visiting the main hall, you can continue on to Jishu Shrine, then finish at Otowa Waterfall. I saw many people lining up to drink water using long-handled ladles. The three streams are said to represent different wishes. It was an unforgettable experience.
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Otabe (Nama Yatsuhashi with Sweet Red Bean Paste)
Otabe is a Kyoto confection made by wrapping homemade chunky sweet red bean paste in soft, chewy nama yatsuhashi dough. Since its creation in 1966 (Showa 41), it has become just as much a Kyoto souvenir staple as the traditional hard-baked yatsuhashi senbei.
One of Kyoto's signature traditional sweets, nama yatsuhashi is said to have originated from Kyoto's yatsuhashi rice crackers, with its name linked to Yatsuhashi Kengyo, a koto musician from the Edo period. Later, the soft nama yatsuhashi was developed, with thin, warm, chewy wrappers made from rice flour and fillings such as sweet red bean paste and matcha. It has a soft texture with a subtle rice aroma. Having it once in a while really does make you miss it. If you especially like cinnamon, you shouldn't miss its distinctive aroma.
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Odaiba Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty in Odaiba, standing against the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge, symbolizes the friendship between Japan and France. Initially brought to Odaiba from Paris in 1998 as a temporary exhibit, the site continues to draw immense fandom to this day. With official permission from the city of Paris, it was permanently installed in 2000.
A signature landmark of Odaiba Seaside Park, with the beautiful Rainbow Bridge behind it and views of the bay set against the city skyline. This Statue of Liberty is a replica modeled after the Statue of Liberty from Paris that was displayed in Odaiba during the 1998 "Year of France in Japan." It has been permanently installed here since 2000 and symbolizes friendship between Japan and France. When visiting Odaiba, you can include the Statue of Liberty, Odaiba Seaside Park, Fuji Television, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in the same itinerary.
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