Uji Bridge (Kyoto) | Review by Linda Liao

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!

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.

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.