While shopping along Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu in Kyoto, I stopped by the famous Yojiya Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Store. The store has plenty of Kyoto-style beauty products and lifestyle items, and this time I bought some oil blotting paper to try.
The oil blotting paper is very convenient and absorbs oil well. Just press it lightly against your face to remove the shine, and it doesn't leave your skin feeling very dry afterward.
Shinobazu Pond
Shinobazu Pond, a natural pond spanning about 2 kilometers in circumference, is situated at the southern end of Ueno Park, Japan's first urban park covering an extensive area of about 530,000 square meters. The name "Shinobazu Pond" is said to originate from the area once known as Shinobazu Hill, located between the Ueno and Hongo plateaus (there are various theories).
Cherry blossom viewing at Shinobazu Pond in Ueno, Tokyo. As we walked along the pond, the cherry trees on both sides were in full bloom, one after another, with their soft pink blossoms reflected on the water. The whole scene was really beautiful!
During peak cherry blossom season, lots of people gather around the pond to enjoy the flowers. Everyone walks around and takes photos, creating a very lively atmosphere. Look up and you see cherry blossoms everywhere; look down and you see the pond and the surrounding scenery. No matter how you take your photos, they all feel like spring.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
The head shrine of 2300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide, revered as the god of cleansing evil spirits, safe voyage and poetry. It is said that Osaka’s summer festival begins with Aizen Festival, via Tenjin Festival and ends with Sumiyoshi Festival.
At Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, the first thing you see at the entrance is the distinctive Taiko Bridge. Its dramatic curve is quite impressive and is one of the shrine's most iconic sights. After crossing the bridge and entering the shrine grounds, the atmosphere becomes much quieter, creating a striking contrast with the lively streets outside.
As you continue walking, you'll see one old shrine building after another. The vermilion structures surrounded by greenery create a distinctly Japanese shrine atmosphere. The grounds are very spacious, and it feels especially pleasant to take your time walking around and praying.
Nezameya
Nezameya, located right next to a torii gate at the entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha's rear path, has been serving food since 1540. Its name is said to have been given by the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha to pray for his mother's health, Hideyoshi sought a place to rest. This establishment, open early in the morning, was the only available option. Pleased with being able to enjoy tea, Hideyoshi named the eatery “Nezameya,” inspired by his wife’s name, Ne-Ne.
NEZAMEYA—I ordered inari sushi and eel rice this time. It was a simple meal, but very satisfying! The tofu pockets around the inari sushi had a sweet flavor and were filled with fragrant vinegared rice. They were easy to eat in one bite, with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
The eel rice was another highlight of the meal. The grilled eel was fragrant, with a slightly charred aroma on the surface. The fish was tender, and it tasted better and better with the piping-hot white rice underneath!
