Of course, you can't miss all the limited-edition snacks in Japan! This time, I found a rather unusual amazake-flavored Pocky, and just seeing the flavor made me want to buy it and give it a try! Amazake is a traditional Japanese drink with a subtle rice aroma and natural sweetness. Paired with Pocky's crispy biscuit sticks, it has a distinctive flavor. If you're used to classic flavors like chocolate and strawberry, trying a special flavor once in a while feels fresh! If you like collecting limited-edition Japanese snacks, keep an eye out for it. It's great to buy for yourself or as a souvenir, and it was a nice little surprise to discover while traveling!
Pocky Chocolate | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
-
YOKU MOKU First Avenue Tokyo Station Store
Established in 1969, confectionery brand YOKU MOKU is known for its baked treats, including its signature Cigare cookies. Its First Avenue Tokyo Station Store offers everything from classic gift selections to sweets exclusive to this location.
While shopping at Tokyo Station First Avenue, I made a point of buying some cookies from YOKU MOKU. I've always loved their rolled cookies, and this time I also tried the Earl Grey flavor. You can smell the subtle tea aroma as soon as you take a bite. It has a pleasant fragrance and isn't overly sweet. The distinctive aroma of Earl Grey pairs very well with the milky flavor of the rolled cookie itself!
-
-
Tsujiri Uji Main Store
Tsujiri Uji Main Store in Uji, Kyoto, is a long-established Uji tea house with more than 165 years of history. Carrying on the tradition of Uji tea, one of Japan’s most famous premium teas, it offers high-quality matcha and tea leaves. It also inherits the spirit of Riemon Tsuji, who contributed to the development of Uji tea in the late Edo period, around the 1850s to 1860s.
Of course, you can’t visit Uji without trying some matcha desserts. This time, I made a special trip to the Tsujiri Uji Main Store and bought some matcha cookies. As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the subtle matcha aroma. The matcha flavor was very rich with each bite—not just sweet, but with the slight bitterness and fragrance unique to matcha. They were sweet without being too rich, and I liked them more and more as I ate them. Anyone who normally likes matcha will probably love them, especially those who enjoy a strong tea aroma!
-
-
Uji Shrine
The Uji Shrine, the guardian deity of Uji, has a history spanning 1710 years since its founding in 313 AD, the year Emperor Nintoku ascended to the throne.
My first impression of Uji Shrine was how peaceful and secluded it felt. Compared with the bustling tourist attractions in central Kyoto, it has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Once inside the shrine, I was surrounded by greenery, without too many noisy voices, so I could take my time appreciating the shrine buildings and garden scenery. The surroundings naturally made me slow down, and I felt much more relaxed. Although the shrine isn't as grand as a large temple, it has a simple, comfortable beauty, and even casual photos capture the feel of a traditional Japanese shrine.
-
