Yura River Bridge | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

The first time I tried Ogura Sanso rice crackers in Taiwan, given to me by a friend, I was completely won over by the elegant, refined packaging and the delicate, crispy texture. Every variety has a rich, natural rice aroma that makes you fall in love at first bite.

Since I was traveling in Kyoto this time, of course I took the opportunity to buy some in person. I found that they have counters in many large department stores, and the dazzling selection of gift boxes and flavors was almost overwhelming. Best of all, you can also buy limited-edition packaging released for special holidays, making it perfect either as a gift or for yourself. It’s definitely a classic must-buy souvenir when visiting Japan. If you like rice crackers, don’t miss it.

As a matcha lover, I already couldn’t get enough of Nakamura Tokichi, so when I had the chance to visit the main store this time, of course I had to thoroughly enjoy all their signature specialties.

Their signature Namacha jelly has a truly unique texture—smooth and slippery with a rich tea aroma. Paired with chewy shiratama dumplings and smooth red bean paste, it’s sweet without being too heavy, making it hard to stop eating one bite after another. Besides the classic sweets, I also ordered a bowl of udon with fried tofu for something savory. The soft, juicy fried tofu had soaked up plenty of broth and was just as excellent. Every meal at Nakamura Tokichi is extremely satisfying. Not only can you enjoy both sweet and savory dishes, but you can also experience the ultimate appeal of expertly crafted tea. I recommend that all matcha lovers try it in person when visiting Kyoto.

After dinner, we took a leisurely walk along Kiyamachi Street and the Takase River, then wandered into the atmospheric Pontocho. It truly is one of the most enchanting ways to enjoy an evening in Kyoto.

After dark, the narrow stone-paved lanes on both sides are illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns. Along the riverbank, the cherry blossoms in full bloom look especially romantic against the night sky and lights, giving the entire neighborhood a distinctive sense of maturity and elegance. As you stroll around, you may occasionally see people moving between the teahouses, which really brings out the rich atmosphere of the ancient capital. If you're staying downtown, I highly recommend setting aside some time in the evening to walk around here and experience Kyoto's quiet, romantic night scenery, which feels completely different from the daytime. The cherry blossoms at night are beautiful in early spring, and they're worth seeing.