The exterior of Phoenix Hall is designed to blend in beautifully with the designated scenic gardens.
Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan | Review by 簡蓉
Other Reviews by 簡蓉
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Mogi Ichimaru Ka Honke "Ikkokko"
Founded in 1844, Mogi Ichimaru Ka Honke is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop now run by its seventh generation. It began when the founder, Enoki Ichiemon, started making and selling its signature sweet, Ikkokko. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ikkokko was also popular as a tea sweet among literary figures visiting Nagasaki, and today it is widely loved as one of Nagasaki's signature confections.
Each piece is small and looks simple, but it has a lot of character. The outer shell is lightly crisp, and the inside is hollow. When you bite into it, there’s a subtle brown sugar aroma. It’s not overly sweet, and it goes perfectly with tea. The flavor is traditional and not flashy.
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Genji (Yoshida Udon)
Located in the Fuji-Yoshida area of Yamanashi Prefecture, Genji is a well-known restaurant where you can savor Yoshida Udon, a local specialty famous for its exceptionally firm noodles-often said to be the hardest in Japan. The noodles are known for their chewy texture and rich flavor that deepens with every bite, enhanced by the umami of the broth.
The noodles are super chewy, and the broth is light—not too salty and really easy to drink. The toppings are simple, but the flavors are spot on. Overall, it's a humble, local, and really satisfying kind of udon. Totally worth the visit—no regrets at all.
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Byodoin Omotesando
This historic Omotesando (main approach) leads to the main gate of the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple. Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station and immediately across the Uji Bridge from Keihan Uji Station, it is easily accessible from both stations.
I definitely recommend the matcha shops along Byodoin Omotesando!