[GPGT] Tokyo - Uji (Oct 2024)

[paul02]

you can ask your relatives to whisk up a bowl of the expensive koicha you got them for you to drink, then you can compare the usuicha (usually less premium tea leaves) you had at the cafe to see the difference. You bought them uji-no-mukashi?

I forgot to add the photo to my post so it has been updated (uploaded it below for you to see). Looks like you guessed the correct matcha I bought for them.

They don't have normal-grade matcha to compare to and it's a hassle for me so I'll pass. He tried mixing it with an espresso using matcha as a base which was interesting.

 

[paul02]

Walked to Uji bridge and spend about 5 minutes just to look at the scenery before moving on.

Asagiri Bridge

Came across an interesting shrine about a rabbit. Have a read.

 

[paul02]

Time to hike up up up to Daikichiyama Observation Deck

Visitors leave coins on this site that was once a small building stood.

Think it took about 10-15 minutes get all the way up!

 

[paul02]

Time for a long walk (around 30 minutes) to the dam.

Amagase Bridge

Amagase Power Station, feels like it's in ruins.

There was some filming going on, and the Jap people were polite about it when I was crossing around the same time.

Some dude fishing by the dam.

 

[cyke69sg]

Fifth solo trip, this time to Japan!

Edit: I forgot that I have a fourth solo trip to Edinburgh earlier this year and didn’t make a thread. Will consider making it after this one is done.

Did one-bag travel once again, so I kept everything within 7KG as per AirJapan regulations.

Camera used: iPhone 15 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Cost of trip:

• Casual spend: About SGD$2000
• Flight: About SGD$465
• Hotel (capsule) about SGD$325 (about $46/night)

SIM: NPN Travel eSIM (30GB for 15 days)

Note: Whilst their network speeds are fast enough for YouTube (720p) streaming, their knowledge of their chat support is, to put it kindly, basic. They couldn't help figure out why my phone showed "IIJ" instead of "NTT Docomo".

*Photos are downsized and optimised for mobile viewing; loading them will consume less mobile data. *

I tried the matcha from Uji region really superb aroma.

The Nerikiri and Daifuku Mochi also awesome. The Nerikri like art pieces. Sencha also very good.

 

[paul02]

I tried the matcha from Uji region really superb aroma.

The Nerikiri and Daifuku Mochi also awesome. The Nerikri like art pieces. Sencha also very good.

Looks too pretty to eat.

 

[cyke69sg]

Looks too pretty to eat.

Yeah right? Really work of art.
Is from Wagashi Tea House
https://www.wagashiteahouse.com/

 

[paul02]

Next stop, Hojicha at Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store

Got their tasting set for 1280YEN!

I like how they put some tea leaves for you to smell. I preferred the lighter and refreshing one's because of the hot weather.

Next, took a pleasant stroll in Byodoin (Buddhist Temple). Ticket was 700YEN.

 

[paul02]

Finish the Uji trip with a Iced Matcha Latte for 640YEN at Matcha Republic, and it was good! Must try at 100% sugar level too!

 

[evilduxy]

Finish the Uji trip with a Iced Matcha Latte for 640YEN at Matcha Republic, and it was good! Must try at 100% sugar level too!

wah 100% so nice? wasted the previous trip cldnt make it to byodoin as spend too much time in nara liao

 

[paul02]

wah 100% so nice? wasted the previous trip cldnt make it to byodoin as spend too much time in nara liao

I think it was, maybe I'll try 50% next time and get more bitter matcha taste...

 

[evilduxy]

I think it was, maybe I'll try 50% next time and get more bitter matcha taste...

tempted to do it for nxt trip also but to spend ard 230+ for a day trip quite pain

 

[paul02]

Back to the station and picked up some Malebranche, it's like Shiroi Koibito but with matcha with milk chocolate.

Took the Skinkansen back to Tokyo for 13,320YEN. I met a Singaporean queing for tickets at the counter because of his "D&G" army bag, he was going back to Osaka to then fly off the next day.

Lot's of legroom!

Got a McD meal for 1060YEN that comes with a chocolate pie. The pastry is like that of a curry puff from Polar store in SG, but filled with chocolate cream instead!

 

[MaskedRider555]

Finish the Uji trip with a Iced Matcha Latte for 640YEN at Matcha Republic, and it was good! Must try at 100% sugar level too!

why 100%?????????

 

[paul02]

why 100%?????????

YouTube video recommended it haha

 

[paul02]

Next morning, did a stroll through Yoyogi Park.

Passed by Shibuya Scramble while heading down to Ueno to meet a friend that's visiting Japan. Can spot the cute lady?

Walked by a store selling souvenirs which can be bought at the airport for about SGD5 cheaper or so.

Walked down Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street

This is my second time here, and I chatted with a couple from Texas who are on vacation in Japan. Last time, I met another couple who worked in the news media in NYC.

 

[paul02]

Took a walk around Ueno park, actually saw some couple doing something naughty in one of the sitting areas by the small pond.

This is a nice place to sit and watch the water works.

Decided to have dinner at Toriyoshi Shoten Ueno 6 Chome (Izakaya known for raw marinated tuna dish.)

Grass-jelly like appetizer, tasted OK.

Started off with dessert, because why not?

Main course of wings!

 

[paul02]

Decided to drop by a Yanaka Matsuri in Taito, Tokyo, felt like an adult attending a kid show.

Got a refreshing water drink that you got to POP for 150YEN.

...and some snacks.

High school performance.

Kid's perform too, pretty cute.

 

[paul02]

Lunch time, headed over to Ginza Genraku for ramen (~1200YEN).

Shops like these only accept cash for payment, you put the cash in and select the dish, then collect change (if any).

Kick off the meal with an ice cold pint of beer!

This is a hearty and rich broth meal, pretty good for the cold weather outside.

 

[paul02]

Went to BicCamera Yurakucho Store to hunt for some Japanese whisky and American Bourbon.

Paid a visit to Don Quijote for a special pocky snack, however these are actually seasonal and the special flavour is now different.

Paid a visit to Glitch Coffee and Roasters GINZA as recommended by a friend, the coffee was good!

Retro speakers play background music.

Got Huila, it was WOW for me. The chocolate-vanilla tasting notes were true.

Paired with Colombia, this was interesting that coffee could smell a little fruity and taste pretty fruity and floral.

Decided to get 100g of Huila (~3500YEN) for myself and office colleagues to share. Makes about 4-6 cups.