Hello! Hope everyone’s doing great. As I’m writing here, it’s currently Easter break and I just noticed how is it mid-April already? Where’s the time gone?
Anyhow… ever since I searched and read about matcha online recently, my Explore page and ads are all related to matcha and Japan. Even memories in photos from my phone also show matcha and my previous trip to Japan. So why not share some bits from Japan?
1. The last time I went to Japan was for a couple of weeks during summer. Started the trip to Osaka, but mainly spent most of the time in Kyoto and had a quick trip to Tokyo. One of the things we appreciate and remember is the turndown service we had every time we came back to our hotel after one tiring day of exploring. We pretty much walked everywhere (haha), so having a little something like this is nice.2. Experienced Maiko performances in the hotel we stayed in. We’re fortunate to stay in a hotel where they offer Maiko performances free of charge and the best part is no reservation needed. Maiko means “dancing child” and is basically a Geisha in training to perfect their cultural and entertainment skills. While a Geisha is a professional artist registered in official geisha associations and excels in traditional Japanese arts, cultural, and entertainment skills such as shamisen playing, dancing, and tea ceremony. 3. First time visiting Osaka Castle. The entire Osaka Castle Park is around two square kilometres with lots of green space. I remember it was so hot and humid during summer, so I’d recommend you bring summer essentials if you go there, such as a hat, sunnies, water bottle, and SPF! We also visited lots of picturesque castles/temples/shrines on our trip.4. A trip to Japan is incomplete without (authentic) Japanese ramen. Did you know that ramen is Chinese in origin? It was first introduced by Chinese immigrants and is often associated with street food stalls. However, it evolved into a Japanese comfort food over the years and this is where we associate that ramen is from Japan.5. First time having % Arabica, also known as % ΔRΔBICΔ, in its flagship store in Kyoto. Their coffee is amazing. Back then, probably their stores were only in Japan and Hong Kong. But since then, they have expanded to 25+ countries. I usually ordered their caffe latte or Americano. But recently often ordered a “milder” coffee, which is their Spanish Latte.6. Had daily matcha. I’m grateful and fortunate to try various forms of matcha, be it in the form of drinks, ice cream, mochi, etc. I think I only had usucha (“thin tea”) and matcha latte, but hadn’t got a chance to try koicha (“thick tea”) back then. Probably one to explore if I go there again in the future.7. The Japanese toilet is just another level and definitely one of the highlights. Japanese toilets are renowned for their advanced features, such as bidet functions, heated seats, air deodorizers, sound effects for privacy, automatic lid opening, lid closing, flushing, and seat lifting. This toilet “standard” is pretty much everywhere around Japan. The above picture is from a public toilet near a station. Once you experience this, you just never want to go back to your ordinary toilet haha.
There’s something about Japan, especially Kyoto, that I can’t quite describe well. Probably it’s their preserved ancient culture and traditions with a hint of modern life that they balance it out perfectly, which I love. Well anyway, that’s all for now. Hopefully will have a chance to visit Japan again. As always, will try to post more and in the meantime, have a great Easter break!
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