Japan Day 11: Uji, Uji Bashi Bridge, Byodo-in, Tea Room, Luck You Ryokan

This day, we went to Uji, to experience all the matcha. We walked along a street towards Byodo-in, and had some matcha Takoyaki and matcha Gyoza. We didn't realize matcha could come in salt form. We we got to Byodo-in, we were excited by how beautiful it was. There was a museum inside where we learned a little about the boddhisatva on the clouds guiding people.

With the windy weather, and sun coming in and out, Uji is a gorgeous place. Kinda like Arashiyama, but it's got its own character. We had fun taking photos of each other, as it was less crowded with tourists. At Byodo-in, we checked out their tea room to experience some fancy tea, and ceremonial treats. The matcha flavour is really strong, but so delicious when mouth seasoned (learned that from our sake tasting class!). We then had some matcha ice cream. Matcha really is different in Uji.

After Uji, and after leaving our luggage in the coin lockers of Kyoto Station for an overnight stay, we trekked off to our Ryokan (Luck You Ryokan) where we received received a warm welcome, tea, and more ceremonial treats! We had dinner at Okonomiyaki Miki where we had the absolute biggest okonomiyaki we've had in Japan and watched a little bit of Rugby (Japan was hosting). After, we decided to enjoy our ryokan by following the origami books on the main floor, drinking sake in our room, and watching Moose figure out how to prepare the futon.

For a last treat for me, we finally found a Detective Conan manga at a konbini! We enjoyed Japan so much, and are very sad to be leaving the next day.

(Complete photo album here)

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12 Days In Japan

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