Chion-ji Temple | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

The famous classic Japanese souvenir, Sugar Butter Tree, features crispy cereal cookies made with layers of baked oats, generously coated with butter and sugar crystals. They are exceptionally crisp and full of rich buttery flavor, making them a souvenir that many people never forget to buy when visiting Japan.

Besides the classic flavor, don't miss the limited-edition fall Muscat grape flavor! With one bite, the grain flavor instantly blends with the Muscat grape's sweet, elegant fruitiness and slight tartness. It's rich without being too heavy, with surprisingly delightful layers of flavor.

They're very easy to find at souvenir shopping areas in major JR stations such as Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station, as well as major department stores and duty-free shops at international airports such as Narita and Haneda. They're a good choice as a gift or for yourself.

Located within the Funaya Biyori complex, INE CAFE is a well-known café and dessert shop on Ine Bay. The café is right beside the bay, and its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a full view of the blue water and the century-old funaya boat houses across the bay.

I recommend visiting in the late afternoon or early evening, when the sunlight is soft and the calm waters of Ine Bay clearly reflect the sky and the boat houses. Order a coffee and dessert, sit quietly by the window, and watch the occasional small boat glide across the water and seagulls circle in search of food. It's very relaxing to enjoy some peaceful, undisturbed downtime on tranquil Ine Bay.

One of Japan’s famous Three Scenic Views, Amanohashidate is a classic destination not to be missed when exploring “Kyoto by the Sea.”

Besides walking along the natural sandbar lined with pine trees or heading up to Kasamatsu Park for the magnificent “Ascending Dragon” view, the surrounding area also has a wealth of cultural heritage. Chionji Temple, dedicated to Monju, the bodhisattva of wisdom; the highly revered Motoise Kono Shrine; and Nariaiji Temple, with distant views of its five-story pagoda and the blue bay, are all worth taking the time to explore in depth.

The most elegant way to reach this harbor town is to reserve a ride on one of the Kyoto Tango Railway’s distinctive sightseeing trains—the Akamatsu, Kuromatsu, or Aomatsu. Sitting in a wooden train car designed by Eiji Mitooka, enjoying delicate desserts or local cuisine while taking in the scenery through the panoramic windows, is incredibly relaxing.

To end the trip, I recommend stopping by Seafood Kobo, a discreet and extremely inconspicuous hidden little shop next to Amanohashidate Station. Its signature crab rice is covered with sweet, delicate Matsuba crab meat. Every bite is filled with happiness—simple and unpretentious, yet unforgettable. If you get the chance, don’t miss it!