I visited Kyoto’s Sannenzaka for some shopping in winter. The old-fashioned streets were charming, but the cold wind really made me shiver! After getting tired from walking around, I quickly found somewhere to sit and rest. I stopped at the Umezono Kiyomizu Branch and ordered a piping-hot bowl of sweet red bean soup with mochi, which warmed both my stomach and my heart. The sweet red bean soup paired with chewy mochi was nice and hot, instantly giving me a boost of energy〜
Umezono Kiyomizu Branch | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Starbucks Coffee Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Store
Situated in Kobe Kitano Ijinkan district, where many former residences of Westerners are located, this Starbucks store is a prime example of Starbucks Regional Landmark Stores initiative. These stores are architecturally designed to symbolize various regions in Japan, aiming to broadcast local cultures to the world.
When visiting Kobe Kitano Ijinkan, don’t miss this distinctive Starbucks! The building retains the strong character of an old Western-style residence, giving it a more vintage and elegant atmosphere than a typical location. If you’re tired from walking, stop in for a cup of coffee. I also saw quite a few international visitors inside, all taking photos and experiencing the building’s unique charm. Combined with the international atmosphere of the Kitano neighborhood, it’s one of the area’s classic photo spots.
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Shinsaibashi PARCO
Shinsaibashi PARCO is a Shinsaibashi area landmark and long-beloved fashion hub next door to the well-established Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store. Step inside to find 150 sophisticated shops across a full range of categories including fashion, dining & restaurants, pop culture, art and more. There’s even a state-of-the-art cinema complex that's garnered all the buzz.
I made a special trip to Shinsaibashi PARCO to browse Wpc., a well-known Japanese umbrella brand! Wpc. is a rain gear brand from Osaka built around the concept of “making rainy days more fun,” combining practical features with stylish designs. No wonder its products can be found in so many stores across Japan. Although Wpc. umbrellas are available in many places, it’s not easy to find a physical store dedicated to the brand, so you definitely shouldn’t miss it when visiting Osaka. This opportunity doesn’t come often!
The store’s many different umbrellas all look like works of art, making it hard to choose. There are simple styles, patterned designs, and umbrellas for both rain and sunshine to suit different needs and functions, making them very convenient for everyday use. If you don’t want to carry an ordinary clear umbrella on a rainy day, there are also plenty of attractive and distinctive clear umbrellas to choose from. Rainy days used to feel like a hassle, but with a good-looking umbrella, I’ve actually started looking forward to the next time I get to go out with it~
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Itohkyuemon Uji Main Store Tea Room
Itohkyuemon, a long-established tea shop founded in 1832 (Tenpo 3), is located in Uji, one of Japan's leading producers of high-quality tea leaves. While preserving the traditions passed down since its founding, the shop continuously develops new matcha sweets, introducing new values of tea to the world.
Whenever I visit Kyoto, whether it’s summer or winter, I still want to stop by Itohkyuemon and order a matcha parfait! As soon as the gorgeous, delicate parfait arrived at the table, everyone pulled out their phones to take pictures before even starting to eat. It was just so eye-catching〜 The parfait had layer after layer of different textures and wasn’t overly sweet, making it a nice treat to enjoy during a break in your travels. After finishing your parfait, don’t forget to pick up some matcha products to take home and share the delicious flavors of Kyoto matcha with family and friends!
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