My friends and I took a day trip to Uji, which is about an hour away by subway from us—though honestly, it didn’t feel that long. We knew it was going to rain that day, but we grabbed our umbrellas and decided to go anyway.
One thing I’ve noticed about using umbrellas in Japan is how narrow some streets and sidewalks can be. You have to be pretty mindful of the people around you. I often found myself raising or lowering my umbrella—or tilting it to the side—so I wouldn’t bump into others or their umbrellas.
Since most of the shops we were interested in didn’t open until 10 a.m., we started our day at Byodo-in Temple. It costs 700 yen to enter, but we were also able to look around a museum, so I thought it was worth it. Also, this temple is actually featured on the 10-yen coin!
After exploring the temple grounds, we made our way to Nakamura Tokichi Honten, the main store famous for its matcha parfaits, snacks, and matcha powder. Even though we arrived just 10 minutes after they opened, we were already the 61st group waiting to be seated. While waiting we first looked around their store section, but they had already sold out of their matcha powder, so we bought some snacks to try.
After that we checked out a few other stores known for their matcha products, but most had also sold out of matcha powder. We quickly realized that if we really want to buy any next time, we’ll need to arrive earlier and line up before the stores open.
After wandering around for about two hours, we finally returned to Nakamura Tokichi Honten. We didn’t get the powder, but we did try the parfait and a matcha latte—both were delicious and surprisingly filling. I would recommend coming here early since the parfait is known to sell out quickly as well.
Later, we explored more shops and were amazed by how many foods included matcha—everything from matcha ramen to matcha gyoza and even matcha takoyaki! We also visited a small snack shop that was run by a sweet elderly couple, they recommended some snacks and even a temple to visit. We went so see the temple and we were honestly a bit surprised by how pretty it was and yet not many people were there.
By the end of the day, I was definitely a little matcha-ed out, but I really enjoyed trying so many different kinds. I was also happy to find a few treats I want to bring back home to share with my family and friends.
My 21st birthday is in 2 weeks (on Memorial Day to be exact), and I feel like I have not been doing enough in my two months here so far.
So, to consolidate, I am compiling sort of a to-do list of things I want to do in Japan before the next era of my life begins.
Try matcha from Uji.
I love matcha, and Japan is seen as the matcha capital of the world, more specifically Uji. I want to try some glorious matcha in the place that is known for it and savor the taste. It is only a short trip from Kyoto, so why not go?
Feed a deer in Nara.
As much as deer annoy me when I am driving back home, I think they are beautiful creatures. In Nara, they are known for their deer park, a park full of respectful deer (yes, respectful; they like to bow) and the experience of feeding them. I can put my resentment aside to feel the joy of a deer eating from my hand.
Wear a kimono.
Even though I have been in Japan for a few months so far, I have yet to wear a kimono! As the weather warms, and since I am a baby in the heat, I want to wear one before it gets too hot to function even in regular clothes.
Visit all of the shrines and temples.
Obviously, I can’t visit every single shrine and temple, but there are so many near me I haven’t been to. Whether big or small, Buddhist or Shinto, I want to see the beauty of them up close.
Stroll around the grounds of Nijō Castle.
A beautiful world heritage site, Nijō is only a 20-minute train ride. And–I’m noticing a common theme here–I have not swiped my transit card and made my way.
Develop my film.
I have taken so many pictures on my film camera, but I haven’t developed them yet. I want to develop them before we go on more trips so I have all of the film I need.
Explore Gion.
Gion is known for its Geishas, but there is so much more to see, like temples, shrines, and shops.
Clean my room.
Seemingly out of place here, we have to make room for the small things. I have been neglecting this; maybe my birthday will motivate me.
Hit Kiyomizu-dera.
Arguably one of the most famous temples or shrines in all of Japan, this famous landmark is less than an hour commute.
Go on a long walk.
The area I live in has some incredibly gorgeous views; in the foothills of the mountains and near the Kamogawa (Kamo River), every direction presents you with beautiful sights. Let’s hope for nice days to come.
Support a small business.
There are so many small businesses near me that I just want to go and spend my money at all of them but have so little time. In these next few weeks, I will support a small business near me for either food or goods.
Read a book.
I brought so many books with me from home that I have yet to read; maybe I can hit two birds with one stone and read my book at a temple or park.
Have a picnic at the park.
Speaking of parks, there are so many beautiful parks in Kyoto that I have such easy access to. How nice would it be to sit and bask in the sun under the beautiful greenery of the trees?
Hang out with a new friend.
I have met so many new friends but have yet to hang out with them one on one! A great birthday gift to myself would be making memories with a new buddy.
Rent a bike.
Kamogawa has some beautiful views, and I constantly see bikers and joggers running down the path. I have been inspired by the heavy biking culture here and now want to ride a bike and watch the water flow, possibly move towards the mountains that surround it.
Change my look.
Just as my age is changing, I would like to switch something up about the way I look. Whether it’s a new piercing, haircut, or manicure, I want to splurge a bit as a form of self-care.
Hike Kibune and Kurama.
Two villages in close proximity to one another, there are some phenomenal views to be seen as you hike up the mountains and through the shrines that down the hillside. Just make sure to bring my inhaler.
Discover a new cafe.
As a self-proclaimed coffee lover (more like fiend), there are so many cafes and coffee shops in my area that I just can’t hit them all. I would at least want to discover one new one before these next two weeks are up.
Try a new food.
For someone who is a picky eater mixed with texture sensitivities, trying new foods can be excruciating. But what better time to do so than in a new country?
Get some genuine rest.
Rest is a luxury that is hard for college students to come by; especially now where so much uncertainty is occurring around us. But I deserve some rest, and I will do my best to ensure I get some.
Watch the Minecraft movie in Japanese.
I see so many people from home talking about how good the movie was, and all of my friends (more specifically Sophie) have mentioned wanting to go. Why not make it a birthday trip, and test my language skills while we’re at it?
All in all, there are too many things I want to do but no time to do them. At least, with making this list, I can maybe muster up some of the courage needed to actually get up and do them, maybe even ask some new friends to come with me.
It’s time to ring in a new year with some new experiences.
A multi-step stamp acquired at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, a 5 minute walk from my dorm!
DU Abroad 