Looking at my pictures from Japan is making me miss the matcha-infused drinks and snacks. Of course, my surprising highlight was the Chocolate Cake Frappuccino with Matcha Shot. While I’m not a fan of the Frap, I ordered two of these while touring Japan.
Other matcha items I should have tried…
Ah heck, I wish I tried these non-matcha goodies as well…
Missing the different items available in Starbucks Japan…
Say what?! For the first time ever, Shutterfly offered unlimited pages for a photobook at no additional charge. The typical 8×11 photobook does have a limit of 110 pages, but if free, might as well load up the book! And that’s what I did for all the ohayo2017 adventures.
Oh and an one-day promo for a free reusable shopping bag and a free deck of cards? Yes, please. Oh wait, don’t forget that free shipping code if the order is over $49. So the total comes to…
All good things must come to an end, and Day 16 marks the end of this memorable, caffeinated voyage to Japan.
My canned coffee drink was sadly dumped at Haneda Airport when we had to go through security for a second time. Having gone through security at Hiroshima, I figured it was safe to buy bottled drinks. But when changing to international travel at Haneda, there was another screening with typical restrictions. So there it went. Instead, I conclude this series with a playful artistic cup of my Starbucks Chocolate Cake Frappuccino with Matcha Shot.
Driving from Kyoto to Osaka led to a rest stop where a Wonda Black kept me company.
Again, I didn’t want a drink that could go bad during the day so bitter black it was.
With a new sticker affixed and majority of the labeling in Japanese, I tried this drink and thought the Wonda did live up to its slogan of “Wonderful Coffee.” This drink has the right balance of coffee and sweetness. Enough coffee flavor with some expected bitterness but with just the right amount of sweetness. The appearance is dark so I’m assuming very little to no cream. Probably my top pick overall.
A hot day in Kyoto warranted two drinks in order to keep cool. After walking from the Saga Arashiyama station to the Togetsukyo Bridge, I got an European black coffee via the Georgia brand. Nothing special, but because the day was just beginning, I didn’t want anything with cream that might spoil in the heat of the day.
After more exploring followed by the jaunt back to the train station, I got an energy boost from this Wonda drink that I couldn’t interpret.
Good enough on a sunny day!
Seems like my coffee picks are suiting my tastes more and more. Today’s pick is Suntory Premium Boss “The Mild.” And yes, I guess I like my coffee mild since I like this drink. It’s not too sweet, mildly bitter, but more importantly, it tastes like coffee. I easily finished this drink in no time.
Sometime during the day, I also picked up this sweet Georgia drink.
As the picture indicates, this light brown drink is creamed, and it’s good. But because of the diary, the drink is thicker. Oh, and yes, the bottle is smaller for the typical 140-yen rate.
Today brings Tully’s Coffee Barista’s Latte. For whatever reason, I was thinking of a Starbucks drink full of sugar and cream. Not the case at all. This is espresso and some kind of creamer. Smoother than a straight up black coffee and with a muted bitterness. I just need to adjust my expectation for this drink. I’d get again instead of a coffee.
Today featured a double hit. Sure, I was fatigued by the constant on-the-go. But really, the opportunity and experience of trying a new drink couldn’t go unpassed.
The first drink was more for thirst purposes, but I think I found my favorite canned drink in this maroon can. The Georgia European is slightly sweetened and has cream making this drink easier to drink.
My second hit of the day was opportunistic and commemorative. While waiting for my first Shinkansen ride, there was a Doutor coffee shop in the train station. Handed an English menu since pointing at drinks on display wasn’t working, I got an iced Honey Au Lait which was ready immediately after payment. Very nice! But it kept me awake during the long ride to Kyoto.
Upon arrival to Hiroshima, I didn’t immediately comprehend the sea of red I saw. All around the train station, people were wearing red for the hometown baseball team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
In the midst of the season in first place of the Central League, the fans were in full force wearing jerseys, hats, shirts – all in red. Stores and restaurants advertised specials for the Carp fans.
Here’s just some of the team’s merchandise I saw.
I didn’t get a good picture of the fans all in red, but when trying to get a spot for dinner after a Carp game, this is what we saw at all the food joints.
And you know the saying – when in Hiroshima…
While I’m thankful that there are many coin laundry services available in Japan, especially nearby our hotel in Kyoto, be warned that your clothes may shrink. That’s what happened to my pants. There can be no other reason why my pants have gotten tighter during this trip. That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it. 😉
