The Amazake Chaya (Tea House) was probably one of the most interesting places I came across on my visit to Hakone. CharK and I reached the Tea House after a short hike through the Ishidatami (stone paved) road.
 |
| Photo: CharK |
The tea house was built during the Edo period and sits along the Tokaido road. The tea house was originally a rest spot for travelers, able to snack on mochi and amazake (sweet malted rice drink) to replenish their energy.
 |
| Photo: CharK |
According to
Odakyu's guide of the tea house, the menu here is still the original one from back in the day.
 |
| Photo: CharK |
The warm and fragrant tea house was a nice break from our windy walking. I felt so warm sitting next to the heater (which doubled as a stove for the kettle) and made it possible to drink the cold red shiso juice. I loved sitting at the wooden tables on tree trunks--I could imagine what it was to be like a traveller in this period.
 |
| Photo: CharK |
 |
Simple yet delicious mochi (black sesame and roasted beans) Photo: CharK
|
I imagine this tea house would make a great field trip for school kids. As a kid I love visiting the Pioneer Villages and learning about daily life by being in the actual site of where it all happened.
 |
| Photo: CharK |
Lastly, here's a tip to travelers arriving by bus. The public bus comes every 30 minutes on the weekday, so remember to check the bus schedule (just across the street from the tea house) before heading inside. There's not much to do around the tea house, except the other entrance into the Ishidatami site.
No comments:
Post a Comment