Your name is…Mitsuha!

Saryo Mitsuha, Takayama - The old town district of Takayama is packed with tourists. Long lines snaked out of one eating establishment after the other. Our stomach were starting to growl. Our bodies cold from the piercing wind and - in my case - wet shoes. One of my companions told the group that she found a tea/dessert shop, and so we went.

Hidden behind a cloth curtain from the main street, the shop was a traditional affair with comfortable setting and most importantly a lack of crowd.

While everyone looked to the desserts section, my eyes went straight to the only two non-sweet menu items - ochazuke. Rice soaked with tea-infused soup in winter time? That’s hot chocolate level comfort.

I ordered the Tai-fish Ochazuke. It came first. It was amazing. The fish was firm with a bit of a snap that I thoroughly enjoy and a slight sweetness that came through the dashi, which was warm and savoury. Satisfying meal, though the portion was on the small side.

Verdict - Will return to if around the area