訪問日: 2025年4月29日
Dinner at “Odaidokoro Roji”
At the end of my walk around Uji, I finally arrived at a cozy little izakaya called “Odaidokoro Roji.”
As usual, I got a bit lost along the way (as I always do!), but after wandering through a few narrow alleys, I finally found it.
An Unexpectedly Luxurious “Choi-Nomi” Set
The first thing I ordered was the “Choi-Nomi Set” (1,700 yen, including a draft beer).
I thought it would be just a few light snacks to go with a drink—but what arrived was far more impressive than I expected ✨.
Instead of simple appetizers, each dish was carefully prepared, full of flavor and attention to detail—the kind of quality only a small independent restaurant can deliver.
Honestly, it was so satisfying that I almost felt, “Maybe I don’t need to order anything else.”
Adding the Grilled Duck Breast
Even though the “Choi-Nomi Set” alone was more than satisfying,
I couldn’t resist ordering the grilled duck breast (1,300 yen).
It reminded me of my late father, who loved duck dishes,
so I decided to treat myself — and him — to one more plate.
And that turned out to be the perfect choice.
The duck was tender and juicy, with rich flavor but no greasiness — perfectly balanced.
As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help thinking,
“My father would have loved this.”
It truly felt like sharing a meal with him again.
All in all, it was a perfect meal — and only 3,000 yen in total.
Great taste, warm memories, and a price that made me smile.
With the draft beer “Choi-Nomi Set” and the grilled duck breast,
the total came to just 3,000 yen — an honest, down-to-earth price.
It’s the kind of local restaurant that values sincerity over showiness,
a rare gem where you can relax and enjoy authentic flavors even in a tourist town.
Notes for Visitors
As its name suggests, Odaidokoro Roji is tucked away in a small alley.
It can be a bit tricky to find, so I recommend using a map app to guide you.
Then again, getting a little lost might just become part of your Uji memories. 😄
👉 Related article:
Click to read more:
👉 🚉 Stopover Journey (Osaka – Kyoto) ③/ ④ Ōyamazaki & Uji – The Rise and Fall of a Mountain Villa — and a Dinner That Reminded Me of My Father｜YUMEVOJA
The full journey of the day — Takatsuki → Nagaoka Tenjin → Ōyamazaki → Uji → Fushimi Inari —
is summarized with a timeline and Google Map in
👉 [Stopover Journey ④ Night at the Thousand Torii Gates].
📎 Related Posts
Click to read more:
👉 🍵Beauty & Taste (Osaka–Kyoto) ①Takatsuki- Udon Gyoza | YUMEVOJA
👉 🍵 Beauty & Taste (Osaka–Kyoto) ② / ③ Nagaoka Tenjin-The Bamboo Shoot Set Meal | YUMEVOJA
Today’s bonus capsule!
✨ Gateway to the Showa Era―Roller Skates
The Showa era (1926–1989) was a time when modern technology and ideas began to transform everyday life in Japan.
🕹️ Memories of Showa
There was a time in the Showa era when roller skating was all the rage.
Like many others, I was completely captivated and often practiced at the nearby shopping arcade.
Since it was crowded during the day, I practiced at night.
My mother always came with me, worried for my safety.
I still remember the soft glow of the streetlights and the rhythmic sound of the wheels echoing through the quiet streets—
those evenings felt like a small adventure of my own.
One night, while skating as usual, a police officer stopped me.
He said, “It’s dangerous for a girl to be out at night.”
When I explained that my mother was with me, he turned to her and scolded her instead:
“She might get hurt, and there are pedestrians passing by.”
After that, I started practicing at a roller rink instead.
My mother would take me there and pick me up each time.
Back then, roller skates were heavy—each shoe had four rubber wheels.
They didn’t glide smoothly, and I often scraped my knees when I fell.
But I loved that feeling of cutting through the air.
📍 The Present
Today’s roller skates and inline skates are lighter and come in a wide variety of designs.
More people now enjoy them as a form of fashion or lifestyle, rather than just a sport.
Yet those nights with my mother at the shopping arcade held
a kind of freedom and connection that I can no longer find today.
We were scolded, we laughed, and we walked home together under the streetlights.
Every little moment from those nights still warms my heart.
🌍 In Contrast with the World
Roller skating originated in the West, spreading worldwide through movies and music.
In Japan, too, young people skated in the streets and gymnasiums.
While abroad it became part of parties and sports culture,
in Japan it always seemed to exist somewhere between play and restraint.
Even so, children everywhere dreamed of the same freedom as they glided forward.
💭 Reflection
Today’s world is safe, convenient, and filled with comfort.
But in exchange, children may have fewer chances to take small risks and learn from them.
These days, even climbing trees is often forbidden because it’s considered dangerous.
Back in the Showa era, falling and getting scraped knees was just part of growing up.
We learned through play, and we grew stronger through experience.
Because my mother was there,
I could skate freely through the night streets of my childhood.
We were scolded together, yet she always stood by my side.
Now, I finally understand that quiet strength —
the way she protected me, gently but firmly.
At Roji in Uji, the flavor of duck roast reminds me of my father,
and roller skates bring back my mother.
And now, my blog has become a way
to remember the lively “nest” that once surrounded me.
🛼🌙
To play without fear of falling —
perhaps that’s the kind of quiet courage
every child needs, in every generation.