Japan - request for information

Uji FTW! I had a friend who lived near Uji and the photos were amazing. So were the teas I used to get from him.

on a different note, if you are a "geek" at all or into electronics Shinjuku is pretty cool. I worked in the gaming media for a few years and Shinjuku was always a kind of Mecca.

Enjoy the trip, it will be two years before I can go to Uji but it is already planned.

- Dominic

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. I will definitely try to drop by Uji.

Dominic - I'm not that much of a geek but my cousin lives near Shinjuku so that's where I'm staying in Tokyo. It's a pretty amazing place.

Thiterflit - I don't suppose you could recommend a book or article about the tea ceremony? I read a bit of anthropology so perceived dryness or academic tone is ok. Also, thanks for the recommendation on Nezu, I will definitely check that out.

As always I recommend "The Book of Tea" by Okakura. It is available for free online or for only about $4.00 at a bookseller.

Also, you lucky dog, I'd kill to have family by the Mecca of geekness ;)

The shots of Uji I saw were awe-inspiring and I can't see how anyone could go wrong with a trip there.

- Dominic

Is there such a thing as cha-otaku?

If there is, I think a lot of us qualify. I know that many of my friends find my obsession creepy.

haha, yep. I think you just coined a new term. I think we're a long way from being nationally recognized and signing our charter, but maybe 4 or 5?? :)

- Dominic