Lake Biwa Hotel is offering two types of shaved ice desserts inspired by Hyakunin Isshu poetry until September 30.
The hotel is hosting an event themed around Hyakunin Isshu as a unique hospitality offering from Otsu, known as the “karuta sanctuary.” This time, two contrasting shaved ice desserts inspired by love poems from the Heian period are being presented. “Shinobu Lemon ~ Mitsu-iro no Koi ~” expresses uncontainable secret love with sweet and sour honey lemon, while “Kogare Tiramisu ~ Omokage no Yoin ~” represents bittersweet and profound feelings of longing for someone who does not come. Three types of “Summer Non-Alcoholic Drinks” (950 yen each) are also available.
The poems that served as motifs are: “Shinobu Lemon ~ Mitsu-iro no Koi ~” based on Poem 40 by Taira no Kanemori, “Though I conceal my love, it shows in the color of my face so much that people ask if I pine for someone.” “Kogare Tiramisu ~ Omokage no Yoin ~” is based on Poem 97 by Fujiwara no Teika, “Waiting for someone who does not come, as the seaweed burns at Matsuhono Bay in the evening calm, I, too, am burning with longing.”
The desserts are available at “Café Bel Lago” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. “Shinobu Lemon ~ Mitsu-iro no Koi ~” is priced at 1,200 yen, and with a drink set at 1,900 yen. “Kogare Tiramisu ~ Omokage no Yoin ~” is priced at 1,300 yen, and with a drink set at 2,000 yen. Prices include tax and service charge.
