Friday, March 31, 2017

Could not philosophize under rain but.....

Before having rain we visited Nanzenji-temple to see the beautiful complex and then proceeded to Eikando temple where everyone got into the main building and walked around!

From Eikando, we stopped by Nyakuoji Shrine which is the starting point of Philosopher's Path!
Rain got heavier but we got ourselves admitted into the Silver Pavilion from which we could leave for the downtown to dismiss for today.

A lot of free time made students happy!

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Han'nya Shingyo Scripture Writing

City bus number 91 took us to Daikakuji Temple where we enjoyed brush writing of Buddhist scripture writing.  After visiting Daikakuji, we did so-called SAGANO MEGURI to get to Nonomiya Shrine through the bamboo forest.

After having lunch in the Arashiyama train station area, we visited Tenryu-ji Temple.  We could view the entire city from the western mountain area.  We will see the similar view from the eastern mountain area tomorrow!

Tonight was the group dinner night where everyone talked, laughed, and tasted some traditional food.

Finally the Cherry Blossoms began blooming but......

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The Golden Pavilion and the Rock Garden

We started a little late this morning to visit the Golden Pavilion and the Rock Garden (Ryoanji) before going to Ritsumeikan University (GTS is graduated from) to have a lunch at its cafeteria.

After lunch we visited Kitano Tenmangu Shrine via Hirano Shrine and finally reached Nishijin Textile Center where some got nice fabric and other souvenirs!


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

1001 statues welcomed us!

We were welcomed by 1001 images of Buddha of mercy at Sanjusangendo Temple first in the morning.  We got there even before its opening.  Then we took bus to Gojo-zaka from which the Tea Bowl Slope path too us to the Kiyomizu-temple.

After viewing the city's south we left for Maruyama park and Yasaka Shrine via Three-year path and Two-year path though regrettably the most famous cherry blossoms were not bloom yet.

After lunch in Gion area, we went to Heian Jingu Shrine and its garden before visiting Kyoto Handicraft Center where they took a couple of hours to explorer souvenir shopping.

The night show of Japanese tradition performance  at Gion Corner was fabulous.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Phoenix and thousands of Torii gates welcomed us

We went out from the Kyoto city again to get to the Phoenix Pavilion in Uji city which is famous for its tea.  Though Sakura flower did not bloom yet certainly welcomed us.  While walking back to the train station along the Uji river, we saw the official opening day ceremony of Cormorant fishing.

On the way back to the city center we stopped by at the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine which is famous for its thousands of Torii gates.  We tasted mysterious atmosphere with many many visitors through the Torii gate tunnel.

We had a lunch break in Kawaramachi Sanjo where many students tried to enjoy REAL sushi.  After lunch the city subway took us to the Nijo Castle from which we walked back to the hotel through Shinsen'en.

It was another beautiful day!

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Nara day passed wonderfully!

The real first day in Kyoto really began with Nara day!   First, the city bus took us to the Kyoto station where we could get to Nara by Kintetsu train.  Under the good sun, we visited Todai-ji temple to greet the giant Buddha image and walk through February Hall from which we could see the entire Nara city.  

We continued to walk though Tamukeyama Hachimagu, Wakakusa-yama park to get to Kasuga Grand Shrine where we are luckily bumped into Shinto Style Wedding Ceremony.

After lunch in Nara station area, we went to back to Kyoto central city area where we walked along Nishi Market Street.  Though it started to rain, there was not much negative influence on our daily plan!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

2017 Spring Trip to Kyoto has begun!!

With 13 participants, GTS annual Spring Field Trip to Kyoto for flower viewing has just begun.  Very good group of all ages (19 through over 60).  Our All Nippon Airways flight from Chicago departed on time and arrived in Narita about 30 minutes earlier which gave us ample time of changing currency and exploring Narita International Airport.

We took flight from Narita to Itami, Osaka from where we go to Hotel in Kyoto by monorail and Hankyu subway.

Everyone has been exhausted but very fine and we will go to Nara tomorrow to see the Giant Buddha image while feeding many deer in Nara park area!

Stay tuned!