From the Eastern side of Kyoto: Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion) and Nijo Castle Garden

 Everyone had an One-day Bus Pass to get to Nijo Castle first. Nijo Castle garden has plenty of full bloomed cherry blossoms that we could enjoy.

On the way to Nishijin Textile Center, we stopped by at Seimei Shrine enshrining ABE no SEIMEI, the Exorcist in 10th century.

In the Nishijin Textile Center, some got nice Ties as a souvenir, some got scarves, etc.

After eating lunch in Ginkakuji area where Shingo was born some 60 years ago, we visited Ginkakuji temple (The Silver Pavilion) then walked on the Philosopher's Trail.

The group continued on to Fushimi Grand Shrine to walk through 1000 Torii gate as well as climbing up to the top of Mt. Inari. 

From the Western side of Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple and the Monkey Park

 Randen train to us to Arashiyama directly from Shijo Omiya and began exploring Arashiyama Area where we visited the garden of Tenryu-ji first. We could see Kyoto city from the top its garden.

We went out from the North Exit to get to the Bamboo Forest through which we could reach the Mountain top scenic area.  We cood see beautiful mountain with Cherry color spots on the mountain.  

After the lunch break, we crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge and said hello to the Monkey Park.  In the park, monkeys seemed to enjoy being fed, playing among themselves.

The good weather allowed us to beable to see the entire Kyotocity from west end,

Another beautiful day was over.

Another 20000 steps included The Osaka Castle and The Phoenix Pavilion

 Beautiful days continued today and a Keihan train took us to both Osaka Castle and Phoenix Pavilion,  Though we were in the tran fairly long time we did walk quite a bit.

Our course was:

Gion Shijo to Kyobashi by Keihan train.  From Kyobashi station to Osaka castle through Osaka Business Park (OBP) where we had a lunch break.

After lunch Keihan train took us to Uji station where Ujigawa Park and Byodoin Temple are.

Another good day ended.

Over 25000 steps today was worth walking today

 Great lovely weather assisted us to walk a lot.  We began today with two different train rides to get to Sanjusangendo Temple, which is the old temple structure in Kyoto.  

After enjoying observing 1001 statues of Senju Kannon (Buddha for mercy w/1000 hands), we walked to Kiyomizu Temple  through Tea Bowl Slope (chawanzaka).

From Kiyomizu Dera Temple, we went through Sanneizaka (or Sannen Zaka) and Ninenzaka to Koudaiji Temple park area, then proceeded to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine.

After late lunch, we walked from Yasaka Shrine to Heian Jingu Shrine via Chion'in Temple.

Upon finishing Heian Jingu Shrine garden walk, we walked to Subway Keage station near Lake Biwa Canal Incline rail with full bloomed Sakura.

City subway took us to Nijo and then walk back to the hotel.

Walked a lot today but worth doing so.

The nice weather also brought nice blooming

 The city bus took us to the vicinity of the Golden Pavilon where many students began collecting the official seal of each temple or/shrine.

From the Golden Pavilion, we walked to Ryoanji temple (the Rock Garden) via the main gate of Ritsumeikan University where GTS was graduated over 35 years ago.

We walked from Ryoanji tempe to Ritsumeikan University's cafeteria to eat lunch and to rest for a while.  After the good rest we walked to Hirano Shrine whch is well known as a flower viewing spot.

While students are observing vaious things in Kitano Tenmangu, GTS had to take care of few things at the language school for coming summer study abroad.

The weather is getting better for SAKURA viewing.

 A little chilly beginning turned around and SAKURA really begins opening.  The city bus took us to the vicinity of the Golden Pavilion where many students began Temple/Shrine's offcial seal book signature/stamo collection.

Though Sakura wasn't really blooming yet in the Golden Pavilion but Ryoanji (The Rock Garden) gave us some  beautiful blooming SAKURA.

After the Rock Garden, we took a lunch break  at the Ritsumeikan University cafeteria

Then we walked to Hirano Shrine in full bloom as well as Kitano Tenmanguu before heading back to Hotel.

Finally arrived in Kyoto during the almost full bloom of SAKURA

 From Chicago to first Washington DC to catch All Nippon Airways (ANA) flyng directly to Haneda.  

We arrived in Haneda almost at midnight.  Then Checked in nearby hotel to have a few hours rest (probably about 3-4 hours) then the hotel's shuttle took us to the terminal for domestic line to Kobe.

Just about hour flight brought us to Kobe Airport (for me, this is the first time to use this airport since its operation in 2006)

We had one hour breakfast break at the airport and then went to Sannomiya Station for Hankyu Line by 25 min bus ride.

From Sannomiya Station, Hanyu Limited Express took us to Shijo Omiya where our hotel is waiting for us.

It was raining and everyone is tired, we decided to go to Central area of Kyoto to stroll around.

Cherry is blooming so we will catch them!

Finally Spring Trip to Japan Resumes!

 Since we cancel the Spring Trip to Kyoto in 2019 due to the Pandemic, 4 years has passed and finally we are able to go to Japan!   Yay.

Our group will leave O'Hare in the afternoon tomorro (3/24/2023) for Haneda via Washington DC using All Nippon Airways.

Spending overnight in Haneda, Tokyo, we will be headed to Kobe Airport early Sunday morning (3/26/2023)

I myself will land in Kobe for the first time so I am excited as well.

Cherry Blossoms seem to have already begun blooming but hopefully we will catch them in full bloom in Kyoto.