The last activity of the trip is to enjoy cruising on Lake Biwa. Because Otsu City and Lansing, in the State of Michigan, USA, are sister cities, the cruising boat MICHIGAN allows us to enjoy the beautiful scenic Lake Biwa.
Students are wrapping up the trip in the afternoon and getting ready for departure early tomorrow morning.
A city bus took us to Daikakuji Temple, where we performed "Shakyo (Buddhist Scripture writing." Under the strong sun, we walked from Daikakuji Temple to the Nonomiya Shrine bamboo forest area, where we could take some nice photos.
Along the bamboo forest, we walked down to the Oi River and Togetsu Bridge.
Some went to the Monkey Park to enjoy the company of monkeys.
The city bus #32 directly took us to the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji), where we could view the city from the east end.
From Ginkakuji, we walk along the Philosopher's Path to its end, where we can visit Nyakuoji Shrine.
After a little break, we moved forward to Okazaki Shrine, which is famous for giving a peaceful birth of a healthy child.
Afternoon is free for everyone as the final day approaches.
It was another hot and humid day today. In the morning, we visited the Osaka Cup Noodle Museum, where everyone had the opportunity to create a unique cup noodle in the factory. There was a short movie about how the cup noodle was invented.
After returning to Kyoto and had some cooling break, we went to Osaka again for enjoying Osaka Tenjin Festival and its fireworks show.
Another great day was over and tomorrow will be the little lighter day,
Over 95°F continues. We observed Gion Festival Parade and Float TURN at the intersection called Tsujimawashi, as well as Hanagasa Junko (Flower Umbrella Parade).
We also visited Sanjusangendo Temple, where 1001 statues/images of Buddha of Mercy. We were supposed to visit there on the very first day, but I had to switch the schedule due to the weather.
We dismissed earlier to accommodate everyone's interest, as well as a severe heat wave.
We are now getting into the last half of the trip. Adventure continues!
We began a bit earlier than usual this morning to get to Osaka by some trains and enjoyed the world exhibit participated by over 160 nations. The day was ended with a special fireworks show and was very impressive.
Final train of the day took us back to Kyoto and asked us to be ready for tomorrow's Gion Festival Float marching.
Another heat wave hit us again!
Very hot 100F heat index day was for us to visit the Golden Pavilion and the Rock Garden (Ryoanji). It was not too far between two temples, but we felt very far as the heat continued to attack us.
From Ryoanji Temple we went to Ritsumeikan University, where we had lunch in its cafeteria located at Zonshinkan.
From Ritsumeikan University, we walked to Kitano Tenmangu via Hirano Shrine.
From Hakubaicho, Randen train took back home.
Three different trains took us to Nara in the morning, and we walked to the World's Largest wooden building which housed Great Buddha image.
Exceptionally high heat caused a little modification of the daily plan to avoid acidents.
Instead of heading to Kasuga Grand Shrine we went back to the train station area shopping street for lunch.
After lunch, we came back to Kyoto Station where we were we took bus to the hotel.
Another great day.
In the morning, we took the train to Uji City and visited Byodoin, also known as the Phoenix Pavilion.
On the way back, we went directly to Sanjo Keihan area, where we took a lunch break before heading to Heian Jingu Shrine.
In Okazaki Park in front of Heian Jingu Shrine, a flea Market was taking place. Some enjoyed the Flea market after observing Heian Jingu Garden.
For the first time, we left Chicago at midnight so that we wouldn't waste the first day.
You can sleep as soon as you board and get some nice sleep in Chicago time.
We arrived in Haneda at about 4am so it was quite fast and smooth to go through the passport control and the customs.
Our Osaka flight got to Itami Airport about 7:30 and to the hotel in Kyoto around 9am.
We have dropped luggage and left for the Nijo Castle. Already very hot and humid.
City subway tok us to the central Kyoto shopping area where we started to look around what is going on.
The final full day was dedicated to visiting Nara where the Giant Buddha image is situated in the world's oldest wooden structure.
Sakura in the surrounding area is all in full bloom, and deer native to Nara are enjoying strolling and begging tourists for food.
After a lunch break at Higashimuki Shopping Street, we headed back to Kyoto.
Great weather helped us.
We began walking along the Philosopher's Path from the Silver Pavilion to Nyakuoji Shrine for a little over a mile through a tunnel of the cherry blossoms.
At the Naykuoji Shrine we had a little break before heading to the Phoenix Pavilion.
After the lunch break in Gion, the train took us to Uji city where the Phoenix Paviion stands.
It was rather a quick moving tour day but very cozy weather helped us to move smoothly.
Finally we reached out to the westend of this trip, Daikakuji. There was no blooming last year but we could enjoy blooming Sakura in Daikakuji and had an experience of SHAKYO, Buddhist Scripture writing/tracing for the individual wish.
We walked through bamboo forest and visited Nonomiya Shrine which is famous for match-making and academic/aritistic success.
Along with Oi river, we strolled in Arashiyama Park where the Cherry Blossoms were in their full bloom.
Very cozy weather and the end of the trip is now approaching.
This trip is now getting into the last half and we began visiting Sanjusangendo where 1001 statues of the Buddha of Mercy greeted us. Sakura around the temple hall were blooming and blessing us.
After leaving Sanjusangendo, we went to Kyobashi in Osaka by Keihan train and had some lunch in Osaka Business Park (Twin 21).
Osaka Castle was just a few minutes away from OBP but it took a while to get to the Castle because of the moat and long steep slope.
We had a slight rain at the castle area but it was very comfortable weather for walking.
It was the cloudy day but very comfortable for walking. Hankyu and Keihan trains took us to Fushimi Grand Shrine where some experienced walking through many Torii gates.
A few students enjoy various vendors while other visiting several small shrine.
We left for Heian Jingu Shrine via Higashiyama Sanjo where we had one hour lunch break.
Our final stop today was the Kyoto Handicraft Center where you can get quality souvenir.
It was a bit chilly but no rain so far,
The city bus took us to the Golden Pavilion where we began today's schedule. Like last year's trip, after the Golden Pavilion, we walked to the Ryoanji Temple to enjoy its Rock Garden. This year we could enjoy half-bloomed Cherry Blossoms.
We all ate at the Ryoyukan Cafeteria of Ritsumeikan University where Shingo was graduated from some 40 years ago.
After lunch, we walked to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine via Hirano Shrine where Sakura was beautifully blossomed.
Randen train took us back to the hotel and our day was wonderfully fulfilled.
We left the hotel for Nijo Castle, and on the way, we went through the Sanjo shopping street to reach SHINSEN'EN and take a little photo break. Then we proceeded to Nijo Castle where we had a chance to enjoy full-bloomed Sakura in its garden.
After that Kyoto City Subway took us to KEAGE where we walked up along INCLINE to reach the back door of Nanzenji Temple where some Sakura and incense of the temple relaxed us before lunch.
After lunch, we walk to Maruyama Park via Chion'in Temple. Kyoto city's one of the main Sakura (Shidare Zakura, or willow cherry) in Maruyama Park where people enjoy many food vendors.
Maruyama Park is connected to Yasaka Shrine from which we walked to the central area of Kyoto on foot.
It was a bit chilly and windy but the perfect day for walking.
We missed the full bloom of Sakura last year by just a week.
This year, we should be just right on time.
We arrived in Kyoto as scheduled though there were some hassle-bustle experiences in Haneda, Tokyo.
Everyone seems to be exhausted but hopefully get some rest against their jet lag and be ready for long walk tomorrow.
At least all 15 people are safe here in Kyoto, Japan.
