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.
