Nijo Castle and its garden!

After having lunch in the school area, the bus No.50 took us to the right in front of the main gate of the Nijo Castle.

The main hall has been famous for it squeaking Nightingale corridor.  This particular hall was used for the last Shogun of Tokugawa to return its power to the emperor in 1868 known as Meiji Restoration.

The main hall gate has just re-roofed and now is a shining brass.   After walking around its garden students were dismissed and went to wherever they like.

Since Kyoto Manga Museum is famous and very close to the Nijo Castle, quite a few went to the museum where they can freely go in and out with their Kyoto School ID!!!

Another gorgeous day!  

Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Yasaka Shrine!

Under the nice steamy weather we walked from Kiyomizu-dera Temple on top of the hill to Yasaka Shrine through Maruyama Park which is famous for Cherry Blossoms in Spring.

So many shops from Kiyomizu Temple through Kiyomizu-zaka, Sannen-zaka, Ninen-zaka to Kodaiji Temple!

On the way the huge image of Buddha for Mersy (Kannon) was watching down us!

Nice walk under the sun hopefully made everyone refreshed! 

Everyone looks good and our speedy adventure will continue!

Eikando (Zenrinji) and Nanzenji-Temple

After eating lunch in the school area, we went to Eikando (Zenrinji Temple) for which the maple leaf (Momiji) has been famous.

We left Eikando for Nanzenji Temple.  Until the last trip last summer, I would call my mother as she lived closer to the Nanzenji temple.    Now she is in the assisted living community, so I felt a bit sad.

The weather was exceptionally ideal for travelers like us and we all felt good!

The Koshien Baseball Park Rocks!

Everyone with GTS had the great experience for observing and enjoying Japanese way of cheering at the ball park!

Having fun together with the greatest fanatic crowd was really refreshing!

Everyone gathers and discuss how he or she would spend the First Sunday!

Sunday next week will be Martial Arts Trial for everyone!

The Golden Pavilion in a cloudy day

Yesterday there was heavy shower during the visit to the Rock Garden, and it was almost the same weather today.

Yet, fortunately we were not caught in the rain today and it was rather gorgeous weather for us.  Our lunch was at the different cafeteria in Ritsumeikan University.

Though the Golden Pavilion was not too shinny, 600-year old Bonsai Pine Tree was still energetically welcomed us.

First day went exceptionally well!

Usually it is difficult for students to successfully commute to school on the first day of the program.

No one got lost this year!  Amazing! We went to the Rock Garden this afternoon after eating lunch at Ritsumeikan University cafeteria.

Right before leaving the Ryoanji-temple (the Rock Garden) heavy shower began pouring so we stayed another half hour before rain would stop.

No bad news on the first day, which is the great sign of another successful year!

The golden pavilion is waiting for us tomorrow!

14 Students and GTS are now heading to Japan!

GTS is now ready for going to Japan with 14 students.  All Nippon Airways will carry us to NARITA where we will stay over night before heading to Osaka and Kyoto.

Once we arrived the Kyoto International Academy, 2 will join from China, One from France and another from UK will join our group!

We will have a fun educational Trip!!

See you from Japan!