After lunch, Randen train took us to Arashiyama where we walked through the bamboo path.
We climb to the top of the mountain to look down the Hozu river.
The return trip was not by Randen but by the Hankyu line and we went back to the center of Kyoto.
In this weekend, some go to Tokyo and some go to Osaka where they could go to Universal Studio in Japan.
Very hot and humid again but had a good time.
In the nice weather with heat and humidity, we visited Ryoanji temple after eating lunch at Ryoyukan Cafeteria at the Ritsumeikan University where Shingo graduated over 35 years ago.
Usually, too many tourists visit Ryoanji at a time so they cannot enjoy its tranquility. We were lucky as not many people were there so we could have a good time. Some jumped into the icecream shop after visiting the Rock Garden.
From Ryoanji, we walked to Randen Kitano Hakubaicho station where we will begin our tomorrow's excursion to Tenryuji in Arashiyama.
Another good day!
Almost everyone made it to school on time on the first day of school. Some struggled but it was a part of the learning as well.
For lunch, some went to Japanese McDonald's, some went to Revolving Sushi, and some went to the restaurant to get some energy before heading to the Golden Pavilion.
It was hot and humid but we could enjoy the beautiful shiny Golden Pavilion and its reflection on the pond.
Good Start!
All students arrived in Kyoto, Japan smoothly on Tuesday 6/11/2024.
We left Chicago on time with Japan Airlines which provided nice food and snacks.
Our layover time in Haneda was tight but we managed to board in time and reached Itami, Osaka.
The airport bus took us to Kyoto Station 40 minutes from Osaka and we got to the Kyoto Station at 8:15pm.
We got up early in the morning, got on the first bus to Osaka Itami Airport, and flew to Haneda, Tokyo.
Although everyone was sleepy from Haneda, we boarded the Japan Airline and headed to Chicago.
A few movies and nice JAL food entertained us while boarded.
The notorious long queue before the passport control at O'Hare International Airport was the final challenge against us as we were stuck for about 2,3 hours yet safely returned to Chicago.
First, we went to the Kyoto station by bus and got on the Kintetsu train to reach Nara.
While enjoying feeding deer we arrived at the Todaiji temple and observed the Giant Buddha image in the Great Buddha Hall, then April Hall and February Hall from which we could enjoy the great view of Nara city.
Then we proceeded to Wakakusa Mountain through Tamukeyama Hachimangu and finally got to Kasuga Grand Shrine before returning to Kyoto.
We will leave here in Kyoto at 5am and our Japan Airlines Flight will take us to Tokyo Haneda.
Rain in the early morning stopped and we could easily visit the Silver Pavilion from which we could walk along the Philosoper's Trail to Nyakuoji Shrine. Shingo's daughter's Japanese Jr. High School classmate lived there and she and her mother were happy to see Shingo bringing many American students there.
We left that shrine and walked to Nanzenji temple via Eikando temple. From Nanzenji temple, we went to Yasaka Shrine via Chion'in Temple. On its way, we saw Shingo's Condo. After having lunch, from Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park where we could enjoy the main Cherry blossom tree blooming.
Famous upward pathways led us to Kiyomizu temple from which we could have a nice view before going down from the temple using the Tea Bowl Path.
From Gojo, we went to the bank of the Kamo River and walked along the river to get to Shijo.
It was a bit tiring walk but felt good under the sun.
