Last full day in Nara

 We went to Nara by train and visited the Nara Deer Park and the Todai-ji temple.  The giant Buddha image welcomed us in a little rain.

In the Todai complex, we climbed up to the February Hall where we could see the Nara City from the top.

On the way back to the Nara station, we stopped by at the Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine.

After having lunch in the station area, we went back to Kyoto.

The rain was not as heavy as we predicted soi it was a nice day trip to Nara.

We will be heading back to the US tomorrow!

Very sunny 6th day in the Silver Pavilion and the Phoenix Pavilion

 The weather recovered and we took a bus to the Silver Pavilion from which we could see the Kyoto city.

From The Silver Pavilion, we walk along the Philosopher's Trail which was like Cherry Blossom Tunnel to get to Nyakuoji Shrine to rest.

Then, we walk to Keage station of the city subway and reached Sanjo Keihan for the lunch break.

In the afternoon, Keihan train took us to Uji city where we enjoyed the Phoenix Pavilion and nearby Uji River Park.

It was a good day!

Sunny 5th day for Arashiyama Area

 The rain yesterday has stopped and had a very sunny day today.  City bus took us from the hotel directly to the Daikakuji Temple where we experienced Shakyo (Buddhist scripture writing)

We walked from Daikakuji to Nonomiya Shrine along the famous strolling course in Sagano. 

Incredibly many people were walking along the Bamboo sorrounded path.  After walking along Oi River to Togetsu Bridge, we had a two hour break befor enjoying full bloom SAKURA in Arashiyama park.

4th day with slight rain

 It was raining from the morning slightly.  We visited Hashimoto Corporation which exclusivelly sell tires and luxuary auto parts for foreign cars especially German cars.  

This is the first time I planned to visit modern industory and business besides traditional cutural sites.

We have learned how much Japanese high-end automibile owners are taking care of their BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and other foreign cars,

We received the nice gift and took lovely group pictures.

5 min walk from Hashimoto Corporation was one of the latgest shopping mall in Kyoto where we enjoyed some shopping.

It happened to be good activities for the rainy day.

Long 3rd day with slight Rain

It was a light rain day.  We first went to the Heian Jingu Shrine by bus.  After enjoying its garden we walk along the Lake Biwa Canal whose river bank has been so beautiful with the full broom of SAKURA.

Then the train took us to the Lake Biwa where we had some cruise experience before heading back to Kyoto city and visited Nijo Castle Garden and Shinsenen Garden.

From 8:30am to 4:30pm, it was a long day today. 

Nice day continues on the second full day.

 The city bus took us to the Golden Pavilion area, where we visited the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji temple), the Rock Garden (Ryoanji temple).

We had lunch at Ritsumeikan University before visiting Hirano Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

From Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Randen Train took us back to our hotel area. 

Arrived in Kyoto late at Saturday night safely and began the program on Sunday.

  Our airplane from Narita arrived in Osaka later than expected, and because of several unexpected incidents, we reached the hotel around 11pm just before going to bed.

The first full day began with Fushimi Grand Shrine where we experienced going through a part of 1000 Torii Gates.  From Fushimi Inari, we went to Sanjusangendo temple where students enjoy magnificent 1001 statues of Buddha for mercy. 

After the lunch break in Gion area, we headed to Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park.  In the Yasaka Shrine we happened to see the wedding.  Main Cherry Blossoms in Maruyama Park were in full bloom with many SAKURA trees around it.

From Maruyama Park, we walked in front of Chion'in temple to the subway station near Heian Jingu Shrine, and eventually reached Kyogoku shopping street before going back to the hotel

Very good beginning of the trip.