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.
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.
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.
As usual, Spring Cherry Blossom time has arrived. The COD group will leave on Friday and plan to enjoy SAKURA during the trip. The weather forecast says that SAKURA blooming period, with full bloom, will completely overlap with our schedule. So, we are so excited.
We added the new event this year. We will visit a foreign car accessory dealer to learn about the industry in Japan.
Lake Biwa Cruise is also a new attraction this year!
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.
