Commencement was held successfully and (NOT) ready to go home

 The 2024 Summer Study Abroad Program has been successfully concluded though everyone has to go home safely tomorrow.

Since our flight is quite early from Osaka Itami Airport to Haneda, everyone has to get up before 5 am so that we can catch the 6:20 am bus to Osaka from Kyoto.

Probably everyone's luggage has doubled with full souvenirs for everyone including themselves.

COD Study Abroad Program will be transformed soon so this is the final year for the program we have been doing for over 20 years.

Future programs must require at least one year of Japanese language learning before participation in the newly transformed program.

Spring trip will be coming as usual in the beginning of April 2025 and already 3 people registered.

Socializing with Students of Kyoto Sangyo University and Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Shingo's high school classmate, Dr. Kazuhiko Namba, who is a professor at Kyoto Sangyo University offered a Campus tour of his university guided by his students.

Our students went to Kyoto Sangyo University in the afternoon to meet with a few students there had a Campus tour and took some group pictures.

Then the college shuttle bus took us to Kamigamo Jinja Shrine which used to be Shingo's playground during his elementary school time.

The afternoon excursion of the program concluded today and we will have a commencement tomorrow and be ready to return to the USA on Friday. 

Another great program is now coming to an end.

Eliminating all the evil spirit before the return trip.

 We have to clean ourselves from any kind of evil spirit before the return trip so that everyone can get home safely this weekend.

The best place for that purpose is SEIMEI SHRINE where the 10th-century famous exorcist ABE no SEIMEI is held.

We hope any calamity will be eliminated and everyone gets home with a smile.

After visiting Seeimei Shrine, we visited Nishijin Textile Center for almost final shopping of quality souvenirs.

Our Final Mountain Walking of this program was to visit Monkey Park

 The final week of the program begins with visiting the Monkey Park in Arashiyama.

Though the temperature was over 90 F (100F in heat index) we successfully visited the Monkey Park in Arashiyamma to see many monkeys.

Some were feeding Monkeys from the inside of the Building as if they were in a cage.

The view from the mountaintop was probably the most magnificent on this trip.

A few more days to conclude the program.  Everyone tries to maximize their experience.

TANABATA Festival & Nijo Castle

 July Seventh is the famous Tanabata Festival (Milky Way Festival).  Every student had a chance to write their own wish and tie the Bamboo branch to decorate the school gate.

After school, we visited the Nijo Castle to experience the Nightingale Floor (Squeeking Floor) in the main building before exploring its gorgeous garden.

The program is now approaching the final week.

Okazaki-jinja Shrine and Kyoto City Zoo

 Rain was expected but before getting caught in the rain, we managed to visit Okazaki-jinja Shrine.

Okazaki Shrine became famous recently for finding good prospects and/or giving easy birth, etc.

We walked from Okazaki Shrine to the Kyoto City Zoo to meet many animals closer to viewers.

Students have a special Kyoto Pass for free admission and I have a yearly pass.

Another beautiful day has passed.

Kurama Temple in Mt. Kurama

 Today was the only clear day this week so far and so we went up to Kurama without fail.

Stairs and uphills challenged us but we all made it to the temple. Eiden rain took us from Demachiyanagi station to Kurama.

Kurama is famous for Kurama Tengu so some bought the Tengu mask and others got some charms and amulets.

I hope a nice day like today continues!

Osaka Castle and Hokoku Shrine

 From Demachiyanagi Station, Keihan Train took us to Kyobashi where we could begin approaching Osaka Castle through several Panasonic Buildings.

We managed to be admitted into the main tower and were able to go up to the top.

On the way back we stopped by at Hokoku Shrine where Hideyoshi was enshrined.

It was raining a little but lucky to have a chance to visit there.

Calligraphy at Daikakuji Temple

 We walked to Daikakuji Temple from Randen Arashiyama Station in the slight rain. 

In the Daikakuji Temple, we had a chance to perform "Shakyo" (Buddhist scripture calligraphy writing).

Everyone tried the official way of SHAKYO and prayed some wishes before leaving the temple.

From the Daikakuji Temple, everyone took their designated city bus to return to the city center.

It was quite an accomplishment.

Eikando in the rain

 It was raining heavily in the morning but somehow got light rain and it was actually good for Eikando to visit in the afternoon.

Eikando is famous for its autumn color but summer rain also makes it unique.  Everyone enjoyed the rather complicated structure of the main hall and felt the sounds of rain in tranquility. 

From Eikando, we walked through Nanzenji temple, the International Community House, and the front of Shingo's condo to get to the main bus stop at the Heian Jingu Shrine.

Rained but not as bad.

Fushimi Grand Shrine and Tofukuji

The weather forecast says it will rain heavily tomorrow, so we decided to visit Fushimi Grand Shrine today to climb up to Mt. Inari.

We went up to the top through thousands of Torii gates, beyond the mountain, and down to the other side to visit Tofukuji temple.

Some did not make it but many made it for their unique memory.

Giant Buddha welcomed us in Nara

 The schedule was tight so we left for Kyoto station from Kitaoji Shopping Mall without a lunch break.

We luckily managed to catch the direct express from Kintetsu Kyoto to Nara.  We walked from Kintetsu Nara station to Daibutsuden of Todaiji while feeding deer.

In the Giant Buddha Hall, some students tried to go through the Buddha's Nose Hall and blessed for their future.

We proceeded to the top of the February Hall where we could see the city of Nara then walked along Mt. Wakakusa and reached Kasuga Grand Shrine.  

From Kasuga Grand Shrine, we walked along Sarusawa Pond and Higashimuki Shopping Street to Kintetsu Nara Station.

By the time we got to Kyoto Station, time went by and dismissed at Kyoto Station at 6:30pm

The Phoenix Pavilion

 After lunch at the usual shopping mall, we went to the Demachiyanagi station of the Keihan train line.

We were lucky to get on the limited express in the timly manner and reached Uji after transfering at Chushojima Station.

We could see the beautiful Amida Hall (Phoenix Pavilion) and refelction of it on the pond.  Some lotus are about to bloom and the whole scene is just like the design on the ten yen coin.

Lots of them enjoyed Matcha green tea soft serve as Uji was famous for its tea.

Another beautiful expereince without rain!

Weekend Lake Biwa Chikubu Island Trip

 This year's Weekend Group trip was to visit Chikubu Island on Lake Biwa.  This island is located far north of the lake near Nagahama Castle.

The 35-min boat ride took us to the island and we had a chance to visit Houganji temple.

From the top of Nagahama Castle, we can see the huge lake and Nagahama City.

After coming back to Kyoto, it was heavily raining but our trip itself was blessed by the nice weather.

Heian Jingu Shrine & Kyoto Handicraft Center

 It was raining rather heavily in the morning but by the time we began the afternoon excursion, the weather had recovered, and there was a nice blue sky at Heian Jingu Shrine which has the largest garden in Kyoto city.

Some visited the Kyoto Handicraft Center after strolling around the Heian Jingu Shrine and some were heading to the center of Kyoto city.

The weekend trip to Chikubu Island in the Lake Biwa is tomorrow. 

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine

 Our bus in the afternoon took us to Gojo-zaka and we walked along the Tea Bowl Slope (Chawan zaka) to Kiyomizu Temple where we could view Kyoto-city from the famous STAGE.

On the way there all 24 people together but on the way back from the temple there were only eight people as many of them deviated.

We took Kiyomizu Slope and Sannei-zaka, then Ninen Zaka and reached Ryozan Kannon near Kodai-ji temple.

We continued to walk to Maruyama park and Yasaka Shrine and final survivors were only 6 students.

It was another good day.

Tanukidani Fudoin challenged us

 Everyone went up to the Tanukidani Fudoin where Shingo's parents are sleeping.  From the bus stop, the long uphill slope challenged us.  Even after reaching the bottom of the temple, 250 stairs were waiting for us to climb up.

We could see the city from the temple building and the nice breeze comforted us a bit.

On the way back down to the bus stop, we stopped by Hachidai Shrine which is famous for "Battle at Sagarimatsu" by Miyamoto Musashi.

Everyone somehow managed to go up to the temple successfully and I am very proud of them.

Heavy rain in the morning but the nice weather in the afternoon

 The weather forecast last night threatened us to have heavy rain in the morning but by the time we were having an afternoon excursion, the nice weather returned.

One thousand statues of the Mercy Buddha (Senju Kannon) greeted us in Sanjusangen-do.

Somehow we managed to have a good day today again.

Great Day for the Silver Pavilion and Nyakuoji Shrine via Philosopher's Path

 There was heavy rain last night and I was a little worried about today.  No rain, and no strong sunshine, it was a perfect day to visit the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji).

Shingo was born near the Silver Pavilion about 60 years ago so everyone got informed.

From Ginkakuji, we took the Philosopher's Path to the end where we could find Nyakuoji Shrine.

Just a beautiful perfect day today.

After the excursion, some went back to the Silver Pavilion area, some headed back to the host families and others were accompanied by Shingo to Kyoto Handicraft Center.

A couple of degree cooler in Bamboo forest walk.

 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.

Amazing moment in the Rock Garden (Ryoanji-temple)

 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!

First Schooling Day went well

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!

STUDY ABROAD SUMMER 2024 Began smoothly

 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. 

Everyone struggled in the long queue getting into USA but finally returned

 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.

The Final Day of the trip in Nara

 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.

 

Finally Nice Sunny day came!

 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.  

Arashiyama Day

 While still having good weather, we went through the Bamboo Trail in front of Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryuji Temple,  to get to the top of the hill from which we could see Oi/Hozu River down and beautiful mountain. 

After walking down to Oi River continued to walk along the river and got across the Togetsu Bridge to reach Mt. Iwata where the Monkey Park is located.

After having fun with the monkeys and going down from Monkey Mountain, we walked through Arashiyama Park to the Arashiyama Station.

Since the rain was predicted, everyone had free time in the afternoon.

Finally the Sunny Day to go to the Osaka Castle and the Phoenix Pavilion

 Today is the only sunny day during this trip, which is rather pitiful but we could visit Osaka Castle where we had a good view of Osaka from the top of its main tower.  Though the Cherry Blossom did not really bloom, we could sense the full bloom was coming soon!

In Osaka Business Park we had lunch before heading back to Kyoto.  From Kyobashi station, the Keihan train took us to Uji where the Phoenix Pavilion awaited us.  

On this rare sunny day, we could visit two significant historical locations luckily and our Trip is now getting into the last half.

Rain changed the daily plan a little bit

It was raining a bit harder this morning, so today's plan was a bit modified but we went to Sanjusangendo to see the remarkable 1001 statues of Buddha for Mercy.  This place is famous for Kyudo (Japanese archery).  We walked around the Hall and some bloomed sakura.

The harder rain diverted our direction to Heian Jingu Shrine and its garden before heading to the Kyoto Handicraft Center where we enjoyed some shopping.

The afternoon is free until early evening to visit Gion Corner.

From The Golden Pavilion to Ryoanji Temple and the Flea Market

 Though it was raining slightly, we could first go to the Golden Pavilion by the city bus and enjoy how shiny it was. We walked to Ryoanji Temple from the Golden Pavilion to enjoy its famous rock garden. 

After visiting Ryoanji Temple, we had a lunch break at one of the cafeterias of Rotsumeikan University where Shingo was graduated from.

After lunch, we chose to walk to Hirano Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine where its monthly flea market.

Nijo Castle and Daigoji Temple

 We could manage the whole day without an umbrella unexpectedly.  We walked through alleys behind the hotel to get to Nijo Castle vis Shinsen'en. 

After walking through the squeaking floor in the Ninomaru Goten and around the surrounding garden, the Kyoto city subway took us to the Daigo-ji temple complex to enjoy two gardens and a museum.  

After eating lunch in the Daigo station area shopping mall, we headed back to the center of the city.

Starting from the front of Kyoto City Hall, we had an introductory walk on Teramachi and Shinkyotogoku Shopping Street to get to the Kawaramachi station where we dismissed.

We walked about 23000 steps today.  

SPRING TRIP GROUP 2024 arrived in Kyoto Safely

 We left Chicago on time in the snow and arrived in Tokyo, then Osaka in slight rain.  Everyone is excited and ready for the whole week Kyoto trip.

From Osaka Airport we took Osaka Monorail and Hankyu Railway to get to the hotel, where everyone got a membership of it hotel chain.

Tomorrow will begin with Nijo Castle though not blooming yet.

2024 Spring Semester is underway and Spring Trip to Kyoto, Japan is ready

 In this Spring semester, there have been following classes:

Japanese 1101 (In-Person & Virtual), Japanese 1102 and Japanese 2252.

Spring Trip to Kyoto is ready with 16 students leaving on Friday 3/22/24 and returning to Chicago on Sunday 3/31/24. According to the weather/Sakura blooming forecast, 3/24 will be the full blooming day in Kyoto/Osaka area so we will be there right on time.

Summer Study Abroad is also ready with over a dozen students.  Summer trip will leave on Monday 6/10/24 and return to the U.S. on Friday 7/12/24.

We will be joined by 10 East Los Angeles College students there in Kyoto and spend the program together.

For those who want to accelerate learning, Japanese 1102 will be offered virtually and be ready for the second year program in Fall.