The final full day was dedicated to visiting Nara where the Giant Buddha image is situated in the world's oldest wooden structure.
Sakura in the surrounding area is all in full bloom, and deer native to Nara are enjoying strolling and begging tourists for food.
After a lunch break at Higashimuki Shopping Street, we headed back to Kyoto.
Great weather helped us.
We began walking along the Philosopher's Path from the Silver Pavilion to Nyakuoji Shrine for a little over a mile through a tunnel of the cherry blossoms.
At the Naykuoji Shrine we had a little break before heading to the Phoenix Pavilion.
After the lunch break in Gion, the train took us to Uji city where the Phoenix Paviion stands.
It was rather a quick moving tour day but very cozy weather helped us to move smoothly.
Finally we reached out to the westend of this trip, Daikakuji. There was no blooming last year but we could enjoy blooming Sakura in Daikakuji and had an experience of SHAKYO, Buddhist Scripture writing/tracing for the individual wish.
We walked through bamboo forest and visited Nonomiya Shrine which is famous for match-making and academic/aritistic success.
Along with Oi river, we strolled in Arashiyama Park where the Cherry Blossoms were in their full bloom.
Very cozy weather and the end of the trip is now approaching.
This trip is now getting into the last half and we began visiting Sanjusangendo where 1001 statues of the Buddha of Mercy greeted us. Sakura around the temple hall were blooming and blessing us.
After leaving Sanjusangendo, we went to Kyobashi in Osaka by Keihan train and had some lunch in Osaka Business Park (Twin 21).
Osaka Castle was just a few minutes away from OBP but it took a while to get to the Castle because of the moat and long steep slope.
We had a slight rain at the castle area but it was very comfortable weather for walking.
It was the cloudy day but very comfortable for walking. Hankyu and Keihan trains took us to Fushimi Grand Shrine where some experienced walking through many Torii gates.
A few students enjoy various vendors while other visiting several small shrine.
We left for Heian Jingu Shrine via Higashiyama Sanjo where we had one hour lunch break.
Our final stop today was the Kyoto Handicraft Center where you can get quality souvenir.
It was a bit chilly but no rain so far,
The city bus took us to the Golden Pavilion where we began today's schedule. Like last year's trip, after the Golden Pavilion, we walked to the Ryoanji Temple to enjoy its Rock Garden. This year we could enjoy half-bloomed Cherry Blossoms.
We all ate at the Ryoyukan Cafeteria of Ritsumeikan University where Shingo was graduated from some 40 years ago.
After lunch, we walked to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine via Hirano Shrine where Sakura was beautifully blossomed.
Randen train took us back to the hotel and our day was wonderfully fulfilled.
We left the hotel for Nijo Castle, and on the way, we went through the Sanjo shopping street to reach SHINSEN'EN and take a little photo break. Then we proceeded to Nijo Castle where we had a chance to enjoy full-bloomed Sakura in its garden.
After that Kyoto City Subway took us to KEAGE where we walked up along INCLINE to reach the back door of Nanzenji Temple where some Sakura and incense of the temple relaxed us before lunch.
After lunch, we walk to Maruyama Park via Chion'in Temple. Kyoto city's one of the main Sakura (Shidare Zakura, or willow cherry) in Maruyama Park where people enjoy many food vendors.
Maruyama Park is connected to Yasaka Shrine from which we walked to the central area of Kyoto on foot.
It was a bit chilly and windy but the perfect day for walking.
We missed the full bloom of Sakura last year by just a week.
This year, we should be just right on time.
We arrived in Kyoto as scheduled though there were some hassle-bustle experiences in Haneda, Tokyo.
Everyone seems to be exhausted but hopefully get some rest against their jet lag and be ready for long walk tomorrow.
At least all 15 people are safe here in Kyoto, Japan.
