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,
