Kimono Beauty welcomed us before getting to the castle!

Heat and sweat stalked us today! After lunch break we headed to Nishijin Textile Center where the history of special Nishijin textile history was exhibited. There was a Kimono show in which Kimono Fashion show attracted everyone! After the show we walk to Seimei Shrine which enshrines "Abe no Seimei," the most famous official exorcist some 1000 years ago! Then the group was led to Nijo Castle where everyone could enjoy(?) its famous Nightingale squeaking floor and the garden.

Oooops! Rain caught us to alter the plan!

Though we changed the plan yesterday, we had to alter the plan again today due to the weather! We visited Tofuku-ji temple which is scheduled to be visited this Friday! Climbing up the mountain behind the Fushimi Grand Shrine seemed to be a little too dangerous with pouring rain though by the time we left Tofuku-ji temple, it cleared up! Tomorrow's plan stay as scheduled and we will enjoy Kimono-show and Nijo Castle!

1001 Buddha for Mercy (Kannon) welcomed us!

The weather report told us in the morning that we might have rain in the afternoon. So I have changed the plan a bit, switching the daily plan with tomorrow. Instead of visiting the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine and climbing up the Higashiyama mountain, we visited the famous "Sanjusan gendo-temple (Rengeo-in)" to meet 1001 statues of Mercy Buddha which some students do need to meet! Though not raining there, it could have rained on the mountain! We will certainly visit the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine tomorrow! GTS high school friend is running for the senetor now and hopefully re-elected this weekend and resume his duty as "Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (官房副長官)! Well, GTS visited his election office today to say hello!

Visiting Tenryu-ji temple and went through the bamboo path quickly!

After having lunch before getting on Randen Train at the Kitano Hakubaicho, we got to TENRYU-ji temple where we could get into the main hall as well as its magnificent garden. We entered the main gate from the temple and left from North gate which directly led us to the bamboo trail climbing up the small hilltop from which we could see beautiful scene of mountains and rivers! The hHankyu train took us back to the city! It was one of the most hot and humid day today! Well, no rain is good at least! Cannot complain!

GTS with Ema bumped into students!

After heavy rainy day on Saturday, the weather improved a bit on Sunday when GTS went to Aeon Mall Hana in Nishioji-Gojo to get some clothing for Ema. After shopping Ema wanted to try again in "Kappa Sushi" (Revolving Sushi Restaurant) because she has been just tuned into Tekka-maki (Tuna roll)! While waiting for the table, 6 students came in!! "Oh, Shingo is here!" Well, they seemed to enjoy the mechanism of really inexpensive sushi restaurant. Hope to have a nice day on Monday!

The Giant Buddha stared at us!

Though unstable weather made us worry a bit, the group managed to get to Nara a little late due to the previous train accident messing up our train schedule! As usual GTS walked to the Giant Buddha Hall fast and everyone could successfully meet with Him. Some students beautifully went through the Buddha's Nose Hall created in one of the huge columns to be blessed! After saying good-by to Buddha, the group lost a few members though getting re-united at the Kintetsu Nara Train Station! Students made some plans getting together for the first weekend in Kyoto!

Walking with sweat from Kiyomizu to Yasaka!

After having lunch in Hyakumanben area where Kyoto University is located, we all went down to Gojo-zaka to walk up to Kiyomizu Temple with much sweat! Usually we lose several students during this excursion, but none this time! Amazing or everyone was a bit more conscious about how "Evil" Shingo would disappear! Hot and Humid and Hot and Humid and Sweat and Hot!!