Tenryuji Temple to the Mt. top of ARASHIYAMA

Finally the real hot and humid Kyoto arrived!  (Still not too bad) Having a lunch around Kitano Hakubaicho Randen train station, we left for Arashiyama where we could see the whole Kyoto city from the western mountain area.

Walking through a part of bamboo forest and we got to the top of Arashiyama park from which monkey mountain and river could be viewed.

Some are going to Tokyo this weekend and others may be wondering around Kyoto city this first weekend!

The Golden Pavilion Welcomed us!

Unlike the heavy rain yesterday, it was a beautifully clouded day today so that we did not have to worry about sunburn and too much heat!

After having lunch at Zonshinkan Cafeteria at Ritsumeikan University we walked up to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji-Temple). 

Though there were very many tourists, we have managed to go through the garden.

A few students in the morning still got a bit lost on their way to school but everyone seems to be getting better now!

Rock Garden under the rain welcomed us!

First full day of the study abroad program has begun with heavy rain.  After having a lunch at Ritsumeikan University Ryoyukan Cafeteria, we went to Ryoanji temple and the Rock Garden in the rain was also mysteriously beautiful!

For most students today was a commuting challenge but everyone made it and will have no problem about it!

Many including GTS are suffering a bit from the Jet lag but will be alright soon!

Study Abroad Japan 2017 has begun!

On Tuesday 6/20/17, College of DuPage Group safely arrived at Narita, then Osaka, then Kyoto!  Everyone is fine though exhausted.  Our first morning in Kyoto is greeting rain in the rainy season but we will enjoy every moment in Kyoto!

First day will have the placement exam as well as first field trip to Ryoanji Rock Garden after lunch at Ritsumeikan University where GTS was graduated from years ago!

Back to the "normal" life!

As soon as coming back to Chicago, the regular life re-began.  Some didn't come back to class and there will be fewer students to complete every class!

Summer Study Abroad 2017 is now ready to leave for Japan on Monday 6/19/2017 with over 15 students like last year!

We will be joined by 10 students from Gerogia Southern University in Kyoto, which is very exciting!
Regular summer course at COD will offer Japanese 1101 and its students can continue to study Japanese 1102 in Fall.

The Fall semester classes are now announced.

Japanese 1101  (M/W 10-12, T/Th 10-12, 12-2, and 7-9pm)
Japanese 1102  (M/W 5-7pm)
Japanese 2201  (M/W 1-3pm)
Besides these classes, Japanese 2251 is under planning for those who completed Japanese 2202.

Spring Japan Trip 2018 has been proposed and soon to be announced!

Heading back home!

We will get back to Chicago soon!  We will leave Osaka for Haneda, Tokyo then switch to the international flight to Chicago.

It was a bit sad trip as the cherry blossoms did not bloom but at least everyone including GTS got energized to refresh ourselves to move forward!

GTS will come back to Kyoto in June with over 15 students for COD Study Abroad!

The Final Destination ---Osaka Castle!

Today was the final whole day and the weather did recover but not enough for cherry blossoms to bloom!

There are so many cherry trees in Osaka Castle area but a little sad scenery without cherry blossoms blooming though everyone enjoyed climbing up in the Castle main tower to see the whole Osaka.

Hokoku Shrine's cherry was blooming behind the statue of Hideyoshi Toyotomi!!

It was still a nice day but we are still missing flower!