2nd Day was welcomed by the shiny Golden Pavilion

 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.

1st day of the trip has already been filled with SAKURA

 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.

2025 Spring Sakura VIewing Trip has begun

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. 

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.