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This morning I met up with Ms. Nakamura and the Yoda Family. Both families used to live in Brookline and their sons went to Lawrence School. Each family moved back to Japan around the same time and their sons are now all grown up and attending medical school and engineering school.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
We went to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest which was a short train ride away from Kyoto.
I have never seen so much bamboo! It was breathtaking!
Within the forest, we also visited the Nonomiya Shrine.
A torii gate is a traditional Japanese gateway, most commonly found at the entrance of or within Shinto shrines. They symbolize the transition from the human world to the sacred realm.
Torii gates are a distinctive feature of Shinto architecture and are recognized as a symbol of Japan.
Most torii gates in Japan are red to ward off evil spirits. However, the torii gate at Nonomiya Shrine is black resembling unmarked timber which is one of the oldest styles of Shinto torii gates.
There was a beautiful garden within this shrine that was covered in moss.
From the bamboo forest, we then walked to Tenryuji Temple. We walked by the beautiful Katsura River.
We also passed by this building whose roof was made entirely of straw.
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Zen Temple
Tenryu-ji means "Temple of the Heavenly Dragon". It is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
I learned that the temple's floorboards were made to squeak on purpose. This was a security measure so that any resident could hear if someone was trying to sneak up on them.
Daruma is a lucky charm that watches over you to make sure that the wishes you ask for come true. The eyes of a daruma are interesting because most daruma come with blank/ white eyes. So first, you fill in the daruma's left eye while making a wish. Anytime you look at the daruma with an unopened eye, it is a reminder of your wishes and aspirations. When your wish comes true, you then fill in the daruma's right eye.
I really enjoyed sitting in the temple taking in the beautiful view.
It was very peaceful.
We also walked through the gardens.
Lotus Flowers
More views of the Katsuma River!
Lunch
Lunch
For lunch we had Kyoto- style Okonomiyaki
This is like a savory pancake. They are made by mixing the ingredients with a batter of flour and broth before cooking. This mixture is poured over a circular mold on a griddle to cook. They are then topped with more toppings, sauces, or mayo.
Oishii! (Very tasty!)
Nishiki Street Market
Nishiki Street Market
After lunch, we walked through Nishiki Street Market.
There were many food vendors and shops and a lot of free tastings!
We also visited the Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Tenjin, the kami famous as the god of scholarship. If you pet the bull, it will bring you good luck, specifically to the place you pet it.
We purified our hands in the temizuya
To worship, I learned to offer money, ring the bell to alert the dieties, bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, and then bow again.
Matcha Shaved Ice
Matcha Shaved Ice
We did a little bit more shopping and then cooled off with some matcha shaved ice. This was made with sweetened condensed milk. It was so creamy and delicious!
This Nintendo mural was in the train station
Thank you so much Ms. Nakamura and the Yoda family for taking me around Kyoto today!
Thank you so much Ms. Nakamura and the Yoda family for taking me around Kyoto today!
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