On Tuesday, July 4th we boarded Japan’s high-tech bullet train to go from Hiroshima to Kyoto. After a swift trip, we arrived at our third MyStays hotel (each one better than the last) and headed to Rengeoin Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon. Here we got our first lessons on Japanese history from expert Hugh Shapiro. He has been indulging our curiosities and laughing alongside us ever since. Afterward, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha and climbed beneath the red torii gates going up the sacred Mt. Inari. It was no easy stroll, but extremely rewarding. We ended the day with a group game of Mafia in the park where only about half the kids made it out alive. Successful day!

Wednesday, July 5th began with a visit to Nijō castle, the residence of one of the first Shoguns of Japan. We appreciated the serene space and “art-deco preceding art-deco” murals on the wall. Then, the group split in half to attend a lesson in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and to explore the golden pavilion temple, Kinkaku-ji. At the tea ceremony we learned how to properly address those we drink with and to give thanks. We each drank two cups of the highest-grade matcha. Around midday, the group reconvened and headed to TOEI Kyoto Studio Park, where we watched a Ninja show, ate lunch, explored film sets, went through a haunted house, and played laser tag (still having fun even while in the rain). Afterward, we walked through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and appreciated nature. We ended the day at a live show of traditional Japanese performances, ate dinner at a cool restaurant with only one delicious dish on the menu, and a game of red light green light on the riverside. Until next time…

– Julia & Dax