From Tokyo to Kyoto

Get ready for a storm of pictures - pictures that will make you never want to see another cherry blossom or temple ever again.

Just kidding. But seriously, if you want to see your share of sakura, temples/shrines, and geisha - you must make your way to Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, and the heart of its ancient culture.

First up, we all met at Shinagawa station in Tokyo. Everyone had to wake up super early to meet up, so half of them were half-asleep while the other half was buzzing with excitement. Luckily everyone showed up on time, so we all hopped on the Nozomi Shinkansen (新幹線), otherwise known as the famous bullet train. And yes, it travels very, very fast.

Here I was, all comfortable and reclined, ready for a nice long nap... only to be woken up about three hours or so later, to discover we were already in Kyoto. Talk about fast.

After switching to a local train, we took it to the... middle of nowhere. It was a huge change of scenery for most of us, as many of us hadn't seen such open land in a long time. Tokyo isn't exactly the most river, forest, and mountain friendly city here in Japan. So we took our time, taking everything in, and simply absorbed our surroundings. It started to get drizzly, so Haru had to put me back in her bag. It was a good thing too, since our next event was the Hozugawa (保津川) boat ride.

Here it is: our vessel. Haru and a few of her friends got front row seats, which meant some serious splashing from the rapids. Therefore, before we went anywhere, the lot of them were bundled up in plastic sheets.

It was a good thing too, because the weather was ridiculously unpredictable. One minute it was sunny, the next it was raining, and after that it was HAILING. Yes, hailing. Here's a photo of Brittani and Yuan huddled under the plastic sheet wrap.

Next up was the Rurouni Kenshin bridge, for those of you who know what I'm talking about. That's not its real name, but we couldn't remember the real name of the bridge - just that it was the inspiration for the scene where Kenshin and Misao defeated a gang of thugs by destroying said bridge. At least that's what Tonghwi said. And I'll take our awesome student guide's words at face value. After all, he's lived in Kyoto for a while, and goes to Kyoto University too.

Anyway, you can also see a maiko, a geisha in training, walking with her entourage. There were plenty of them walking about Kyoto. It's just not something you see here in Tokyo.

After eating lunch nearby, we went off to see Tenryuu-ji (天龍寺), a super famous Buddhist temple with its famed gardens.

Although it was still rather cold and not all the flowers were blooming, it was still a sight to behold.

Soon after, we went to visit the Nonomiya Jinja (野宮神社), a Shinto shrine situated almost right next door. The shrine is especially famous for its amazing bamboo path. When the wind breathes through its sheltering foliage, the entire area is filled with music so sweet and a feeling so enchanting, that its as if the path belonged to another world altogether.

It was so beautiful, so otherworldly, that I believe I have turned into a poet during my short stay there.

Of course, for those who wanted to see sakura, or cherry blossoms in bloom, Kyoto had them by the road-full.

Here we are, walking into the Gion district. And if you are familiar with the name, you'll know its home to the geisha. While we did pas a few geisha in training, Haru was more interested in capturing scenic photos.

With our three Kyoto University student guides leading us, we walked through the area visiting several stores.

For instance, here's the Studio Ghibli store that Haru and her friends just HAD to visit. Being fans of Ghibli films and all, it was something none of them could pass up.

Of course, visiting this area also meant having to see the Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), an Eastern Kyoto temple that has achieved super-star fame as far as Japanese temples go. It's associated to making wishes come true, such as finding true love.

In the Edo period, people actually believed that jumping from the Kiyomizu-dera's stage and surviving the 13 meter drop would grant their wishes. Don't try it though, since it's more suicidal than anything. Not only is it prohibited these days, but let's say you wish to become the world's best-looking athlete. Even if you survive the fall, surely you'd have a few permanent injuries to the face and limbs. How would that wish come true then?

Anyway, the walk through the temple at night makes for a fantastic spot for a night time photo shoot. But even photos cannot capture what it actually felt like being there, watching the temple grounds light up at night.

After the walkthrough though, this is what people looked like.

As night fell, it was time to head to the hotel for some good food and a good rest. And it wasn't just any hotel we went to - we actually lodged at a temple, the Hongan-ji Monpo-Kaikan to be exact.

The food was delicious, and the rooms were super comfortable. And for my public-bath-loving friend, it had a great hot tub.

Our adventures in the Kansai area are not over yet! Next up, I'll tell you about the deer we met and fed in Nara.

Until then,

Rowan

Bueno Ueno Zoo

A good day at Ueno Zoo for penniless college students is one that includes no entrance fee.

Which is a great thing for Haru and her friends, Kristina and Emmy that the zoo was allowing free entrance onto their grounds. Of course, that meant braving the huge crowds. But honestly speaking, when IS Ueno Zoo ever NOT crowded? Besides, it was still Spring Break for the students here in Japan, so that meant a surplus of little kids going to see the zoo. Including me, of course! I've been on a permanent break of sorts, so it was awesome when Haru told me she was taking me to the zoo with her.

I got to see a lot of cool animals that I've only ever heard about. Unfortunately, they were all locked away behind fences and cages so I couldn't see them up close and personal. Like this elephant. Talk about huge!

Of course, after seeing a real elephant, I wanted to ride one. That was impossible, but I COULD have rode on the fake one, but Haru said no. As usual…

We also got to see Monkey Mountain, which wasn't as much of a mountain as it was a small rocky hill with monkeys on it. Having all those people gawking at them the whole time, I'm not surprised that they turned their backs to all the visitors... It made me want to go Tarzan on the spot and set them all free. Haru would kill me, but I know she felt the same.

After seeing the monkeys, we went off to ride the monorail! I was really excited, and people who saw me kept staring like they've never seen a pint-sized kid before. It made me feel rather awkward.

We said hello to the conductor and found a seat right behind him.

It wasn't much of a ride since it was so short, but it was still cool seeing the zoo from high above everyone else. Take a look!

Before we knew it, it was time to get off. Haru and the others couldn't believe that we waited in line for over half an hour for that, but I thought it was well worth our time!

We then proceeded to come across birds. Lots and lots of birds, including crows, which are not part of the zoo at all, but are Haru's favorite animals. She took way too many pictures of them when she should have been looking at penguins.

Among other birds we saw were flamingoes. There were those of the pink variety, and then those that were not. These blue ones were HUGE.

Haru was able to find her way closer to the blue flamingo (that’s what the sign said, anyway), and she almost dropped her camera when it turned to look her dead in the eye. After that, she told us that she would never call Big Bird ugly ever again.

The birds were fun, but the girls wanted to go look at some furry creatures in the small mammal exhibit. Unfortunately, the day was growing late so they ended up leaving without seeing much. Besides, the exhibit was cramped and dark - not a great place to take photos of the cute and furry things inside.

On the way out of the zoo, we passed under the monorail. It was cool being in it, but there was something really cool about being under it!

Everyone wanted to take last minute photos, so we hurried up the ramp to the outdoor balcony. Here's a photo of Emmy taking pictures. Seriously, Haru should just quit school and join the paparazzi. She takes too many candid shots.

We didn't stay up there long, because Emmy said she felt the ground tremble. Immediately, everyone thought of earthquakes and collapsing balconies, so the three of them ditched the scenery and headed straight for the exit.

It was a great day out - nice weather, cool things to see, etc. But a part of me couldn't help but feel badly about how weary-looking all the animals were. Also, I couldn't help but feel badly for the parents who took their kids to the zoo - they also looked really exhausted.

Before we left the premises though, I saw the children's zoo, which I assumed was a petting zoo. I begged Haru to take me there, but she really wanted to go home and sleep, so I didn't push it...

Even though Haru's anything but a parent to me, I wondered if she was tired too, like the other sleep-deprived parents milling dazedly around with their kids. Finals have really wreaked havoc on her and her friends as of late, and I worry about her sometimes. But looking at her tired, but happy face that day, I was glad I got to come along and enjoy the zoo with her.

We apologize for the late entry, but stay posted for more adventures! Coming up, I'll cover our trip to the Kansai area of Japan: Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I promise you that that's a story you won't want to miss.

Au revoir!

Rowan