A sore start for some Brentwood students after having to do sport at school on Monday! It was something new for some!! After walking to Ono station, we hopped on a coach for the drive to Kyoto. It was lively on board with singing practice for the farewell party and everyone sharing stories about what they had been doing with their host families.
Our first destination was Kiyomizudera. We headed up the store-lined street to the top of the hill, which brought us to the main entrance. The Main Hall has a huge veranda that is supported by pillars and juts out over the hillside. Just below this hall is the waterfall Otowa-no-taki, where visitors drink sacred waters believed to bestow health and longevity. Dotted around the precincts are other halls and shrines.
Our first destination was Kiyomizudera. We headed up the store-lined street to the top of the hill, which brought us to the main entrance. The Main Hall has a huge veranda that is supported by pillars and juts out over the hillside. Just below this hall is the waterfall Otowa-no-taki, where visitors drink sacred waters believed to bestow health and longevity. Dotted around the precincts are other halls and shrines.
After visiting the temple, we headed down the shopping street - doing some shopping of course - and headed into a famous tofu restaurant for lunch. A beautiful, traditional Japanese lunch was served with tempura, sashimi and many other delicacies. Finished off with a sweet treat!
After lunch is was back on the bus - heading across town to Kinkakuji - the Golden Pavilion. The main hall, covered in brilliant gold leaf, shining above its reflecting pond is truly spectacular. It is a very famous tourist spot and of course a great place for a selfie! After an ice-cream in the rain, it was back on the bus again, heading home to another wonderful night with host families.