Festivities

Konichiwa from Kyoto! I haven't had a chance to write within the last couple days, so there is much to tell! I arrived in Kyoto on August 10th, and my timing could not have been more impeccable. Joel and I were blessed with a great opportunity for quality time because he had the whole week off. We were able to explore and make up for time lost during the move and the separation for two weeks. Not only did Joel have the week off, but there were many cultural festivities happening during this past week! We were not only able to explore and see many things for the first time together, but also able to gain insight into the festival culture of Japan and also the spiritual side.

The first festival that we attended was a light festival that had displays around the city. Joel and I decided to stay closer to home and walked along the river that isn't to far from our apartment. And we were very glad we did! The displays were phenomenal and the lights glimmered so beautifully on the river and against the night sky. It was wonderful seeing the festival tied in so charmingly with nature. They had lights floating down the river and bamboo trees decorated with trinkets, lights, and prayer ornaments. The river walk was transformed into a whimsical stroll.

Floating river lights and art displays

Floating glass orbs placed under the bridge for illumination

A light canopy entitled "Milky Way" (this changed and evolved colors and shapes)

A few days ago Joel and I, along with our new found friend Matt, made the journey to the old traditional district of Gion. We headed to a festival of sorts that only happens a couple times a year. They light up all of the Kiyomizu-dera temple at night. The temple is immense and such a beautiful vision against the forest that lies next to the temple. It's situated against the vast hillside and offers fantastic views of Kyoto city. A few facts about the temple are that there are no nails supporting the structure and the present buildings were constructed in 1633. Walking through Gion at dusk was like walking through history. You were transported back to a different time in Japan where silk kimonos filled the streets and stores were filled with beautifully crafted fans, silks, and tea sets. You might even see a geisha or maiko slipping into a restaurant or bar if you watch close enough! Gion preserves that traditional feel, making it very magical!

Me in Gion

After a long hike up and down stairs and through the old stone streets of Gion, we caught the first amazing glimpse of Kiyomizu-dera. The temples brilliant colors of red and orange were illuminated perfectly against the night sky and looked absolutely majestic. As we entered the temple there were many people praying, and many with the same expression that we bared, we were in awe of what we saw. The awesomeness overwhelmed you, and it was almost emotional. Joel and I felt very sentimental and reflective because being able to experience this together made us realize how far we've come since we decided to apply for JET. Walking through the temple and seeing the nearby forest lite up was very enchanting and whimsical.

Temple with the moon on the background

The forest lite up making the trees look white. Very beautiful

When I travel to historic places, one of the things that I love to think about is standing where people from history once stood. When we were in Italy, standing where Julius Caesar stood or standing in the holding area of the Colosseum knowing that you are standing where many men took their last few breaths gave me chills! I love how the historical significance of things fills me with excitement, however I took on a different approach to seeing the Kiyomizu-Dera temple. Instead of thinking about people who made history, I thought about common people like myself who made the same journey I did to see the temple. I thought about people who sat at the temple and prayed. Maybe they prayed for wisdom or courage, maybe fertility and health, or maybe even for peace and guidance. There were many prayers running through the walls of the temple, and you could feel the spirituality. That's something I've never felt before. It was wonderful!

More adventures, reflections, and stories to come! So stay tuned!