On Saturday morning we elected a new group of people to plan the 60th JASC, which will take place in the US next summer. That afternoon we headed to Shuchiin University to meet with students there. We enjoyed a musical presentation by Buddhist monks, and were able to practice calligraphy and the copying of Buddhist sutras.
We also participated in a sake taste testing!
The walk back to the train was through rice fields, and we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
After some shopping, we had a dinner of Korean food in downtown Kyoto, including kimchi, mmmm....
and a Korean-style omlet.
That night we walked to Ninnaji Temple for an overnight stay. We took the opportunity to finish the leftover sake from our earlier tasting.
The funny exit sign.
Leaving the temple in the morning.
A group of us started our last day in Japan at Kenninji Temple, the first Japanese Zen Temple, dating from 1202, where we participated in morning meditation.
The famous Wind and Thunder God painting by Sotatsu from the 17th c. housed at the temple.
In the afternoon I was able to meet up with my friend Hillary from back home, and tour the temple where her boyfriend lives. They have a bell that was from the time of Portugese contact, which she rang for me.
The garden at the temple.
Hillary and Taka.
They took me to lunch at a local restaurant that was filled with kitch and memorabilia, even the bathroom!
Saying goodbye outside the temple gate. I did some final souvenir shopping in the late afternoon, and spent the evening at the JASC farewell party and packing up my things for the trip home. It was an amazing month, I made many friends that I won't soon forget, saw many amazing things, and enjoyed some wonderful conversations and lectures.
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