Kyoto's Enchanting Beauty
Ava Rossi | Anthropology major - Kyoto Sangyo University, Japan
Cover image: Kiyomizudera
I decided to study Kyoto Studies at Kyoto Sangyo University. It was the end of the first month of school in Japan. I have had very nice experiences in my Study abroad journey so far but there is one that sticks out to me. It was the end of the first month of being in Japan. I had become friends with two other exchange students from the Czech Republic and Germany. We decided to do a day trip to visit the Gion district and Kiyomizudera Temple. We decided to leave at 7:00 in the morning to avoid big crowds in the district. Even though I was tired waking up, when we arrived the atmosphere was very peaceful and quiet. Me and my friends were walking through a gate and first saw a traditional garden near a smaller temple. The sound of the Suikinkutsu(water harp) dripping was calming to the ears. A little further along the path, we started to walk through the Gion district. There were cobblestone streets that led through the area. Traditional Japanese style buildings surrounded those paths. I remember looking at those buildings on Instagram reels and was in awe that I was physically here. We then took a short walk up to Yasaka Shrine. It was the first time I saw a Japanese shrine. The architecture was so beautiful, and I wondered how people many years ago had the strength build these amazing structures.
We then went to Kiyomizuduera temple, and it had stunning architecture as well. There was an amazing view of the natural landscape and the city of Kyoto as well. It was one of the prettiest views I’ve seen. It also made me proud to study abroad in Japan. We then went on this path near the temple to explore more of the area. There was an eating area surrounded by the green lush forest. My friends and I decided to eat shaved ice there. It was my first time sitting on a Tatami mat and I ate strawberry milk flavored ice in an elegant saucer. Surrounding me was the stunning forest with curved branches and it felt that I was in a dream. I then got emotional and was thankful to be in Japan hanging out with very nice people.