I am so glad that I got to meet up with my fellow Tennessee JET and friend Ashley as well as her boyfriend Joseph during Christmas break! She was placed in Nagano (quite a bit a ways from Nara), so this is the first time we have been able to see each since Tokyo Orientation!
We first met up in Kyoto around lunch time, saw a few shrines and temples, and then headed to Atarashiyama to see the Bamboo Forest (I was really hoping to feed a few baby monkeys at the Monkey Park nearby, but it was better suited for another day)! I haven’t seen much of the Kyoto area, but so far I think this place is the most beautiful! The station nearby was breathtaking- it contained a lit up ”kimono forest” for guests to walk through. There was also a freezing cold dragon fountain that stated if you put your hands inside and made a wish, it would be granted. Hopefully I didn’t freeze my fingers for nothing haha. On the way back, we met a few Santa-sans who gave us Hi-Chew candy and wished us a Merry Christmas. It was a magical day. Next time I want to see the Fushimi Inari Shrine (the place with ”infinite” red gates)!
sooo many beautiful sites but none of them compare with your smile!