Journal 2
Kyoto : wonderful cultural experience in my plain life
Sometimes, traveling is a distinctive way for me to explore unfamiliar things around the world and fully comprehend the relationship between people and people in exotic space.
Since I watched some program to introduce distinctive foods,customs and historical relics of the land of Japan, I have aroused my curiosity and showed my strong desire to travel to Japan. Therefore, my parents and I seize the opportunitiy during this summer vacation, taking a five-day trip to Osaka and Kyoto. Especially, we spend three days in the area of Kyoto to enjoy the cultural atmosphere of the thousand-year-old ancient capital.
When we arrived at the hotel we stayed in, it was evening that day. Strolling on the avenues of Gion in Kyoto, there are groups of foreigners traveling through it with smiles on their faces. They share with the pleasure time with us in this unfamiliar city, exploring the new things. Walking in the streets of Gion, another scene is presented before our eyes. There are only few of Ryoutei and high level restaurants treating the guest with silent atmosphere. Without bothering them, we just saw some old buildings aside and passed through quickly. Even though my parents and I just visited the city of Kyoto, it seems that it has exuded how charming it is, making people admire greatly.
Next day, we visited some world-renowned tourist attractions - Kiyomizu temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine by train. While we entered in the main hall of the temple, we showed our worship to the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Buddha Statue who become the belief of local residents. After the worship in Kiyomizu temple, we took some photos at the stage outside of the temple. Though it was drizzling then, we still felt amazed about the spectacular views with hazy beauty. At that time, I put down my camera, appreciating it silently.
Finishing the visit to Kiyomizu Temple, my parents and I followed the flagstones we came from and entered in the traditional souvenir shop along the street. As soon as we entered, the shop owner, who was aged but energetic, showed his hospitality to us. He generously introduced their product with some simple gesture and then treated us to some traditional pastry. Despite the fact that we had the language barrier with each other, I still could feel his passionate attitude and his heart to give a wonderful experience for us.
In the afternoon, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. We followed the instruction to pay homage to the gods and asked for the signs. Even though I got the bad message from omikuji, I still appreciated the gods and prayed for safety. After that, we walked into the Senbon Torii, stand and admire a few moment. Withour a doubt, my parents and I witnessed mysterious and solemn from these buildings.At that moment, we had realized the respect of the culture, religion and traditional customs and historical relics from the citizens of Kyoto. It is their emphasis on cultural heritage that we can enjoy a wonderful cultural experience in our journey.
Sometimes, we just eat some foods, take some photos during the journey. To some extent, we just be a consumer in the exotic space. If we try to spend some moments taking the scenes carefully, experiencing new things passionately, maybe we will find surprise in our life.