Day 215 - 2nd of April

5:32pm　特急

天気：晴れ

Hugo and I didn’t end up going to sentou last night since Yuji had to talk with Otousan. By the time they had finished it was almost 11 o’clock, so we decided it would be best if we didn’t go; we’re going to go on Monday instead. Oh well, it just meant that I had some more time to study, and read Reborn; I’m getting close to finishing. Katie, Sarah and I are on our way to see the light up at Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Although it was raining this morning, the weather has cleared up now, so it’s going to be great. Today was the orientation day for the incoming Japanese students to Kansai Gaidai, so there were masses of people in black business suits; men and women alike. At Tambabashi now…

6:11pm　地下鉄

On the subway to Karasuma-oike, to change over for Nijo; it’s almost dark now, and it’s not overly cold. Anyway, today… I woke up just before 8, and got to uni a little early. In Reading and Writing, we spent most of the lesson covering the grammar points in the textbook, most of which we’ve come across before; always a good thing. Then it was on to Speaking, and Saigo sensei played us another song by Moriyama Naotorou called 涙 (Namida- tears). We watched the music video, and again it was very simple; he sat there naked for most of it! Well, he certainly knows how to make low-budget videos; I was quite effective actually. After that, Saigo sensei showed us a really cool onomatopoeia animation; very cute. Then we got into the grammar; we’re revising passive, causative, and causative-passive. After class, I got a snack from the convenience store, and then made my way over to the club building. Within, I found Maarika and Kirianna waiting for Mori Sempai. Kirianna is in my Religion class, and I had not realised she had joined koto club; I haven’t been to the practices for a while. Maarika received a text from Mori Sempai saying she wouldn’t be coming until 1, so we decided to just go to the club room to practice.

I practiced sandan for a while, and then wanted to practice the new piece, 京人形の夢 (Kyoningyo no yume – Dreams of a Kyoto Doll). So, not having a copy of my own, I took Marrika’s to the convenience store to copy. I got back just before Maarika had to leave for class, so at least I could get her copy back to her. Then it was just Kirianna and me; she was practicing Sakura sakura. Soon after 12, we got interrupted by two Japanese girls; they opened the door, looked in, and then closed it again. I guessed they were looking for Mori Sempai, so I went out and met them in the hall. One of the girls “maybe” wanted to join the club. We talked for a while, and then I let her know that Mori Sempai would be back at 1; they left shortly after. With that, I got back to practice, and gave Kirianna some pointers. When Mori Sempai did arrive, she talked to us about next week’s concert, and then asked if Kirianna had been practicing hanagoromo; she hadn’t even received the music. Upon hearing this, Mori Sempai apologised and immediately provided her with the music; she’s got a week to get it down! I help her with the first page, and then had to leave for class.

As soon as I got there, I noticed a number of my classmates staring down at the grounds; they were “checking out the freshies”. I couldn’t help but to join them, and continued to watch until the professor came in. Today, we talked about Japan’s population crisis, motherhood, and watched an interesting segment for a documentary describing two foreign women’s lives in Japan married to farmers in Hokkaido. After class, I went back to the club building, and got a bit more practice on koto; Maarika and I were able to play Kyoningyo no yume together. At about 4 we packed up, and then I did a quick shop at Fresco, before riding home; it was sunny by this point. As soon as I got back, I went to the kitchen, unpacked my groceries, and then had an early dinner; last night’s pasta bake on toast. Katie soon joined me, confirming that we would be leaving for Nijo castle at 5. So, after eating, I got rugged up, and then met then in the lounge. We took the bus down to Hirakatashi, and caught the train from there. We’ve just arrived at Karasuma-oike now…

8:14pm　二条城

I’m sitting here waiting watching a koto performance in one of the halls in Nijo Castle. They’re playing very un-Japanese sounding pieces, which is actually pretty cool; a nice way to finish off the walk around the grounds. Well, we’re going to go get something to eat now…

9:08pm　スター・バックス

We’re in Starbucks, and I’m about to enjoy a caramel steamer; they aren’t selling the sakura steamer anymore. Oh well, give this a go…

9:41pm　特急

Now we’re on the train back to Hirakatashi. Tonight was really great… after getting to Nijo castle, we made our way around the designated route, laterns lighting our path. We soon come upon a grove of sakura, spotlights illuminating their flowers. A lot of the trees weren’t in full bloom, which was a little disappointing, but this was the best opportunity I had to come, so I took it. Throughout the night, I kept switching between my video camera and photo camera; at one point, I had one in each hand. We continued on from the first grove, past the inner moat, which was lit up creating interesting patterns on the castle walls; the carp were also surfacing in the lit up areas. There were some really cool works of art on display, each one using light as a medium; a tree, lotus, “paper crane”, and some sort of abstract statue. Getting to the eastern side of the grounds, we walked past the tea house, and garden with bamboo all lit up green. Sarah’s batteries had died so, since we have the same camera, I let her borrow mine. Unfortunately, for some reason, they died after 5 minutes; I’m thinking the lower voltage here in Japan isn’t charging the batteries as well. So that was a bit of a shame; luckily my first set lasted. Anyway, we’re almost at the station, so I’ll continue later…

11:06pm

I just got home and had a shower; feels great to lie down!!! Anyway, to wrap up tonight’s adventures… We soon came upon another large grove of sakura, and this one was much more promising than the first. Some of the trees were so big they spanned the pathway, and most were at full bloom, except for the weeping varieties. After marvelling at them for a while, we rounded a corner to find ourselves surrounded by stores selling foodstuffs and traditional craftwork. I wasn’t really interested in any of that, but the sound of music drew me to the hall where the koto performances were taking place; there were three set up in front of a huge ikebana display. We had to wait until 8:20 for the next performance, but it was definitely worth it; I was able to record the entirety of the first piece before the batteries run out. The performers (all female and dressed in kimono), played 3 pieces, and as I said they didn’t sound very traditional; I seriously thought I recognised one of the pieces, but just couldn’t pick it.

After that we made our way over to the souvenir shop, taking a few photos of our shadows on the wall en route. I, of course had to get some more pins for my bag. Katie on the other hand, got a really nice tapestry depicting a scene in Kyoto. Satisfied, we made our way back to the subway, and took it to Sanjo. Once there, we walked over to the Starbucks on the other side of the river, and each indulged in some warm beverages while soaking in the view of the river. Finally, we made our way back to Hirakatashi on the Keihan line, sitting in the upstairs compartment of the train carriage. As soon as we exited the station, we noticed the bus for home had already pulled in, and quickly rushed over to board it. We really didn’t have to though, because it was another 5 minutes before it actually left, and by that time it was absolutely packed… I’ve just uploaded my photos from tonight now, and most of them are really blurry, but oh well; I don’t expect much from my camera at night. Tomorrow’s trip to Nara will be perfect though. I should be meeting Julie in the lounge at 9, so I’d better get some sleep now, and pray for good weather…

Day 140 - 17th of January

10:38pm　セミナーハウス
天気：晴れ、曇り
Today was very active, and really awesome… I got up at 9, and readied myself for today’s outing with Nadezhda. We were out of the seminar house by about 10:30, making our way to Makino. It was, at that point, a beautiful, warm day, so much so, that I decided to wear just a jumper (my new red one); this proved to be a bad move later on. Anyway, we went from Makino to Kuzuha, switched to a rapid express, then onto 三条 (Sanjou). From sanjou, we took the 地下鉄東西線 (chikatetsu touzaisen – Subway “east to west line”), three stops across to 二条城前 (Nijoujoumae). The peculiar thing about this subway was that glass walled off the track from the track, and there were automatic doors in front of the train doors. Nadezhda and I wondered why the walls were needed; were they just for decoration. Indeed, the colour of the automatic doors changed at every station. Also the warning signal in the subway had to be the best I’ve heard yet; it’s a pretty little koto motif.

We soon arrived at Nijoujoumae, and made our way up and out into the fresh air, with the castle wall beckoning us from across the street. We eagerly made our way over, purchased tickets, and took a few pictures out front, before entering the grounds. We firstly came across a gate leading into the 二の丸御殿 (ninomaru goten – Ninomaru Palace) and the detail, though faded, was spectacular. Entering the palace, we had to take our shoes off and don slippers, and no photography was allowed inside. It’s just one of those places you have to actually go into to see, and I really appreciate that. I was by no means disappointed, and while I have no photos to show, I will try to describe it as best as I can. The first thing I noticed was the design on the ceiling. It was made up of squares, and within each square, a detailed motif; many flowery designs. The palace is made up of five connected buildings, and each building had a different design on its ceiling.

The next thing I noticed was a strange squeaking beneath my feet. We were soon to find out that the floors were deliberately designed to produce a noise. This method of construction, 鴬張り (uguisubari – “nightingale flooring”), was used in the wooden corridors to protect the occupants from sneak attacks and assassins; clever thinking. Although I haven’t heard a nightingale call, I definitely hear the likeness to a bird chirp; so cool. And finally, I notice the paintings that cover the walls of all 33 rooms; over 800 tatami mats. Oh my gosh, it was incredible. Each room had a different theme, here pine trees and mountains, there fans and chrysanthemums. Tigers, peacocks, pheasants, horses, cherry blossoms, rivers, ducks, cranes… all backed by gold leaf. It was so beautiful; the outside world was brought inside. The wall paintings are attributed to artists of the 狩野派 (kanouha – Kano School), one of the most famous schools of Japanese painting. Another cool feature was a set of red tasselled doors in some rooms where the shogun’s bodyguards could come out and protect him.

And this was all done over 400 hundred years ago. Incredibly, all of the original paintings (over 3000) survived, and while most in the palace were reproductions, we were assured that they were as close to the originals as possible; using traditional methods, and natural pigments. After exiting, we continued through a beautiful garden, and over the inner moat, to the remains of the 本丸御殿 (honmaru goten – Hommaru Palace). Unfortunately, the interior is only open to the public on special occasions. We made our way through more gardens to the 天守閣 (tenshukaku – keep), well… where it stood at least; it was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground in 1750. So all that’s left now are the stone foundations; provided a good view of the grounds though. We finally circled out and back around to the front, through some many gardens, which will look so impressive, come spring.

We went to the gift shop, and I bought a pin of the palace, then got two more for a machine; couldn’t resist. Further along was a memorial exhibition hall, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the palace (2003). Inside, we got to see the original wall paintings of the 四の間 (yon no ma – 4th Grand Chamber), in the Ninomaru palace. This room featured hawks and pines, and was the where officers were received, and the weapons kept; perfect theme. Being able to see the walls up close, albeit behind glass, was great. The exhibition hall was also set up with the same dimensions as the original room, so we could really get a feel for what it was actually like. More than satisfied, we left the castle, grey clouds not dampening our spirits one bit. Although it wasn’t exactly what I had expected (there was no “castle”), I still found it an incredible experience.

Now very hungry (it was almost 2), we went in search of somewhere to eat, and soon found it down the road; ramen shop. Gosh I’m becoming such a fan of ramen; I love it more and more every time I eat it. I also drank the green tea there. It was cold and so dilute I could hardly taste the tea; quite refreshing. Nadezhda and I were still rearing to explore Kyoto, so after letting our meals go down, we exited and turned left, following the main road, having no destination. We got to a big intersection, and Nadezhda spotted Kyoto tower to the right. Since neither of us had been to the top before, we decided to go for it. But first, since I recognised the area, I took Nadezhda to the 六角堂 (rokkakudou – Hexagonal hall). It was great going back there again; the swans were particularly active today. After that, we continued walking towards the tower, down the main road, before spotting another temple; the 平等時因幡薬師 (Byoudouji Inabayakushi). It was absolutely dead (there was much construction work also), and we felt compelled to whisper; such an amazing atmosphere.

Shortly after, we come across another wondrous complex; the 東本願寺 (higashi honganji – “East temple of the original vow”). Such a grand name certainly fit the enormity of the buildings. The gate itself was impressive enough, but the temple within rivalled that of the todaiji in Nara. The building next to it, the Amida hall, is currently decked out scaffolding, but will be opening in 2011; another thing to come back and see). The complex is 99,000m2 and is one of the dominant sub sects in Shin Buddhism. The other, as we were soon to find out, is the 西本願寺 (nishi honganji – “West temple of the original vow”). We didn’t look around too much as it was getting late, and very cold. It was very close to the tower, so we were soon inside, and shot up the elevator to the top observation deck of the 131m tall building; 100m at observation deck.

The views of Kyoto were spectacular. We had come at a good time, when the sun was setting, and the mountains turned to gold. Surprisingly, the binoculars were free, and we spied a number of sites, including Kiyomizu temple, Toji Pagoda, and the Momoyama castle. One problem with the binoculars, for me at least, was that they were too short, so I had to basically squat to see through them. Supposedly, we were able to see Osaka castle from the top too, but we couldn’t find it. We stayed up there till dark, watching the colours of the sky slowly change, and the lights of the city come on; it was equally beautiful at night. The mountains in the background were so black, and we noted that south of the tower was much brighter, in terms of lights, than the north. I guess it’s because all the historical sites aren’t lit up, and they make up the majority of the area; seriously. You can never see enough it Kyoto!

At about 6, we left the tower, and walked over to Kyoto station, taking some photos of the tower from various angles and heights; I took Nadezhda all the way up the sky garden. Getting out of the cold (and yes, I was really feeling it in my just jumper), we found our way over to the Kitetsu line, and got a train to Tambabashi, before hoping on a local back to Makino. The trip back was so nice, and warm, and restful, and when we did get to Makino, I really didn’t want to get up. Both needing some groceries, we went over to life. I just got some meat, cereal, and these great little buns filled with red bean that Jo had offered us one time; Nadezhda spotted them. Finally getting back home (what a relief), I set about making dinner; shepherd’s pie. It wasn’t until after 9 that I sat down and ate; peeling potatoes is time consuming, lolz. I was very happy with the meal though; got a bit left over for tomorrow too. After dinner, I had milk and a bun, and then went down to my room, and did a quick little tidy up.

As I was making dinner, Yuji explained that he needed to come down to my room to talk about the inspection this Friday! Since I took so long, he’d left the kitchen and went to do homework, so I had to go find him in his room and drag him away from it. He cautioned that this inspection would be more thorough than the last and, since everyone will have their inspection on the same day, there is no room for mistakes. He also showed concern for Ryan’s absence, and asked me to inform Ryan as soon as he gets back, to go see Aki to get the information from her. We also went up to check my kitchen box, and then the fridge, and Yuji was impressed by how clean it was; I only have to wipe it down. It helps when I’m practically the only one using it; there’s like two things in there of Ryan’s, and no one’s in the other room that shares our fridge. And talk about being in the right place at the right time, we both got cake from Aki; it was absolutely delicious. Finally, got to have a shower… Well better get some sleep now, going to animate in Hirakata, and then onto Umeda with Ash and Peter tomorrow!