Japan Study Tour

Last July, I joined a study tour in Japan sponsored by the Japan Foundation with two colleagues (Frieda and Karen) and one professor (Dr. Reyes) from our college. Our first stop was Kyoto, where we visited a nearby Toro archaeological site that was discovered in the 1940s and the museum which features Yayoi artifacts and culture, the era to which the ruins belong.

The first floor of the museum contains replicas of rice granaries and tools used in food preparation during the period. Our professor explained that the rice granaries were very much similar to those found in some parts of Northern Luzon.

The next picture shows how the structure prevented rats from climbing into the granary.

   

This area also allows visitors to somehow experience the kind of life during that era. Visitors can try planting rice and threshing the harvest.

Since I don’t have a tripod, I just looked for a flat surface where I can place my camera and used the timer to take pictures of us four.

It is in the second floor where the artifacts and other archaeological display are located. We’re lucky because we were accompanied by our Japanese professor and she was able to translate the descriptions for us.

The next day, we took the Shinkasen (bullet train) on our way to Shizuoka to participate in the 20^th Young Scholars’ Conference on Philippine Studies at the Shizuoka University. Aside from its speed, another interesting thing about the Shinkansen is the accuracy in its time of arrival and departure.

After the conference, we went back to Kyoto. We had some free time and were able to go around the nearby shopping district. Again, I wish I had a tripod because the place was ideal for night photography because of the lights and it was very safe.

Another thing that is difficult not to notice is how clean the streets are.

The following day, we went to the Kyoto Manga Museum. Visitors, however, are not allowed to use their cameras inside the museum.

Outside is a small cafe with nice drawings by the customers (I assume).

We also visited the Nijo Castle that was built during the Tokugawa period. Again, cameras are not allowed inside.

Adjacent to it is a beautiful garden.

I again set the camera in timer mode and was positioning it on top of a flat surface when a guy volunteered to take our picture. I wish I was able to get his name so I can mention it here.

Then we went to Ginkakuji Temple. It was summer when we were there but it was raining the whole time and it was always gloomy. I wonder how the place would look like when the flowers are in bloom. 

It was a very informative tour and I wish I was able to take more pictures. Like package tours, study tours have fixed itineraries and our schedules were tight and I don’t want to delay everyone so I just took pictures whenever I can.