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Kyoto in Layers: From Temples to Tea Bowls

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  Kyoto in Layers: From Temples to Tea Bowls May 25 began early—Kiyomizu-dera Temple opened just after sunrise. The wooden stage, supported by hundreds of tall pillars, stretches out over the hillside and gives a panoramic view of Kyoto. Kiyomizu means “pure water,” named after the Otowa Waterfall that runs beneath the temple. It’s one of Kyoto’s most visited sites, and even in the quiet morning, it pulsed with a kind of spiritual energy. People were lined up to drink from the three streams below—each said to offer success, health, or love. I didn’t try it, but it made me think about which of the three I’m really looking for right now. We moved through Yasaka Shrine next, tucked right into the heart of the city. Bright vermilion gates and lanterns hung from the eaves. It felt lively in a quiet, grounded way. This shrine’s been here since the 800s, and it’s the site of the famous Gion Festival every July. We didn’t catch any ceremonies, but the slow rhythm of visitors bowing, washin...
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Bittersweet Goodbyes and Bowing Deer: A Day in Wazuka and Nara

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  Bittersweet Goodbyes and Bowing Deer: A Day in Wazuka and Nara Unfortunately, today was the day I had to say goodbye to Wazuka Tea Town. Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to describe it. From the endless rows of lush tea bushes tucked into green hills, to the overwhelming kindness of my host family, every piece of this place left a mark on me. I woke up to one last traditional Japanese breakfast with them—miso soup, rice, pickled vegetables, and the soft silence of a morning we didn’t want to end. We took our final photos together, smiling despite the heaviness in our hearts, and made our way to the train station. I thought the day would just be a quiet transition—but I was wrong. My host father, Kozu, surprised us all by tagging along for one more adventure: a visit to Nara and the famous Tōdaiji Temple. Turns out, Kozu wasn’t just a kind host. He’s also an expert deer whisperer and temple tour guide. Nara is full of sacred deer that roam the park freely, bowing politely—but onl...
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Wazuka: Tea Fields, Matcha, and Mountain Views

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  Wazuka: Tea Fields, Matcha, and Mountain Views We started the day before sunrise, boarding a bullet train in the early morning light. The ride itself was peaceful, and seeing Mt. Fuji through the window felt surreal—calm, distant, and picture-perfect. It was a quiet moment that made the long journey feel worth it. To reach Wazuka Tea Town, we took two trains, two buses, and a subway. It felt like we crossed half of Japan, but once we arrived, the atmosphere shifted completely. The scenery in Wazuka was unbelievable. Rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea bushes stretched across the land like something from a dream. It honestly felt like a movie set, and I had to remind myself this place was real and I was actually here. The weather was humid, but the fresh air and quiet surroundings made it feel refreshing rather than overwhelming. Once we settled in, we toured a local tea farm. I always imagined tea being grown on flat land, but Wazuka’s farms are built on mountain slopes...
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A Gentle Day in Wazuka

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  A Gentle Day in Wazuka Still in the peaceful beauty of Wazuka, I wake up with the quiet sounds of the countryside. My host family—Mayumi, the mother, and Kazu, the father—greet me with warmth and a traditional Japanese breakfast. Miso soup, steamed fish, fermented soybeans, pickled plums, rolled Japanese omelets, fresh fruit, and hot sencha tea. Every dish holds intention, care, and history. After breakfast, we stepped outside to tend to the garden. As I picked up the hoe, memories of gardening with my grandmother came back to me. The soil felt familiar. We planted tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers. Watered the blooming vegetables under the gentle morning sun. It felt grounding, like I belonged there. Lunch was a creative affair—our own bento boxes. We made onigiri , rice balls filled with meat and wrapped with seaweed strips. Mayumi patiently taught us how to shape them into triangles, pillows, or spheres. Mine weren’t perfect, but still delicious. Alongside them were bunny-...
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