Journie To Japan

  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...

  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...