JUST IN KYOTO!

So im just sending another update from Japan! Im in the old capital of Japan, Kyoto! Its such an amazing place! Im so glad to be over here in spring! its just so beautifuL!

I went over to the Kinkaku-ji or the golden pavillion. Which i have pictured. Kinkaku-ji is a zen temple. The top two levels of the pavillion are covered in gold leaf. Kinkaku was known as Rokuonji and it was a retirement home for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu until he died in 1408. He had in his will that he wanted it to be a Zen temple. The temple was built over a large pond. The structure has burnt down many times but most recently it has been rebuilt in 1955 after it was burned down in 1950. The temple is the last building left on the property that used to be a retirement village. I threw a coin at the coin toss statues, so hopefully now i will have good luck! This was the most amazing place i have ever seen!
When i was at the Golden pavilion i had tea in the japanese tea house known as sekka-tei. it wasn't a traditional tea or tea ceremony but i got to have a frothy green tea accompanied by a traditional tea ceremony sweet. The sweet was accented with gold to show the love for the Kinkaku-ji. I have it pictured for you here !

I also went to a place called Osaka on my way to Hiroshima. In Osaka i went to the annual cherry blossom festival. It was so amazing to see, the traditional dancing and the lighting of the lanterns. I went to the Osakajo Nishinomaru Garden which is part of the Osaka Castle Park. It was so cool to see a traditional japanese ceremony, as well as those amazing pink blossoms ! 

so right now im on my way to Hiroshima, i've been practicing making my paper cranes to place at the hiroshima peace park! 

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grace xxx