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| The Japanese Culture class at Kameoka High School is lucky because they have the chance to experience many important Japanese traditions. This term, the class will see the Aoi Matsuri, experience rafting down the Hozu River, walk around the beautiful town of Arashiyama, ride the Romantic (Torokko) Train, and participate in the Gion Festival in Kyoto. As an English Teacher at the school, I am fortunate in that I have been invited to experience these wonders with the students and the other teachers...It's a wonderful experience. |
| The Japanese Culture Class at Kameoka High School |
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| The school trips are a lot of fun...for students and teachers alike! |
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| This term's first trip was to Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri. This festival is believed to have begun nearly 1400 years ago when the Emperor sent messengers to the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines to pray for a good harvest. "Saio", or Imperial Princess, performed the service at both shrines on behalf of the Emperor and she is the main figure in the yearly parade. In total, 511 people participated in this year's parade, wearing traditional Japanese clothes (even though it was raining). |
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| Our second trip of the year was a beautiful journey down the Hozu River on a traditional raft followed by a walking tour of historic Arashiyama and a return journey on the Romantic Train (Torokko), which winds its way through the mountains back to Kameoka. On this day, the weather was beautiful, the river was fast (the water was cold), and everyone had a wonderful day. |
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