The Cultures of Kyoto and Kanagawa-ken

Image by tawatchai07 on Freepik

When photos of my Japan trip survived "Ondoy," I've become utterly convinced they were spared for a reason. That was my first trip abroad and one of the most memorable moments in my life. 

Aboard Thai Airways: Manila-Osaka Destination

I thought that as a TV newscaster...

And a radio announcer...

I could qualify for the Youth Exchange Program held annually by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Japan. 

Barely one month before the deadline, I scrambled, rushed, and dashed to relevant organizations and agencies to ensure I got all the requirements right. 

Taken at Ana Hotel Matsuyama

Only by God's grace was I chosen, together with a handful of professionals,  to represent the country in the RP-Japan Friendship Programme for the 21st Century, sponsored by the Government of Japan through the Japan Information Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Taken at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

From January 13 to February 9, 1999, all of us delegates visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanagawa-ken, Matsuyama-shi Ehime Prefecture, and Hiroshima, Japan--without spending a single cent or yen.

Kanagawa Prefecture

JICA certainly knew how to pamper us! With about 85,000 yen as pocket money and everything else paid for our only job was to enjoy and learn from every activity prepared for us. For one, our group experienced Japanese culture extraordinaire in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. 

The boys learned Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement...

We girls were taught the sublime Arts of Tea Ceremony and the Kimono. 

Ikebana, Tea Ceremony, and Kimono Wearing 

Courtesy of the International Association of Chigasaki

For two hours, the kimono expert from the International Association of Chigasaki helped us put on an array of exquisite kimono made out of shibori, with matching undergarments, obi, ties, socks, and sandals to boot. 

Kimono Wearing 

Courtesy of the International Association of Chigasaki

My close friend Pam Pamplona-Riggan and I couldn't resist the chance to freeze this moment the only way we knew how. 

Click! 

Kimono Wearing 
Courtesy of the International Association of Chigasaki

My friend Pamu couldn't resist having another take... Say sushi!

Kimono Wearing 

Courtesy of the International Association of Chigasaki

Kyoto

This photo reminded me of another snapshot taken in Kyoto just a few weeks after we arrived in Japan. We immediately saw three geisha-like passers-by in front of the Kiyomizu Temple, prompting most tourists to get photo-ops.  

We were among those who got the chance to have our pictures taken with these ladies dressed in geisha costumes. It was a good thing that despite our broken Nihonggo, we persuaded them to have our photo op. Kirei, desu ne? 

Photo courtesy of Ms. Sharon Andres-Centeno

In this photo: (L-R) Kaye Langit-Luistro, Sharon Rose Andres-Centeno, The Geishas, and Beverley Fernandez-Ciencia in front of the Kiyomizu Temple. 

After the photo-op, we went inside Kiyomizu Temple or Kiyomizudera in Japanese. It dates back to the eighth Century and is usually flocked by tourists all year round.

Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera)

Beneath the temple's main hall lies an Otowa waterfall, where visitors can drink from. Buddhists believe drinking from it provides wisdom, health, and longevity to the pure heart. But for the greedy, misfortune befalls them. 

Directory:

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Website

Ana Hotel Matsuyama
Website

Kiyomizu Temple

How to Reach It:  

Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station by bus number 100 or 206 (15 minutes, 220 yen). Get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, from where it is a ten-minute uphill walk to the temple. Alternatively, Kiyomizudera is about 20 minutes from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station along the Keihan Railway Line.

Hours and Fees:

Hours:  6:00 to 18:00

Closed: No closing days

Admission: 300 yen

Spring and Fall Illumination:

Hours:  18:30 to 21:30 (mid-March to mid-April and mid-November to early December)

Admission: 400 yen