Kyoto / Nara

My favorite place is Kyoto, Japan. Even though I have only been there once, I would love to go back again. The hikes are great, and the weather is pretty good. I loved seeing the different culture, the different foods, the different languages, and the Japanese candy (yum!). There are some ancient temples that were amazing. I also visited Nara, the home of he biggest Buddha statue. There are deer that wander around the temple, and I had fun feeding them, although they were a bit aggressive. There were things I could go on about Kyoto and Nara, but for now, I'll just enjoy my souvenirs.

Connor
Julian Middle School, USA

---

(Shijo street and Seijin no Hi)

The area from the Kamo river west to Karasuma-dori, roughly bordered by Shijo-dori (4th Street) and Oike-dori is where Kyoto's main shopping streets are located. More

New Year celebrations in Japan is not just a party one evening of the year. Everyone visits the temple New Year's Eve or more traditionally on New Year's day. More

Part of the New Year is also the "coming of age" day (Seijin-no-hi), when all those who have turned 20 during the preceeding year are officially recognized as adults. It was established as a national holiday in 1948. Most women attend this ceremony in a colorful, long-sleeved kimono.

Koichi Saito, Inami Art Club, Japan