A free ticket for ‘Discover Kyoto Program’ will be given to anyone who applies during the campaign period (Dec.21/2011-Feb.2/2012) and enrolls for the course starting in April 2012. You can choose your favorite and and join for free. Don’t miss this chance to apply for enrollment!

'Discover Kyoto Program' is a tour program which Nihongo Center has started in 2011. You can visit many famous spots in Kyoto and experience Japanese culture. The program consists of 8 different tours & events during the weekends or holidays when you don’t have classes. Students at Nihongo Center can pay to attend any of the tours & events.

Date: April 28th (Sat) 2012

[ 1 ] Zazen

Zazen is a central practice of Zen Buddhism, and a way to achieve tranquility of the mind. By sitting still, breathing through your nose, and taking repeated deep breaths, it is possible to purify the mind.

[ 2 ] Shojin Cuisine

Shojin cuisine is made with vegetables, beans and grains. Forbidden to eat meat and fish, Buddhist monks developed shojin using limited ingredients.

[ 3 ] Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a gold leaf-covered reliquary hall, which enshrines fragments of bone from the Buddha. A perfect reflection of Kinkakuji appears in the mirror-like pond and multiplies its majestic beauty.

Date: June 16th (Sat) 2012

[ 1 ] Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a place noted for the beauty of both its spring cherry blossoms and autumn maple trees. The green leaves of the mountains are beautiful in summer as well. After strolling around Arashiyama and walking through the bamboo forests, we will go to Kameoka-city by torroko (an old-fashioned train).

[ 2 ] Rafting the Hozu

Travel the Hozu river by raft and return to Arashiyama. Prepare to get wet!

Date: August 25th (Sat) 2012

[ 1 ] Enryakuji

Designated as both a cultural asset of Japan as well as a UNESCO world heritage site, Enryakuji is a sprawling temple located in the mountains Northwest of Kyoto. From the mountain top, it is possible to see both Shiga prefecture's beautiful Lake Biwa as well as the breathtaking Kyoto cityscape.

Date: September 15th (Sat) 2012

[ 1 ] Shugakuin-rikyuu

Constructed in the 17th century by the former-emperor Gomizuno'o, the complex is divided into upper, middle, and lower villas. It is particularly famous for its garden which skillfully utilizes the surrounding landscape to portray the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

[ 2 ] Kyo Shibori

Come experience one of Kyoto's traditional crafts: the delicate, colorful art of tie-dyeing.

Date: October 27th (Sat) 2012

[ 1 ] Nijo Castle

Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, Nijo castle has stood through the rise and fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and watched over the centuries of history and change in Japan.

[ 2 ] Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is said to be the heart of Japanese aesthetics and is a comprehensive form of art that goes beyond simply serving and drinking tea. Japanese and English explanations will be provided.

November 23rd (Fri) 2012

[ 1 ] Fushimi Inari

The Fushimi Inari shrine is famous for its 1,000 torii, red gates that stand at the entrance to Shinto shrines. The torii of Fushimi Inari lead in winding paths to the top of the mountain located behind the main shrine.

[ 2 ] Sake Brewery

The Fushimi area in Kyoto is known for its sake (Japanese rice wine) breweries. Come make your own sake and tast the results! Anyone who likes drinking is encouraged to come!

[ 3 ] Walk through Fushimi

Enjoy a stroll through the charming town of Fushimi, famous for its deep connections to Sakamoto Ryouma and the sake breweries that line it's ancient streets.

Date: January 19th (Sun) 2013

[ 1 ] Ginkakuji

Ginkakuji , also known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, is famous for both its gardens and temple hall. We will take a contemplative stroll on the Philosopher's Path through the peaceful foothills of Eastern Kyoto before arriving at the temple.

[ 2 ] Pottery Making

At the foot of the quiet Higashiyama mountains, an experienced potter will give individual instruction on basic pottery techniques and help you make your own cup. Come experience the charm of Kiyomizu pottery.

Date: February 16th (Sat) 2013

[ 1 ] Kyudo

Kyudo, or Japanese archery, is a martial art which focuses on the unison of disciplined movement and clear thinking to shoot arrows at targets using large Japanese-style bows.

[ 2 ] Handicrafts

Come experience the various kinds of traditional handicrafts in Kyoto.

*Contents of the programs may change according to the circumstances.

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