A festival, hiking and Sake in Fushimi

A festival, hiking and Sake in Fushimi

Today, April 17th happened to be the day of the Inari festival (Shinko festival), a festival at the shrine, so I decided to visit Fushimi again after many years. But apart from that I also explored the sake brewing district and the area in general, so keep reading.

Apartment tour at Okazaki International House

Apartment tour at Okazaki International House

I am living at the Okazaki International Student House, a recently constructed four-story building with about 50 rooms for students and researchers. Once accepted at Kyoto University, it was easy to organize the stay, but one must first win a lottery if the demand is high. After two to three rounds I “won” a room.

Hanami along Higashiyama

Hanami along Higashiyama

On the first weekend I used the last chance to do some hanami, before most blossoms have fallen from the cherry trees.

In the first half of the day I visited the southern Higashiyama region, all the way from Kiyomizu-dera to Heian-jingu. In the afternoon I went shopping in Shijo-Kawaramachi.

A flowery welcome

A flowery welcome

Spending a minimal time in the flat, I just grabbed my camera and started exploring. The weather was perfect and the Sakura were in full bloom, probably only for a few more days.

Flying during wartime and a pandemic

Flying during wartime and a pandemic

Air travel has picked up again in the recent times, but the direct connection between Zurich and Osaka by Swiss is not restored yet. My journey therefore included a stop-over in Paris, from there it was non-stop. At the airport

How come I am spending six months in Japan?

How come I am spending six months in Japan?

As mentioned in my last post, I just left Zurich for a research exchange in Japan. Today I want to talk about how this came about.

Doing Research in Kyoto

Doing Research in Kyoto

In the beginning of April I am moving to Japan (yet again), this time for a bit longer than usual. I’m going to live in Kyoto for half a year to do research as part of my PhD.

Japan 2020 #14: Osaka Shopping

Japan 2020 #14: Osaka Shopping

Like yesterday I spent most of the day with shopping. In the evening I went to my fourth concert – with Aimer.

Japan 2020 #13: Shopping in Osaka

Japan 2020 #13: Shopping in Osaka

As my vacation slowly came to an end, I reduced my travel activities and focused on shopping in Osaka.

Japan 2020 #12: Sendai to Osaka

Japan 2020 #12: Sendai to Osaka

The day in Sendai started more relaxed than the one before. First, I had a quick soak in the common sento of the hotel which was 10 times more spacious than yesterday’s in Ginzan, even a rotenburo was there. Then, at the breakfast buffet I tanked energy for the day before leaving Sendai for good.