A buffet breakfast to start a busy day of travel by private coach to the village of Miyama to visit the old farm houses with their straw roofs surrounded by beautiful cedar forests. Walking through the little village and seeing the fields of buckwheat flowers; trees of kagi (persimmons) gave the students a chance to appreciate a simpler life.
Enjoying a hot lunch made from the local produce; chickens raised nearby and veggies grown in the fields; had a hot pot style of sukiyaki and locally grown rice eaten by most!
Students had the hands on experience of beating rice! We made mochi and then created little mochi cakes to eat. The farmer used their local organic grown rice.
The afternoon saw us back in Kyoto to visit the Nijo castle built around 1604 with its “night gale” used as an advance warning system of intruders. Students admired the wall art and many sliding panels.
Ending the day with a buffet dinner at Terao restaurant at the Aeon Mall saw happy faces exploring the many shops and yes more items to pack into their bags!
Tomorrow we have a slower start; house keeping duties of washing and preparing our bags for onward courier service as we prepare for the next backpacking section. Your children are doing great and are a blessing to us and each other! – Mrs S and Leaders
At Nijo castle
genesis2japan 
Making the most special memories. How blessed are all of you. Enjoy and have fun!
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They are so blessed to have these amazing experiences outside of the tourist cities, and it’s great to see every photo.
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