Earth day hike report

-- Mason O'Brien (Exchange student at Kyoto Seika University)

This year for Earth Day I participated in a hike up Mt. Uji. It was a beautiful and sunny day, the type of day that gives you an appreciation for the Earth in its natural state. At the beginning of the hike, we were lucky enough to witness a young couple undergoing a traditional marriage. This set the almost spiritual tone for the day, and made me think of new beginnings and new life--fitting for spring. We stopped midway up the mountain to take in the view of the city below, with some of the last cherry blossoms falling by our side. Slightly further up we stopped to bring out our bento boxes amongst the trees, prepared matcha tea, and ate small sweets.
As a newcomer to Japan, it was an incredible introduction to the area's natural scenery. The day was a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to live on such a bountiful planet.