A Hungarian Journey Through Kyoto–Exploring the Wonders of Nature and Tradition
On Christmas Day, a tour group of three Hungarians arrived at Hankyu Arashiyama Station. It was our first time hosting guests from Hungary, and we were both curious about their country. I decided to do some research.
Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Hungary offers a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Budapest, its capital, is a UNESCO-listed gem, where the majestic Danube River winds its way through the city. With its iconic bridges, grand architecture, and thermal baths, Budapest is a must-visit destination. Beyond the city, Hungary boasts numerous lakes and national parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. While Hungarian is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Savor the local flavors with hearty goulash and the world-renowned Tokaji wine. (Unfortunately, I’d like to include some photos of the Hungarian landscape, but I’ll refrain from doing so here to avoid any potential copyright issues.)
We hope that our guests from the naturally beautiful country of Hungary will experience the best of Kyoto’s nature, culture, and history, and leave with unforgettable memories.
Today’s guests are very interested in Japanese culture. They’ve already visited several temples, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Tenryu-ji Temple, and have even been to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s kitchen.
For the past three days, I’ve been cleaning up the tearoom garden, which had been completely blanketed in fallen maple leaves. I started by using a blower to clear the leaves, then gathered them into four garbage bags. I also cleaned the tsukubai (stone water basin). My hands were numb from the cold, and the three-day cleaning was tough. However, when I heard a customer say, “Wow, it’s so clean!” with wide eyes, I felt that all my hard work had paid off.
When I inquired about her New Year’s goals, Aletta excitedly replied that she aimed to significantly enhance her Japanese language skills.
István was very interested in the tea ceremony and listened attentively to our explanation in English, nodding frequently.
Agnes, is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Doshisha University. I graduated from Doshisha , so I felt a strange sense of closeness.
I wish you a wonderful and memorable time for the rest of your trip in Japan.
