Ryukoku University, Kyoto

Ryukoku University, Kyoto has its origin as the Gakyuryo, a private school established in 1639 (Kan'ei 16) as a priest-training institute of Nishi-Hongwanji.Since then, the university has been developing to meet the social demands of the times under the ideals of which the school was established. At present, we are unceasingly carrying out educational reforms as a comprehensive university which has seven faculties such as Literature, Economics, Business Administration, Law, Science and Technology, Sociology, and Intercultural Communication, and also a Junior College.

Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle, Kyoto

Ninomaru Palace consists of five connected separate buildings and is built almost entirely of Hinoki cypress. The decoration includes lavish quantities of gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings, intended to impress visitors with the power and wealth of the shoguns. The sliding doors and walls of each room are decorated with wall paintings by artists of the Kanō school.
The castle is an excellent example of social control manifested in architectural space. Low-ranking visitors were received in the outer regions of the Ninomaru, whereas high-ranking visitors were shown the more subtle inner chambers. Kara-mon main gate to Ninomaru Palace Detail of the Kara-mon main gate
Dr Mala, Yon and a friend in front of the gate

Dr Mala in front of the Ninomaru Palace

The main gate to the palace

Side view of the palace

Kinkakuji, Kyoto

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji. In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408. The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950.The temple in the middle of the lake Against the bsckdrop of the temple

Yon Bahiyah - smiling her best

Yon and Dr Mala were there

Royal Museum, Seoul

The Royal Museum of Korea was set up in 1992 to put up the souvenirs and antiques belonging to the Joseon Dynasty on display to the public. These collectors' items belong to the period 1392-1910 and hold immense historical and cultural significance. More than 20,000 such items from the royal households at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine have been showcased here. The Joseon Dynasty's arsenal and weapons have also been exhibited here. Access to the National palace Museum of Korea is provided by the Subway services. the museum is located a short walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station. It is a short walk from the Gwanghwamun Sejongno bus station.

Seoul, Korea

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea. With a population of over 10 million, It is one the the world's largest cities. The Seoul National Capital Area - which includes the major port city of Incheon and satellite towns in Gyeonggi-do, has 24.5 million inhabitants and is the world's second largest metropolitan area. As a Special City, Seoul is administered directly by the national government and is divided into 25 major districts. The city is located on the basin of the Han River in the country's northwest. The North Korean border lies about 50 km to the north. Seoul first appears in history in 18 BC, when the Baekje, one of the Three Korean Kingdoms, established its capital Wirye-seong in what is now south-east Seoul. Modern Seoul descends from the Goryeo-era city of Namgyeong, which then became the capital of Korea during the Joseon dynasty. The city has hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.