Chapter 187: Kyoto (1) (1/2)
The next morning, under the organization of several instructors, all who have not gotten sick or hurt arrived at the airport.
For this unforgettable-for-a-lifetime educational trip, the students did not have the mood to be sentimental. Instead, they were eager to go home.
After Kazumi and Take Asasei boarded the plane, Lei Yin, as planned, together with Naoko and Amy, along with Takeda and Yoshikawa went to board on another plane on a flight to Takeda’s home.
Takeda and Yoshikawa’s homes were located in South of Kyoto, Japan.
Kyoto is about 500 kilometers Southwest of Tokyo, and 41 kilometers East of Osaka. Better known as “Japan’s Millennium Ancient Capital.”
The total population is about 1.47 million. Kyoto was constructed according to the ancient Tang Dynasty Capital City, Chang’an. It became the capital of Japan from AD 794 to 1868. It still holds many shrines, temples, palaces, as well as elaborate gardens. Because of its long history, nowadays, it retained its traditional culture of the ancient capital of Japan.
Takeda’s Family, for generations, ran the Sado (Japanese tea ceremony) business throughout the Kyoto area. They also have several branches in Kobe, Nara, and other places. But Yoshikawa’s Family also ran the tea business, so naturally, the relationship between his family and Takeda’s Family was not shallow. Plus, their two homes were not too far apart, therefore it can be said that Takeda and Yoshikawa grew up together.
Takeda walked to the front of the vermilion gate and pressed the bell several times.
After a while, an old man in a black kimono and wooden clogs under the feet opened the door.
Seeing Takeda, the old man seemed very happy, “Young master Hidetoshi, you are back.” (The character Hidetoshi in Chinese means Handsome)
Seeing that the corner of Lei Yin and Naoko’s mouths gently twitched, Takeda dryly coughed and said: “Uncle Iketani, later on, just call me second young master, ok. These are my friends, and they will stay in here to play.”
The old butler named Iketani immediately bowed toward Lei Yin and Naoko: “Thank you for taking care of the second young master Hidetoshi.”
“You are too kind.” Naoko immediately bowed back ritually.
“Very well, enough with the introduction, just take us in. By the way, is my sister here?”
“Young miss Nadeshiko has come back from the vacation and is now reading in the study room. Moreover, young master Kuraya has also come.”
“Even my big brother is also here, that’s great.” Takeda led Lei Yin and the others to come in.
When they went into the house, Lei Yin sized up the surrounding environment as they walked.
This was a typical 300 pings (1 ping ~ 3.3 square meters, this measurement typically used in Japan and Taiwan) area residence. Besides the main building, there was also a courtyard on it. Not only there was a huge Koi fish pond, there was also a large area full of bamboo and an open area with a variety of flowers and plants.
The house at the center area was also very huge, and the exteriors were all in the traditional wooden corridor and paper door design. Now Lei Yin started to believe Takeda’s previous claim that his house can fit in the Edo period drama production.
Takeda said to Lei Yin: “Now you know why I want to go to College outside of Kyoto. How could this kind of ancient house be suitable for a person like me to live in? That is why, since high school, I did not dare to bring my classmates to play here.”
After leading Lei Yin and the others to a spacious guest room to put down their luggage, Takeda said to him: “Do you want to meet with my old man?”
Lei Yin nodded his head, “Since we’ve come to someone’s house, it is polite to meet with the master of the house.”
Takeda patted his shoulder and said: “My old man is a stubborn old man. When you see him, no matter what he says, just consider it as farts.”