Last Friday, our CIEE students joined us to explore Yasaka Shrine 🇯🇵 (one of Kyoto’s most beloved and historic Shinto shrines in the Gion district)! Originally built in the 7th century and known for its vibrant lanterns and annual Gion Matsuri festival, Yasaka Shrine has long been a place where locals and visitors alike come to pray for health, good fortune, and new beginnings.  During our visit, students learned about shrine traditions and wrote their own ema (small wooden plaques on which visitors write wishes or prayers before hanging them at the shrine). In Japan, ema are a meaningful way to reflect on your hopes for the future, whether it’s success in school, safe travels, or personal growth ✨ #ciee #cieekyoto #studyabroad #kyotolife #studyabroadjapan