#AUThanksgiving

[aurpevents]

Mountain Departure

As sad as it it, the trip to Arashiyama was finally coming to an end. Students and citizens alike were counted and brought to the buses as they lined up outside the hotel. It had been an eventful week up in the mountains and no one was happy to leave; not even the staff. 

The surroundings had been so relaxing from the maple trees to the cooling mountain air. Ouran and Spica were even more pleased that nothing bad had happened and that the students were all well-behaved. Such behavior made them feel proud and though they didn't take trips out of the city often, it showed them that they could do it again in the future. 

Maybe someday they would...but they would have to wait for when they could spare the expense. 

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That's it everyone! The Thanksgiving even has officially ended and no more starters can be made concerning the event. See you for the next event turtleducks!

[aurpevents]

A Thanksgiving in Japan

In Japan, it is formerly known as Kinro Kansha No Hi. This special holiday is meant to not only commemorate labor and productivity, but also to give thanks to each other. This annual holiday is the one time when everyone is encouraged to do nothing but relax and have fun; no work, no school, just unwinding and being at peace. 

This year, Bunkyo is providing an excellent opportunity for both citizens and students alike: a trip to Arashiyama located in Kyoto. 

At this particular time of the year, Arashiyama is a popular tourist attraction during the Fall season and it provides visitors with many fantastic opportunities that they cannot normally encounter back in the city. One of the trademark landmarks around Arashiyama is the Togetsukyo Bridge. It is free to cross and melts into the background perfectly, adding to the beauty of the area. 

Even though this trip and holiday are all about resting, you will find that there will be plenty of activities you can take part in should you so desire. There are shops and restaurants and even pleasure boats to rent to go up the river. It doesn't stop there though. This particular location provides multiple attractions to appeal to various people, just check out the activities below to see some of the options! 

For those who do not like the touristy feel, heading north of Arashiyama will lead you into a more rural atmosphere with a few scattered temples at the base of the mountains. This area that is north of the Bridge is also referred to as Sagano instead of Arashiyama. Traveling through this area can be much easier with the rental of a bike and it is highly encouraged as you can go through fields, residential areas, and scattered temples. It is a most enjoyable experience that everyone should try. Pack a lunch and set out with friends to enjoy the beauty that this Fall season offers as the maple trees turn red. 

As for Bunkyo residents, Ouran and Spica along with some other generous patrons have offered only the best for your stay. Consider it a make-up for all the craziness that happens occasionally. Students and citizens will be given the opportunity to stay at the Hanaikada Hotel; an authentic Japanese style ryokan hotel. This hotel is only a fifteen minute walk from the Bridge and the perfect place to stay. The cost of the hotel is covered, but all other expenses will not be included during your stay. 

「Roleplaying Rules 」

First and foremost, be sure to tag your posts correctly. In order to distinguish threads from normal roleplays going on, tag any and all threads for this event as ‘AUThanksgiving’.

The event will run from November 23rd to November 30th.

Once the time is up you are allowed to continue threads from the event but you are not allowed to make new starters set during the event.

This is not a mandatory event and participation is optional. 

Lastly, have fun! 

「Safety and Etiquette Rules 」

Fees: rental for a bicycle-1000 yen; Okochi Sanso Villa-1000 yen; Monkey Park-550 yen and 100 yen for bags of food; Tenryuji Temple-500 yen for gardens and 100 yen to enter buildings; Saga Scenic Railway- 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children

Be careful to not stray far from people and if you decide to go hiking, bring a friend. 

If you visit the Monkey Park, be mindful that the monkeys are wild so take care when feeding them! 

Curfew is at 10pm and everyone must be inside their hotel rooms by then. 

「Activities 」

Tenryuji Temple is high in the rankings for most zen and it is the largest one located in Arashiyama with gardens and walking paths to enjoy. Inside, the landscape features a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and the wooded mountains of Arashiyama in the background. 

The Bamboo Groves are a place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Pathways are built to cut through the large stalks of bamboo and give everyone a great sense of peace when the wind causes them to sway every so gently. 

Okochi Sanso Villa is located in the back of the Bamboo Groves and consists of many gardens and buildings like living spaces and tea houses. Admission will grant guests matcha green tea and a snack. 

Monkey Park is located further up the mountain, just south of the Togetsukyo Bridge. The hike up can take about ten minutes and once there, guests will be among over 170 macaque monkeys that roam freely. Food that can be purchased to feed the monkeys are: bags of banana and apple slices, biscuits, chestnuts, and or peanuts. 

Saga Scenic Railway runs from Arashiyama to Kameoka, just above the Hozu River. The train ride last for about 25 minutes and goes at 25km/h so that passengers can enjoy the scenery.

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street was once full of town houses that served as a private residence, but is now transformed into shops and restaurants. 

Go fishing, take a hike up the mountains, shop, and have fun. It is not often you get to take a trip out of Bunkyo.