Kyoto is renowned for its rich heritage and history. With around 2000 temples and about 300 elusive geishas, this city is a bridge between the past and the present. This overwhelming presence of history is one of the main reasons why I elected to study at Kyoto University. I have always been fascinated with the past, and so for me to live and study in a city so richly connected with its own history is perfect and I can’t wait to explore as much of it as I can!
Currently, I pursue my interest in the past through being a room/gallery guide at Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust property just outside of Southampton. Check out their website here: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/
This position is brilliant as it allows me to engage with the public at a site of heritage in an enthusiastic way. Meeting people with the same interests as me is fantastic, whether this is the passionate volunteers like me, or the curious visitors themselves. I enjoy every aspect of the role, from welcoming people to the property, sharing interesting facts about different rooms to maintaining security within the gallery space. Currently there is an exhibition of illustrations from the Winnie-the-Pooh books; great for children and adults alike!
I am keen to continue my involvement with heritage and history during my year abroad in Kyoto. There’s nothing better than the discovery of new places and sharing this with others!
There are many volunteering opportunities in Japan’s cultural capital which engage with heritage and history. The two positions which I am particularly interested in looking into further are:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Becoming a volunteer tour guide. What better way to feel completely immersed in the culture and history of Kyoto (and not feel like a tourist!) than to be a guide? As this is organised through Kyoto University, it will also be a great way of meeting students with similar interests to me. This opportunity is listed on the university website: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/campus/activities/circle/cultural_circles.htm/
Mottisfont’s expansive grounds. (There’s just so much to explore, I had to document it on here!)
–         Becoming a volunteer guide in Kyoto University Museum. I can’t find out much information about this online, but I’ve seen it mentioned on various websites. To learn about the workings of a museum would be fascinating. Hopefully this will be something I can also get involved with, so I’ll look into it further once I’m settled down in Kyoto.
Now that I’m finding out about the fantastic opportunities on offer for me in Kyoto, I can’t wait to get settled in and pursue my interests in an entirely different and exciting new culture. I’m just wondering how I’ll manage to fit it all in!
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