His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Ise and Nara
Tokyo, 5 November 2003: His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday morning left Tokyo for Ise by train. At Ise, the Representatives of the Welcome Committee and the Representatives of the High Priest of Ise Shrine recieved His Holiness at Uji Yamada Station where His Holiness arrived at noon.
His Holiness visited Ise Shrine and paid His respect as per the local customs. After the luncheon hosted by the Ise Shrine authority, His Holiness briefly fielded questions from a large gathering of National & local media persons. His Holiness then had a short meeting with the High Priest of Ise Shrine & his Deputy and exchanged gifts. His Holiness expressed His pleasure over the opportunity of visit on pilgrimage to the most sacred place of Shinto religion, which His Holiness said was environmentally fresh and peaceful.
His Holiness and the Entourage then traveled by train to Nara. His Holiness was warmly welcomed by the Abbots of both the Buddhist Temples (Kufukuji Temple & Todaiji Temple) and Representatives of the local Welcome Committee. His Holiness arrived at Nara Hotel to a very warm welcome by the Hotel Management in the evening.
His Holiness is on a 12 day visit to the land of rising sun. His Holiness arrives Dharamsala on 12, November.