30/11/2025
Part 2 : As the joyous end of the year draweth nigh, many a splendid memory returneth to mind. Upon the eighth day of October, the Rotary Club of Taipei was honoured to attend a most eminent celebration within the great family of Rotary—the Centennial Grand Commemoration of the Kyoto Rotary Club.
The splendour of Kyoto unfolded before the visiting Rotarians from across the globe. The Mayor of Kyoto, together with distinguished officials from the Government of Japan, graciously delivered addresses, lending their presence to the occasion with dignity and warmth. Their words, filled with welcome and goodwill, reflected the city’s enduring commitment to fellowship and cultural preservation.
Our hosts arranged visits to Kyoto’s most revered historical landmarks, Toji (Kyō-ō Gokoku-ji) in Kyoto was founded in 796, the same year Kyoto became the capital. With over 1,200 years of history, it is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples and a famous wooden architectural site. Its five-story pagoda, rebuilt in 1644, is the tallest wooden tower in Kyoto (about 55 m) and a symbol of Toji. Each edifice and shrine bearing witness to thousands of years of tradition. The itinerary also included the renowned Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, one of the oldest sake breweries in Kyoto, where the centuries-old art of sake brewing was shared, allowing all to savour Kyoto’s carefully preserved heritage. These experiences offered Rotarians not merely sightseeing, but a true encounter with the city’s history, craft, and spirit.
The carefully planned programme brought great delight and lasting memories. Fellowship was strengthened through shared exploration, and every participant departed Kyoto enriched — impressed by the city’s grandeur and warmed by the generosity and hospitality of their hosts. The Centennial Commemoration thus provided a most enjoyable and unforgettable journey through the soul of Kyoto.
We are grateful for the photos provided by our Rotarians :
PP Building and Aries Nancy Baldwin.