Meet Our Administrative Assistant!

Hello everyone! I’m Yukari Hori and I’m an Administrative Assistant at CIEE Kyoto. I joined CIEE Kyoto from March to August 2025 as a seasonal staff member, and now I’ve come back! 

Thank you so much for reading my blog – I enjoy taking pictures of landscapes with my camera, so I’ll introduce myself with photos! 

One of my biggest international experiences is my university life in Australia. I was born and raised in Kyoto in my entire life, and as I grew up learning English, I wanted to learn something in English. Also, I’ve wanted to live in another country by myself. Then I made a decision to go to Australia. I still remember that with a mix of anxiety and anticipation, I boarded the flight to Gold Coast, Australia. I spent days and days with studying, preparing for exams all in English in university. I won’t forget how hard that situation was for me. However, as a result, throughout my university life, I’ve met so many good friends from all over the world and we all survived. I believe that this experience led to my current position at CIEE! 

This is the view of Gold Coast, which I absolutely love! I miss it – and my friends – so much.
 

Growing up in Kyoto, I encountered many different landscapes. Here are some of my favorites!

This is what I took at Kifune Shrine. This is famous for its association with water, rain, and good fortune, as well as for love and matchmaking blessings. It enshrines a Shinto deity believed to govern water, rainfall, and the creation of life, and the shrine has long been worshipped as a guardian of Kyoto’s water sources. It’s a perfect place to relax because it is surrounded by rich nature, with fresh mountain air, flowing rivers, and a quiet, sacred atmosphere that helps visitors feel calm and refreshed.

This is the Ine town, which is a small coastal town in northern Kyoto, famous for its traditional boat houses. These unique houses are built directly over the water, with boats stored on the first floor and living spaces above, creating a picturesque seaside landscape. It’s far from Kyoto city, but it’s definitely worth visiting to experience this unique seaside landscape. The calm bay lined with traditional funaya boat houses creates a peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere, and the beautiful view feels almost unreal. It’s truly an amazing sight, isn’t it?

I can understand how hard it is for you all who work very hard by yourself in a foreign country. But stepping out of your comfort zone will open countless possibilities to see and hear things you never knew.  
If you happen to see me in the office, feel free to talk to me! I hope you’ll come to love Kyoto!