We conducted an international student field trip on May 17 to broaden international students' knowledge of Japanese culture and history and deepen their exchanges.
Forty-two international students visited Hasedera Temple in Nara, where they were dressed in kimonos--Japan's traditional attire--and explored the temple grounds in their outfits. Although some students initially seemed a bit bewildered by the tight obi and the unfamiliar zori, it proved to be a valuable opportunity to directly experience traditional Japanese clothing. Furthermore, by observing the magnificent Niomon Gate and the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva--the largest wooden Buddhist statue in Japan--the students gained a meaningful and immersive experience of Buddhism.
Later, the group visited the Karako-Kagi Archaeological Museum in Tawaramoto-cho to view artifacts excavated from the Karako-Kagi ruins, one of the most prominent archaeological sites in Japan. The tour was highly praised by the participants, with students sharing comments such as, "We have similar artifacts in my home country, which gives me a sense of familiarity," and "The unique artifacts are incredibly fascinating."
Additionally, active exchanges among the international students made the trip highly meaningful.
