Tea ceremony experience at Hakusetsurou (Kamikamagari Island)

On May 23rd, as part of the “Globalization Support Internship” (International Center International Education Division: Associate Professor Naomi Tsunematsu) class, the “International Historical Exchange Tour (Akinada Tobishima Kaido)” was held for Hiroshima University Study Abroad (HUSA) students. 36 students from 14 countries participated in the event.

The international students visited the Shimokamagari Island, Kamikamagari Island, and Oosakishimo Island in the Seto Inland Sea. With the guide by Hiroshima prefecture Kure city industries office tourist department and local sightseeing volunteers, the students were able to experience Japanese historical resources and cultures still remaining in local areas.

At the Shimokamagari Island, they visited the Shotoen and Hakusetsurou. The Shotoen is a reproduction of the grand welcome that Korean envoys received when they arrived to Japan during the Edo period. They experienced tea ceremony at Hakusetsurou (tea ceremony house) and also experienced being an international tourist guide. They had to communicate Japanese culture and history to visitors. At the Oosakishimo Island’s port Mitarai, the students interacted with Kure city staff, walked around the townscape preservation area, and learned about the history of Edo period’s logistics and culture. On the same island, they visited Sumiyoshi Shrine and Ebisu shrine where the chief of tourist department told stories relating to the area.

The international students experienced Japanese culture still existing in local areas and warm hospitality by the local people and Kure city staff.

Photograph in front of the “Kagayaki no kan” at the Hiroshima Prefectural Beach (Kamikamagari Island)

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Hiroshima University International Center Education Division (Associate Professor Naomi Tsunematsu)

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