Program & Excursions

Overview

Himeji is a city blessed with rich natural surroundings, facing the Seto Inland Sea. This tour includes a cruise around the Ieshima Islands, located off the coast of Himeji, where participants will have the opportunity to observe local fisheries in action.
Participants will learn directly from island fishermen who are working on the front lines to address various challenges facing the sea and to promote sustainable fisheries. For lunch, participants will enjoy a Japanese-style meal featuring fresh seafood.

• *Please note that the tour itinerary may be subject to change due to severe weather or other circumstances.
• *As this tour includes boarding a boat to observe local fisheries in action, participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing.
• *The boat is equipped with seating, restrooms, and air conditioning.

Overview

This tour takes participants to Engyoji Temple, located on Mount Shosha in northern Himeji, where they can experience a glimpse of the world of monks through activities such as Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and sutra copying.
Founded approximately 1,000 years ago, Engyoji Temple has long welcomed visitors from across Japan. Many of its temple buildings are designated cultural properties, and participants will have the opportunity to experience Japanese history and culture in a solemn setting created by nature and historic architecture.

• *Please note that the tour itinerary may be subject to change due to severe weather or other circumstances.
• *As there are many slopes and stairs, participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Since Engyoji Temple is located on the mountain, warm clothing is also recommended.

Overview

Blessed with rich nature, Kyoto City served as the capital of Japan for over a millennium. As a premier center of art, culture, and tradition, it continues to attract people from around the world. The city boasts 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each representing a major landmark of immense cultural and historic value.
This excursion includes tours of three of these sites: Nijo-jo Castle, Ninnaji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). As an optional tour, local senior high school students will guide you through the hotel area to a popular souvenir shopping spot. If you wish to participate in this optional tour, please contact the City of Kyoto at lhcs@city.kyoto.lg.jp.

Overview

【Nara Park】
Adjacent to the World Heritage site Todaiji Temple, this vast, lush park stretches 4 km from east to west and 2 km from north to south. It is home to over 1,400 wild deer a national natural treasure that roam freely and are cherished as "divine messengers of the gods." This is a globally unique spot where visitors can interact with the deer and feed them "shika-senbei" (deer crackers).

【Heijo Palace Site】
This is the former site of the Imperial Palace of Heijo-kyo, which flourished as the capital of Japan 1,300 years ago. The vast grounds feature reconstructed structures such as the majestic Suzaku Gate and the Great Audience Hall, both rebuilt on an awe-inspiring scale. Here, you can experience the lifestyle of the ancient imperial family and nobility and feel the very beginnings of the Japanese nation. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

【Yakushiji Temple】
Yakushiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,300 years of history. It is widely renowned for its vibrant vermilion-lacquered complex and the East Pagoda—a three-storied structure often called "frozen music" and praised as one of the most beautiful towers in Japan. The temple enshrines Yakushi Nyorai(a National Treasure), the Buddha of Healing, to whom visitors pray for health and recovery.