On January 14 and 15, 2016, KIT provided an International Student Study Tour to further student understanding of Japanese culture, industry, and natural areas in Kyoto, as well as to help them deepen their relationships with each other. Seventeen international students from South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Germany, Finland and France participated in this tour. We also had the cooperation of 4 members from KITICO, an international student support organization at KIT. The tour was all the more meaningful thanks to their interpretation and other assistance. The students came in contact with Japanese culture during their visits to Ama-no-hashidate (a top scenic site) and Kayabuki-no-Sato (village of thatched-roof houses) in Miyama, chikuwa (fish sausage) making, time with local elementary school children, mochi (rice cake) making, a hot spring visit and Kurotani-washi (traditional paper) making. Participants said:

“The elementary school children were so lovely.”
“The scenery was fantastic.”
“Soaking in the hot spring felt very good.”

This positive feedback from the international students showed that they found the tour beneficial.

• Mochi making
• Kurotani-washi making
• At Amanohashidate
• At Kayabuki-no-Sato