News and Events

Fall Study Program 2023: UEFers on the way to discover Japan's natural and cultural wonders

10/21/2023

OCTOBER 19 - UEFers carried on with their international short term program in Japan, which is organized by the UEF International Institute in coordination with Kobe International University. They visited scenic locations and gained knowledge about the cultures at the landmarks of the Land of the Rising Sun.

During the trip, the students were guided by Ms. Ohana - staff of Kobe International University, and three Japanese students to visit the Ikuta Shrine. The shrine was founded in the early 3rd century AD by Empress Jingu to honor the Kami Wakahirume, along with two other shrines Hirota Shrine worshipping Amaterasu and Nagata worshipping Kotoshiro-nushi (also known as Ebisu). There are also many traces in the Ikuta forest behind the shrine to commemorate the areas of the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani that took place in and around it.

UEFers and Japanese students paid a visit to Ikuta Shrine

Wandering around the shrine, the students arrived at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway. This is the largest herb garden in Japan with around 75,000 species of herbs and 200 year-round blooming flowers. There are 12 vast gardens, where tourists are welcomed by seasonal herbs and flowers thematically arranged. The picturesque paths following flower beds on the hillside overflowed with colors and scents of that special season. In addition, the students also experienced public transportation in this place.

UEFers explored and admired the beauty of Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Experiencing Japanese public transportations

Soon after spotting the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, the group dined on lunch featuring the region's renowned specialty - Kobe beef. This type of beef originated from Tajima subspecies of Japanese black cattle, being raised in Hyōgo, Japan under regulations established by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. Because of its taste, softness, and fatty, marbled texture, the meat is considered rare. Kobe beef is frequently used to make teppanyaki, sukiyaki, sushi, shabu-shabu, and steak. This specialty is indeed deemed one of the "three big beefs" in Japan, together with Matsusaka, Ōmi, and Yonezawa beef, collectively known as Sandai Wagyū.

UEFers enjoying Kobe beef - the specialty of Japan

After lunch, the UEF and Taiwanese student delegations were free to discover shopping districts such as Umie, Chinatown Nankinmachi, and Sannomiya in the afternoon. To be more specific, Umie Shopping Center is a popular destination for both residents and tourists to come and enjoy shopping and entertainment. The students were all joyful and enthusiastic when they embarked on the culture and lively atmosphere of Japan. In addition, they also immersed themselves in an incredibly thrilling fireworks and music celebration at Port of Kobe Square.

UEFers immersed themselves in the Japanese local culture

The trip concluded with UEFers returning to Kobe University to visit the campus and modern facilities as they came back to rest at the hotel afterward.

Port of Kobe

At the end of the second sightseeing day, UEFers accumulated numerous incredible experiences. The students had an opportunity to gain insights into other culturally diverse destinations, thus fully immersing themselves in Japanese indigenous culture. In the days ahead, there are tons of more fascinating things waiting for them. Please stay with us for the most recent details and photographs from the breathtaking country!

Quang Huy

Photos: UEF International Institute