28 international students and 6 faculty members of Tokyo University of the Arts participated the 2015 annual university excursion on November 24th and 25th, 2015, through which students deepened their understanding of Japanese culture and history.

This year’s destination was Hokuto city, Yamanashi prefecture, located at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. Students enjoyed various activities, such as making local specialty “Hoto” and visiting a former post station town of the Edo period.
On the second day, they visited Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum to appreciate the artworks by Mr. Ikuo Hirayama, a renowned Japanese painter and former president of Tokyo University of the Arts.

Despite an unfavorable weather forecast, we were blessed with a sunny weather and enjoyed the fresh air of the highlands.

Many of the students who had not known each other very well started their friendship through this two-day experience. We hope they will lead an enjoyable student life in Japan with a precious memory of the excursion.

International students from 14 countries and 1 region got on a bus and enjoyed the two-day trip.

Participants savored the taste of “Hoto” cooked by themselves.

Students learned about local history through the exhibition of Jomon potteries and Dogu clay figures at Hokuto Archaeological Museum .

Students experienced Japanese culture through various activities.