Japan Study Tour 2008
In May, 2008, Dr. Allan Bird and Professor Elizabeth Eckelkamp accompanied
nineteen students on a study tour of Japan. For two weeks they experienced a
fascinating blend of the traditional and the modern – a cultural exploration
combined with a study of a vibrant economy.
The trip began with seven days in Tokyo where students were able to visit
such prominent Japanese companies as Canon, C. Itoh, and Tokyo Star Bank.
They also were able to experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony,
followed by a real Japanese obento for dinner - squid and all! Next they
stopped at Rikkyo University, where both Japanese and U.S. student
participated in a roundtable discussion that was followed by a dinner reception.
Their last day in Tokyo was spent at the Asakusa Shrine enjoying the Sanja Matsuri Festival. The colorful parade and delicious treats from street vendors made for
an exciting farewell to Tokyo.
The following day, students explored the U.N. World Heritage Site at Nikko and the Toshogu Shrine complex. Nikko has beautiful, colorful temples, contemplative scenery, and it
goes on and on and on. The students were awed.
Kyoto was the next destination, and the students were treated to the many
beautiful temples and cultural sites of this historic city. Once again, students
had an opportunity to meet with Japanese students from a partner university -- Kyoto
Sangyo University. As a special treat, the group was able to visit the Imperial Palace,
which is generally not open to public visits. On the last day the group took
the train to Nara to see the many tame deer, the huge Buddha at Todaiji, and
the hundreds of moss covered lanterns.