Japan 11.08.2012 - 24.08.2012
● | 11.08.2012 Tokyo 東京 |
Our trip will start with a 4-day stay in the capital Tokyo 東京 where we will have company workshops and get in touch with students from Waseda university. Furthermore, we will offer opportunities to gain an insight in Japan's political world and to discuss the contemporary challenges including the nuclear debate with the actual stakeholders. An introduction into Japanese calligraphy shows the everlasting relation to the ancient arts of China, in the midst of the capital. The stay in Tokyo will offer a glimpse into contemporary challenges of Japan. |
● | 15.08.2012 Kyoto 京都 |
After this intensive start we will head to the relaxing ancient capital Kyoto 京都 where we discover Japanese history and art by bicycle – as the locals do. We will track the Chinese influence in Ryoan-ji temple that features the timeless Zen stone garden and the traces of the superior Korean skills in the art of ceramics. In addition, we will talk to people who try to protect Kyoto’s beauty and stop the demolition of old buildings. |
● | 16.08.2012 Nara 奈良 |
The even older capital Nara 奈良 shows us the spread of the mainland religion Buddhism. We will visit the Todai-ji temple which is still the biggest wooden building in the world and famous for the big Buddha (daibutsu) statue. We will discover Japan’s religious diversity where you are born as a Shintoist and die as a Buddhist |
● | 17.08.2012 Osaka 大阪 |
Get to know Osaka 大阪, the capital of the Kansai area, where not only the dialect is different, but also the people, and even the electricity network. The historical importance of Osaka, including the turmoil during warrior class Japan, the development of the first futures on rice and it’s role as the cradle of traditional puppet theatre, will offer us a starting point to discover Japan’s history deeper. Having explored the Kansai area, we move to Kyushu. |
● | 19.08.2012 Yakushima 屋久島 |
A hike through the untouched forest of Yakushima 屋久島 will give the participants time to digest their plentiful experiences, rounded off with a relaxing soak in a hot spring (onsen). |
● | 20.08.2012 Hiroshima 広島 |
Having been the first city to experience the destroying force of an atomic bomb, Hiroshima 広島 will provide us with a starting point to deepen our knowledge of Japan's role in the 2nd World War. We will learn about the faith of the city that continues to campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for lasting world peace by visiting the Peace Memorial museum and join millions of people that have folded a crane for the victims. |
● | 21.08.2012 Tokyo 東京 |
Back in the capital Tokyo 東京, the hanabi (firework) season is coming to a spectacular end, and we will mingle with the yukata-wearing crowd. Additionally, the participants will have the opportunity to pursue their own interests. The whole trip will end with a traditional Japanese izakaya dinner and a Karaoke night – as contemporary Japanese often do. |
* The program is still subject to change.