Date and Time: Monday, November 4 (substitute holiday) 8:25 a.m. – 4: 50 p.m.
Venues: Kashima Jingu Shrine and Aiyu Brewery
Participants: 25 people (8 foreigners)

Under the clear autumn sky, the Cross-Cultural Activities Department and Culture Lectures for Foreigners co-hosted a memorable bus　tour.　　　　　　 (No.24-16)

Twenty-two people, including four AIRA staff members and eight exchange students from Chuo Gakuin University, participated in this bus tour. This was AIRA’s second visit to a shrine since their trip to Katori Jingu in 2022.

On the way to the shrine, the participants introduced themselves, and Mr..Kuroda, who is from Sawara City, introduced Sawara and its neighboring region. Also, the tour organizer gave guidance about the origin of Kashima Jingu Shrine and the differences between Jingu, Taisha, and general shrines. Touching Japanese history, he explained that Katori Jingu and Kashima Jingu were important bases in Kanto, second to Ise Jingu, for conquering Ezo during the ancient Yamato period.

At Kashima Jingu, there were many families who came for Shichi-Go-San (a celebration for 7, 5, and 3–year–old children). The participants of the bus tour enjoyed strolling in the precinct and were refreshed by forest bathing. They also visited the deer garden, the monument of Matsuo Basho, a famous haiku poet, and Mitarai Pond, which is known as a power spot.

They had lunch at “Shikitei” and enjoyed Japanese food in a quiet atmosphere.

After lunch, they visited Aiyu Brewery, a Japanese sake maker, where they learned how Japanese sake is made. “Sugidama," a cedar ball hung at the front of a liquor shop is a sign that the new sake of the year is ready. The man who makes Sugidama explained that the ball changes from green to brown, showing that the sake is maturing.

After the visit to the brewery, they started heading home, with a brief stop on the way.

Jingu, Japanese food, and Japanese sake—this bus tour, blessed with good weather, was a valuable experience of Japanese culture for the international students.

(Translated by Chizu Yamaguchi)