Designed by Kimberly Chan Name: ______TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.2
As of April 2019, there are 9 UNESCO Global Geoparks and 35 Japanese National Geoparks in the Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN). Another 15 aspiring geoparks are also listed as associate members of the JGN
Hokkaido 北海道
Honshu 本州
Hiroshima 廣島 Okayama 岡山
Shikoku 四國
Kyushu 九州 TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.3
Some facts about Japan
1. Fun facts of Japan The Japanese name for Japan is “Nihon” or “Nippon” which means “sun origin”. Japan belongs to the continent of Asia. Japan is an island nation surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. The Japanese islands consist of 4 main islands (Hokkaido 北海道, Honshu 本州, the largest island, on which the capital, Tokyo, is situated, Shikoku 四國 and Kyushu 九州) and dozens of smaller isles, a total of 6,852 islands. The highest point in Japan in Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m, a dormant (sleeping) volcano, which last erupted in 1707. There are over 127 million people living in Japan, which is the tenth largest population in the world (2019). Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and also the largest city. Other major cities include Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. (大阪，名古屋，札幌) Some of the most well-known companies in the world are Japanese such as Toyota, Honda, Sony, Nintendo, Canon, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sharp. Japanese cuisine has become popular around the world. Some well-known dishes are sushi, sashimi and tempura. (壽司，刺身和天婦羅) Japan is home to many different forms of martial arts. Karate, Judo, Sumo, Ninjutsu and Kendo to name a few. (武術：空手道，柔道，相撲，忍者，劍道等等。) Sumo is recognized as the national sport of Japan, although the most popular spectator sport is baseball.
2. People and culture of Japan The Japanese are famous for their willingness to work very hard. Children are taught to show respect for others, especially parents and bosses. They learn to do what's best for their family or company and worry less about their own needs. The Japanese people have a deep affection for the beauty of the landscape. The ancient Shinto (神道) religion says natural features like mountains, waterfalls, and forests have their own spirits. Japanese food is very different from food in Western countries. There is lots of rice, fish, and vegetables, but little meat. With little fat or dairy, this diet is very healthy, which helps Japanese people live, on average, longer than any other people in the world. TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.4
3. Nature The Japanese archipelago stretches nearly 3000 km from north to south. Having many islands, mountains and valleys that split the land, a wide variety of natural environments are observed in Japan. The latitudinal extent (20° to 45° north) creates a wide range of natural landscapes from the drift ice in the seas off Hokkaido to the mangrove jungles in Okinawa. In between, there are majestic volcanoes, breathtaking coastlines and vast forests inhabited by monkeys, bears, deer, cranes and other wildlife. The warm current flows from the south into the Sea of Japan, where it meets a colder current from the north. The mixing of waters makes the seas around Japan very rich in fish and other sea life. The terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous with 66% forest. There is a lack of flat land to be made into farms, industrial or residential areas.
4. Geology Japan is located at the junction of several major tectonic plates: Eurasian Plate, Okhotsk Plate, Philippine Plate and Pacific Plate. The Pacific Plate and Philippine Plate are subduction plates. The Philippine Sea Plate moves under the Eurasian plate to the west. The Pacific Plate moves under the Okhotsk Plate to the north. These form the major subduction zones shaping the islands of Japan. These subduction plates have pulled Japan eastward and opened the Sea of Japan by back-arc spreading around 15 million years ago. The islands of Japan are located on the Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, and as a result suffer from frequent, violent earthquakes and some serious volcanic activities. There are a total of 108 active volcanoes (e.g. Mt. Fuji) in Japan, most of which provoke devastating earthquakes and tsunamis several times every century. The parts of Japanese islands facing the Pacific Ocean's Plate are typically younger and have a larger proportion of volcanic features, while parts facing the Sea of Japan are mostly heavily faulted and folded sedimentary rocks.
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5. Climate Japan is divided into six main climatic zones due to its varied latitudes, relief, monsoon and ocean currents. The climate of Japanese archipelago is mild, having four distinct seasons, and mainly belongs to the temperate zone. But Hokkaido (北海道), where winter is long and summer is short, is in the subarctic zone, while Okinawa (沖縄), rather arid and belongs to the subtropical zone. The mountain range running through the archipelago, like a backbone, splits its climate into two types. The Pacific coastal area has heavy rainfall in summer. The coast of the Japan Sea has much snow in winter. Even in the same region, climate differs greatly from season to season. Climate of the Sea of Japan (日本海 Nihonkai) Zone: (affecting Oki Islands) The northwest seasonal wind in winter gives heavy snowfall, which south of Tohoku mostly melts before the beginning of spring. In summer it is a little less rainy than the Pacific area but sometimes experiences extreme high temperatures due to the foehn wind phenomenon. Climate of the Inland Sea (瀬戸内海 Setonaikai) Zone: ( Okayama & Hiroshima) The mountains in the Chūgoku (中国) and Shikoku (四国) regions block the seasonal winds and bring mild climate and many fine days throughout the year.
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6. Economy The economy of Japan is a highly developed and market-oriented economy. It is the third-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). GDP per capita (nominal; 2019): US $41,418 ( Japan rank 26) (GDP per capita of Hong Kong is US $50,567 – Hong Kong rank 16)
A mountainous volcanic island country, Japan has inadequate natural resources to support its growing economy and large population, and therefore exports goods in which it has a comparative advantage such as engineering-oriented, research and development-led industrial products in exchange for the import of raw materials and petroleum. Facing increasing competition from China and South Korea, manufacturing in Japan today now focuses primarily on high-tech and precision goods, such as optical instruments, hybrid vehicles, and robotics. Major export goods of Japan are motor vehicles 14.9%, iron and steel products 5.4%, semiconductors 5%, auto parts 4.8%, power generating machinery 3.5% and plastic materials 3.3%. Japan is among the top-three importers for agricultural products in the world next to the European Union and United States in total volume for covering of its own domestic agricultural consumption. Japan is the world's largest single national importer of fish and fishery products. Deposits of gold, magnesium, and silver meet current industrial demands, but Japan is dependent on foreign sources for many of the minerals essential to modern industry. Iron ore, copper, bauxite, and alumina must be imported, as well as many forest products.
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7. Basic etiquette and courtesy Bowing (お辞儀) is considered extremely important in Japan. A bow can ranges from a small nod of the head to a deep bend at the waist. The deeper, longer the bow, the more respect it shows. Instead of shaking hands, remember to bow whenever you greet. Tatami: （榻榻米） A tatami (畳)is a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms. Tatami are made in standard sizes, with the length exactly twice the width. Shoes and slippers have to be removed before stepping on tatami. Shoes are a big no-no for Tatami mats, since they would damage the woven rush. Sitting on Tatami mats requires either cross-legged or Seiza (正座). Table manners: It is common to wait for everyone's order and then to start the meal with the phrase "itadakimasu" 頂きます(" Let's eat") When eating from small bowls, it is a correct manner to pick up the bowl with your hand and lift it close to your mouth when eating; however, larger types of dishes should generally not be picked up. Do not stick chopsticks into your food or rice. This is only done at funerals with rice that is put onto the altar. Do not pass food directly from your set of chopsticks to another's. Again, this is a funeral tradition that involves the bones of a cremated body.
8. Useful Japanese phrases Basic Greetings Thank you! Arigatougozaimasu - ありがとうございます You’re welcome! Douitashimashite - どういたしまして Excuse me Sumimasen - すみません How are you? Ogenkidesuka - お元気ですか Aisatsu (挨拶) Good morning! Ohayogozayimasu - おはようございます Good afternoon/ Hello! Konnichiwa - こんにちわ Good night! Kombanwa - こんばんわ Self-Introduction Good afternoon everyone! Minasan, Konnichiwa Nice to meet you. I am XXX. Hajimemashite Watashiwa xxx desu I come from Hong Kong. Honkon kara kimashita I am studying S4/5. Ima koukou ichi/ni nensei desu TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.8
Itinerary and Information about Destinations
31 July 2019 (Wed) HK Sakaiminato Time Activity Transport Remark 0915 - 1650 Gather at Hong Kong Airport HX650 Aisle J/K 1200 - 1650 HK to Yonago airport Flight 1746 - 1802 Airport to Sakaiminato Station Train Checking at hotel: Sakaiminato Yunagi no Yu Onyado Nono 1 Aug 2019 (Thu) Nishinoshima, Oki Islands 0730 - 0830 Breakfast at hotel Hotel to Shichirui Port Charter bus 0930 - 1205 Shichirui port to Beppu port Ferry
1215 - 1245 Lunch 1245 - 1330 Learn about Nishinoshima Island and the Oki Walk Islands UGGp • Nishinoshima Furusato-kan Museum • Kuroki Gosho 1330 - 1345 Museum to loghouses Hotel bus Hotel bus: 28 ppl Town hall car: 8 ppl 1400 - 1730 Fabric Dyeing Experience (using Oki red clay) Walk • Prepare to get dirty at Takuhi-gama • Wear old or • Students separated into two groups (one disposable clothes 14:00-15:40; second 15:50-17:30) • Bring slippers/ flip • While one group does fabric dyeing. The flops to change other can either rest, or walk to the coast/small village nearby.
Check-in at hotel: Oki Reso Rosage Hotel Walk Dinner at hotel & overnight in loghouses
Oki Islands (隠岐諸島
The Oki Islands are a cluster of small islands in the Sea of Japan about 80 km off the north coast of Shimane Prefecture (島根縣) in western Japan. The four largest islands are inhabited with a total population of less than 22,000 people. The largest island is Dogo (島后), and the other three islands, Nishinoshima (西島), Nakanoshima (中島), and Chiburijima (知夫里島), are collectively known as Dozen (島前). TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.9
By 30,000 years ago, people were already living here, and during the Stone Age the volcanic rock obsidian (黑曜石) was excavated and traded around Japan. During the middle ages, the islands were a place of remote island exile for nobles like Emperor Godaigo (醍醐天皇), and during the early modern period, they were a port of call for merchant ships sailing the Kita-mae-bune (北前船 Northern Bound Ships) Trading Route on the Sea of Japan. Ships often had to stay and wait out sea storms. With each era, the Oki Islands have played a significant role.
With such a unique history, a landscape that provides glimpses of how the Sea of Japan formed, and an ecosystem that is full of mysteries, the Oki Islands are invaluable, even from a global perspective. The Oki islands were included in the Daisen-Oki National Park (大山隠岐国立公園) in 1963, and more recently being classified as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2013.
The Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark (隱岐聯合國教科文組織世界地質公園)
The Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses four inhabited and many uninhabited islands. As isolated islands, marine life and the fisheries industry is of central importance to the way of life of the people. In consideration of this, aside from land area, the geopark also includes 1km of sea area from the coastline. The geopark has a total area of 673.5 km² (land area 346.0 km² and marine area 327.5 km²).
Geological history The Continental Age (250 -26 million year ago) Around 250 million years ago, there was a large landmass called Pangaea. The land that became the Japanese Archipelago was part of Pangaea. Due to plate movements, Japan gradually separated from Pangaea. The Oki Gneiss (隐岐片麻岩) found on the exposed summits of Dogo Island is among the oldest rocks so far found in Japan. It is a type of metamorphic rock (變質岩) that formed deep underground in Pangaea under intense heat and pressure. Formation of the Sea of Japan (26-10 million years ago) Starting with plate movement that began around 26 million years ago, the Japan archipelago gradually began moving away from the Eurasian supercontinent. As the land was stretched out and thinned, parts of it sank. Water gathered in the depression that formed and a large lake formed in the area between Japan and Eurasia. The splitting continued, and sea water entered into the lake. This is the birth of the Sea of Japan. At this time, Oki was deep at the bottom of this sea. A sedimentary rock TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.10
called green tuff was formed. It contained fossils of warm-temperature species such as crocodile teeth, soft-shelled turtles and bivalves etc. Volcanic Island Era (10-5 million years ago) The Dōzen Islands have an unusual landscape. In the middle is a tall mountain surrounded by a ring of islands. This landscape was formed by a large-scale volcanic eruption from the central mountain followed by a collapse of the land. The Dōzen Caldera was formed around five million years ago. 1. A large volcano was formed by volcanic activities. 2. Large amount of lava and ash were ejected. The volcano became hollow and collapsed, forming a caldera. 3. More eruptions occurred and a new pyroclastic cone was formed. 4. After the eruption, the bottom half of the volcano sank under the sea.
From Peninsula to Islands (400,000 years ago – now) Large-scale volcanic activity ended nearly 400,000 years ago, During the last glacial period 20,000 years ago, the Oki Islands had a land connection to the Shimane Peninsula. However, as warming continued with the end of the glacial period, sea levels rose. The land connection between Oki and the Shimane Peninsula was gradually submerged. Finally, about 10,000 years ago, the Oki Islands became the outlying islands they are today. Rough waves, wind and rain of the Sea of Japan eroded away parts of the islands to form the landscape that we see today.
Ecosystem Oki has an unusual ecosystem. In Oki, various species that are normally distributed in different environments are found in the same place. Vegetation normally found in Hokkaido (Northern Japan) exists right alongside vegetation normally found in Okinawa (Southern Japan). Continental plant life, alpine (高山) plant life, even glacial-era plant life coexist in low-lying areas along the coastline. This strange distribution of plant life provide diverse habitats for Oki’s insect and animal life, so that life forms from both the northern and southern extremities of Japan are found on the islands. TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.11
The reason for the unique ecosystem of the Oki Islands is still unclear, but possible explanations are: During the last glacial period 20000 years ago, there was a land connection between the Oki Islands and Shimane Peninsula. The ‘land bridge’ allowed continental and glacial species to migrate to the islands. The Oki Islands became outlying islands separated from the mainland 10,000 years ago. The isolation of the islands and the absence of large mammals allowed the evolution of endemic species (特有物種) such as Oki dandelion (隐岐蒲公英), Oki salamander (隐岐小鲵) and Yamane (睡鼠 Japanese dormouse). The Tsushima Warm Current (對馬暖流) that flows through the Sea of Japan brings marine creatures that generally inhabit warmer tropical and sub-tropical environments in the south. Examples are diamond squid (菱鰭烏賊) and Kurokizuta seaweed (黑木蔦). The warm moist air above the Tsushima Warm Current brings a high amount of rainfall, snow and fog to the Oki Islands. This mild, humid and wet environment is suitable for a wide variety of species.
Culture and life The Oki Islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age, and numerous artifacts such as obsidian tools from the Jōmon (縄文時代), Yayoi (弥生時代) and Kofun (古墳時代) periods have been found by archaeologists, indicating continuous human occupation and trading activities. During the late Heian period (平安時代), due to its remoteness, Oki became a place for political exile. Government officials and court nobles, among them two emperors (Emperor Gotoba 鳥羽天皇& Emperor Godaigo 醍醐天皇), were sent there to carry out Emperor Godaigo is believed their sentences of remote to have spent around a year in island exile. Individuals exiled the Kuroki-gosho (黒木御所) to the Oki Islands introduced after he was exiled to the Oki culture and performing arts Islands in 1332. from the capital. Oki flourished as a port of call of the Kita-mae-bune (北前船 Northern Bound Ships) from the mid Edo Period (1608 – 1868) to around 1897. These advanced merchant ships that travelled from Osaka all the way up to Hokkaido along the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. They conducted commercial activity at ports they docked at along the way. Sailors and visitors brought folk songs from many different places around Japan to the Oki Islands. The people of the Oki Islands have lived alongside the land created by volcanic activity and garnered the skills required to utilize it in their way of life. In order to survive on steep and barren land with few TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.12 flat areas, the people devised a unique four-field farming system called Makihata (畜牧兼耕種). Gently-sloping land formed by lava flow or landslides is used for terrace farming and rice cultivation. Also, to provide a safe method of transportation between villages, dug tunnels in a cliff are made by pyroclastic flow six million years ago. 2 Aug 2019 (Fri) Nakanoshima & Nishinoshima, Oki Islands Time Activity Transport Remark AM Breakfast at the hotel 0815 - 0830 Hotel to Port Charter bus 0840 - 0850 Beppu (Nishinoshima) to Hishiura Ferry (Nakanoshima) 0900 - 1200 Nakanoshima Island Tour (3hr) Geosites Tour 1200 - 1245 Lunch (bento box) in the port area 1255 - 1310 Hishiura (Nakanoshima) to Beppu Ferry (Nishinoshima) Beppu Port to Sotohama Beach Charter bus 1330 - 1700 Marine sports experience – Sea kayaking • Wear swimsuit experience inside a small bay (students wear • Separate into three life jackets; professional instructors present) groups
Sotohama Beach to Loghouses (Nishinoshima) Charter bus Oki Reso Rosage Loghouses Dinner at hotel Overnight in the loghouses Akiya Coast (明屋海岸)
The red rock that composes the cliff is called scoria (火山渣), and was formed by layer upon layer of lava that spurted out of the volcano. Volcanic bombs are found inside the bright red rocks along the coast. The lava that flowed out of the volcano in this area is believed to have created the lowland area of Nakanoshima Island.
Natural springs Tengawa-no-mizu (天川之水)
This spring is said to have been named in the Nara Period (710 – 794) by the famous buddhist priest Gyoki (行基). It is designated Volcanic bombs found in scoria one of the Top 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of Shimane (日本百大名水) and has never dried up. It produces an impressive 400 tonnes of water daily. In the past it was used as a private water supply system, although today it is used for agriculture.
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3 Aug 2019 (Sat) Nishinoshima, Oki Islands Time Activity Transport Remark AM Breakfast at the hotel AM Tour of Nishinoshima’s culture and shrines: Charter bus Takuhi Shrine & Yurahime Shrine Lunch in 3 different restaurants R1 : 1 teacher and 9 students R2 : 2 teachers and 18 students R3 : 3 students, Susanna, guide and 4 Oki staff PM Hiking tour of the coastal erosion and volcanic Charter bus Bring hat, sun landscape of Kuniga Coast Kuniga block lotion and • Akao Lookout Point & Kuniga Coast Coast Boat sunglasses Hiking Trail (Matengai Cliff, Tenjōkai Stacks & Tsūtenkyō Arch) 1800 BBQ for dinner Overnight in loghouses
Takuhi Shrine (焼火神社)
This shrine is set two-thirds of the way up Mt. Takuhi (焼火山), and the innermost building sits within a cave. It is the oldest shrine on Nishinoshima. Since long ago, the deity of this shrine has been worshipped as the deity of maritime safety and the mountain itself has served the function of a landmark leading to the safe inner sea of the Dozen Caldera. Sailors on the great trading ships would hold rituals on board to the deity here when they passed nearby on their way down the Sea of Japan coast. The annual festival, held on July 23, takes place in the priests' house and features kagura dances (島前神 楽) performed throughout the night.
Yurahime Shrine (良比女神社)
This was one of the highest ranked shrines in Shimane (and Japan) in ancient times. The shrine is located at the head of a narrow, curving inlet, and the torii (鳥居) is actually in the shallow water in front of the shrine. It is dedicated to Yurahime no mikoto (良比女神), the deity of fishing. Legends has it that one day she was out on the water in a vessel of some sort. Trailing her hand in the water a squid bit her finger, and as an act of atonement for this misbehavior shoals of squid started to come all the way into the narrow bay right up to the shrine and would allow themselves to be caught by the waiting people. The island's symbol, appearing on the manhole covers and at other places all over the island is a squid, and the name of the inlet where the shrine is located is Ikayosenohama (Squid Bay). TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.14
Kuniga Coast (国賀海岸) Hiking Trail
Kuniga Coast stretches from north to west along Nishinoshima Island. This incredible coastal scenery was carved by powerful waves in the northwest of the Oki Islands which are created by the strong northwesterly winds from the continent. It is a text-book example of coastal erosion. All manners of coastal eroded landforms such as cliffs, sea caves, natural arches and stacks can be seen here. Akao Lookout (赤尾展望所) The lookout at the southern end of Kuniga Bay provides an overview of the whole coast. From this 220m high vantage point you can see down to the beach area with its collection of sculpted rock formations, caves, the Tsutenkyo Arch and the majestic Matengai Cliff to the north. Matengai Cliff (摩天崖) Matengai is a 257m high cliff. It is an extremely steep and tall cliff that boasts being one of the highest in Japan. Grass spreads atop the hill and on the top of Matengai are grazing cattle and horses, with idyllic meadows spreading all around the area. Layers of alternating colour (dark grey and dark red) can be seen along the steep face of the cliff. Each layer was formed by a lava flow. Lava exposed to the air became dark red because of oxidation, and the unexposed lava remained dark grey in colour. Tenjōkai Stacks (天上界) Known as Tenjokai, the Heavenly World, most of the rock stacks have names, like Kannon-iwa (Buddhist Deity Rock), Zobana-iwa (Elephant Nose Rock), Kaeru-iwa (Frog Rock) etc. If the sea is calm it is possible to clamber down and explore the tidal pools and view the rock formations from different angles.
Tenjōkai Stacks on the left, and Tsūtenkyō Arch on the right
Tsūtenkyō Arch (通天橋) It is a sea arch formed by land collapsing around sea caves. If the sea arch collapses, a stack will be formed.
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4 Aug 2019 (Sun) Oki Islands Yakage Time Activity Transport Remark Breakfast at the hotel 1080/person Travel to the Beppu port and prepare to board Hotel bus Pick up lunch bento at ferry 10:00 1020 - 1320 Ferry to Sakaiminato Port Ferry Lunch on the ferry 1330 - 1630 Travel to Yakage (Yakage Machiya Kouryukan) Charter bus 1700 Making small wooden barrel set at the Yakage Machiya Kouryukan Check in at hotel: Yakageya Inn & Suite (Susanna stays at another hotel about 200m away) Dinner at hotel 5 Aug 2019 (Mon) Yakage & Okayama Time Activity Transport Remark 0900 - 1000 Exchange with Junior High School students at Charter bus • Wear tour T-shirt the Yakage Machiya Kouryukan • Kaneko San, DMO, • Sharing with local students (20 local Tago & Sonia of students (17 girls & 3 boys) in 9 groups Yakage will assist • Japanese old play & making barrel set 1000 - 1115 Visit Yakage Street with local students Walk • Visit in 3 large groups • Honjin, Ishii Soy sauce and carp pond 1115 - 1200 Take bus to Era and visit paddy field Charter bus Group 1 & 2 take Bus 1, Group 3 on Bus 2 1200 - 1400 BBQ lunch 1430 - 1600 Take charter bus to Okayama Charter bus 1600 - 1630 Check-in at hotel: Okayama Koraku Hotel 1630 - 1700 Change JR pass at Okayama Station Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass for 5 day 1630 - 2030 Free time and dinner in shopping centre at Okayama Station 2030 Overnight in hotel
Okayama 岡山（おかやま） - The Land of Sunshine
Okayama Prefecture, in the southern part of Japan’s Honshu island, is known for its mostly rural landscapes, feudal castles and several notable art museums. It is bounded on the south by the Inland Sea. The capital, Okayama City, is home to Korakuen (後楽園), a formal garden completed in 1700, and 16th-century Okayama Castle. It is blessed with minimal rain and a mild climate. TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.16
Yakage (矢掛町)
Yakage Town is an independent town in southwest Okayama Prefecture with a population of around 15,000. It is a microcosm of Japan in so many ways, from the flowing rivers to the rolling hills and mountains. The town possesses so many of the Japanese cultural elements loved by admirers around the world. It is the home to a former post station along the San'yōdō (山陽道) and contains a sub-honjin from the Edo period (江戶時代). Yakage is known for its sweets, in particular “Yubeshi”, a cake made with yuzu citrus fruit (柚子柑 橘類). It goes really well with green tea. Locally produced udon noodles are quite popular Honjin 本陣
Between 1600 and 1868, Japan was ruled by a feudal Japanese military government (bakufu 幕府) known as the Tokugawa Shogunate (徳川幕府). The head of government was the shōgun, and each was a member of the Tokugawa clan. The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled from Edo Castle and the years of the shogunate became known as the Edo period (江戶時代). To strengthen central control over the daimyōs (大名 major feudal lords) and to ensure their loyalty, the policy of sankin-kōtai (参勤交代 "alternate attendance") was established. It required the daimyōs of every han (藩) to move periodically between Edo and his fief, typically spending alternate years in each place. His wife and heir were required to remain in Edo as hostages while he was away. The expenditures necessary to maintain lavish residences in both places, and for the procession to and from Edo, placed financial strains on the daimyo, making them unable to wage war. The frequent travel of the daimyo encouraged road building and the construction of inns and facilities along the routes, generating economic activity. The main routes between Edo and the provinces were the kaidō (街道). Special lodgings, the honjin (本陣), were available to daimyōs during their travels. Honjin is the Japanese word for an inn for government officials, generally located in post stations (shukuba 宿場). Old Yakage Honjin (舊矢掛本陣石井家住宅) is is a group of estates that served as resting places and lodging for samurai between the 17th and 19th centuries. During this time, Yakage prospered as a post town for samurai from all over Japan on their way to modern-day Tokyo.
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6 Aug 2019 (Tue) Okayama Hiroshima Time Activity Transport Remark 0800 - 0850 Breakfast at hotel 0900 - 0950 Travel to Hiroshima by train and leave luggage JR JR pass for at the hotel non-reserved seats Okayama to Hiroshima (Shinkansen only Nozomi, ~35 mins) 0950 - 1100 Travel to Miyajima-Itstukushima Shrine JR & ferry JR pass • 廣島至宮島口 (山陽本線)JR 宮島渡輪 (1hr 10 mins) 1100 - 1400 Visit Itsukushima Shrine Walk 1400 - 1500 Making rice scoop at Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center 1500 - 1630 Check-in at APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae JR & ferry JR pass 1630 - 2030 Free time and dinner Buy breakfast for 7/8 2030 Overnight at hotel 7 Aug 2019 (Wed) Hiroshima HK Time Activity Transport Remark Breakfast (self-prepared / purchased on 6/8) 0830 - 0900 Check-out and store luggage at hotel Wear tour T-shirt 0900 - 0930 Hotel to Hiroshima peace memorial park Walk 0930 - 1130 Visit Hiroshima peace memorial park and Guided by Ms Kou museum (090-4659-5004)
1130 - 1300 Lunch 1300 - 1430 Visit area around Hiroshima Castle Walk 1500 - 1530 Back to hotel and collect luggage Travel to Osaka Kansai Airport JR JR pass for • Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka: non-reserved seats Shinkansen Nozomi (81 mins) only • Shin-Osaka to Kansai Airport Ltd. Exp Haruka (50 mins) Dinner at Kansai Airport 2300 – 0155 Flight to Hong Kong HX613
Itsukushima Shrine (嚴島神社)
The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima (宮島) is the source of both the island's fame and its name. Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as "Miyajima", literally "shrine island" in Japanese. Miyajima Island has a long history as a holy site of Shinto. The island's highest peak, Mount Misen TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.18
(彌山) , was worshiped by local people as early as the 6th century. The Itsukushima shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto (須佐之男命). Otherwise known as the sanjoshin or "three female deities", these Shinto deities are the goddesses of seas and storms. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, a main hall and a noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.
Itsukushima Shrine viewed from the sea during low tide
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park (廣島和平記念資料館及公園)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack, and to the memories of the bomb's direct and indirect victims. The location of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was once the city’s busiest downtown commercial and residential district. The park was built on an open field that was created by the explosion. Today there are a number of memorials and monuments, museums, and lecture halls, which draw over a million visitors annually. Atomic Bomb Dome At 8:15am on 6th August 1945, the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on Hiroshima. The atrium of the then Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was almost directly below the hypocenter of the bomb. Although the building sustained heavy damage, it managed to escape complete destruction. The dome acts as a reminder of the force and untold suffering caused by the bomb, while continuing to symbolize the fight to rid the world of nuclear weapons and bring about world peace. The site was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony Every year on 6 August, "A-Bomb Day," the City of Hiroshima holds the Ceremony to console the victims of the atomic bombs and to pray for the realization of lasting world peace. The ceremony is held in the morning from 8:00, in front of the Memorial Cenotaph with many citizens including the families of the deceased. During the ceremony, a one-minute silence to honor the victims is observed at 8:15, the time of the atomic bomb's explosion. In the evening of the same day, the Lantern Ceremony is held to send off the spirits of the victims on lanterns with peace messages floating on the waters of the Motoyasu River (元安川). TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.19
Reminders & Regulations
A. Things to do during the visits 1. Collect relevant information during the visits and ask appropriate questions. 2. Respect and pay attention to the speakers when they introduce a certain point or area under study. 3. Write your learning diary. 4. Share and report the things you have learnt in the reflection activity at night when you return to the hotel. 5. Assist in the presentation of the field trip publicly if necessary.
B. Regulations for Tour Members 1. Students are forbidden to go out on their own in order to avoid accidents. 2. Students must be punctual in all activities. 3. No smoking and alcoholic drinks. 4. Take care of your personal belongings and travel documents. Do not bring a large amount of money. 5. Pay attention to the restrictions of travel spots. Do not destroy the local environment. 6. Students must take part in all kinds of activities actively and enthusiastically so as to reap the most benefits from them. 7. Students must obey the rules of the hotel while staying there. To avoid affecting others, loud talking is not encouraged. 8. Free time ends at 11pm normally. Students should go to bed afterward unless they have teachers’ approval. 9. Students should pay attention to the rules below while traveling on the JR/coach: Students should remain seated. Do not stand, walk or fool around on the coach. No loud talking or talking with the coach driver. Do not put any parts of your body out of the window while the coach is on the move. 10. Students should consult teachers if they encounter any problems during the study tour.
C. Safety tips 1. Pay attention to the evacuation exit and routes in the hotel, check the windows and the location of the fire fighting equipment in your room. 2. Put the room keys in a fixed location so that you can take it quickly even in the dark. 3. Check whether the door and the windows of your room are locked before going out or going to bed. 4. Students should bring along with them address and telephone number of the hotel they stay at, and the local emergency telephone number. 5. Pay attention to different kinds of warnings. E.g. do not wander around or feed the animals in wildlife sanctuaries. 6. Students are forbidden to go out on their own.
TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.20
My Learning Log
Guiding Questions: 1. What have you visited today? 2. What have you learnt from the visits? 3. Can you apply things learnt from the visits in Hong Kong? “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” — James Michener Day 1: 31-7-2019 (WED)
Day 2: 1-8-2019 (THU) “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” —Tim Cahill
TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.21
Day 3: 2-8-2019 (FRI) “The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” —Bill Bryson
Day 4: 3-8-2019 (SAT) “If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears.”—Glenn Clark
TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.22
Day 5: 4-8-2019 (SUN) “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” — Jawaharal Nehru
Day 6: 5-8-2019 (MON) “One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.” — Edith Wharton “Write, write, write and the words will appear.” Jackee Holder
TLMSHK Japan Geopark Student Exchange Programme 2019– Handbook P.23
Day 7: 6-8-2019 (TUE) “By getting your thoughts out of your head and putting them down in writing, you gain insights you might otherwise never see.” Marti L McCarthy
Day 8: 7-8-2019 (WED)
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ― Henry Miller