As part of our summer school program, 21 summer school students went on an overnight trip to Kamikochi, Shirakabako (Lake Shirakaba), Matsumoto, and Tsumago-juku with Associate Professor Tomohiro Hashimoto of the Faculty of Regional Studies and staff of the International Student Affairs Office, on Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4.

Summer school students arrived at Kamikochi on the first day of the trip, and all students were surprised at the refreshing coolness of the place. Although it was drizzling when strolling around, students enjoyed the beautiful nature. Students stayed a night at Shirakabako, and visited Matsumoto Castle and Tsumago-juku on the second day. At the Matsumoto Castle, students looked curiously at the appearance and interior decorating of the castle as well as the exhibits in the castle. At Tsumago-juku students visited following the Matsumoto Castle, they deepened their knowledge about Japanese culture and history through seeing the unique streetscape of a post town.

The next activity of summer school is the Gujo Program (homestay for three nights) from Friday, July 11 to Monday, July 14.