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QUBES are on the move! Here we will share our fun and exciting activities we had both on and off campus. Keep your eye on our exploration of study life in Japan.
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[15.10.25]
IUPE Welcome Trip for Newcomers – 2015
So as to welcome the new students for IUPE for fall semester 2015, a two-day trip was organized to visit several scenic places in Kumamoto Prefecture. The objectives of this trip were to create student interaction, introduce Japanese culture and get a start to adapt to the new surroundings and people. In fact, this gave the first impression of Japan and Fukuoka to the freshmen.
Two buses were arranged and the faculty members and student supporters accompanied all the first year and second year students to the buses. On the way to the destination in the bus, newcomers joined their seniors in many entertaining items like singing and playing games. It was really entertaining and added a joyful atmosphere to the trip.
The first destination was Kumamoto Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Kumamoto Castle also known as ‘Ginnan’ Castle (ginkgo castle) is regarded as one of the 3 best castles in Japan. It is famous for the magnificent cherry trees (ginkgo tree) in its grounds, which is the reason for it to have that name. It was hard to climb up to the topmost floor of the castle, but once when we reached there, the sight was amazingly stupendous. The castle showcased the immense skills of the ancient engineers of Japan.
Our next stop was Suizenji Park, which was not far away from the castle. Built by Hosokawa lord, it consists of a residence, multiple shrines, a gorgeous lake with koi fish and turtles. It was a spacious garden, best enjoyed by scrolling along the circular path. The park was extremely spectacular with a lot of locals and foreigners visiting the place. It was a place that resembled nature as it is, which added to the serenity of the place.
We enjoyed feeding the pigeons and taking photographs. Next, we had a traditional meal in a Japanese restaurant. This was a fascinating experience for the new students, especially who have never tasted Japanese food before.
After lunch, we went to the Azo Plaza Hotel, which was the last destination for the day. In the hotel, we had an interaction program in the evening. This included a quiz, an orientation and several games where all the students got the chance to communicate with their classmates, seniors and teachers as well. The game session was really entertaining where we participated in group activities, led by the supporters. The winning teams was awarded gifts as well. There is no doubt that this was the most exciting event of the trip, which gave a memorable experience to everyone.
The next morning after the breakfast, we headed to ‘Daikanbo’ which was a beautiful landscape with a cold and soothing atmosphere. Definitely it was worth going to see as it will stay in our memory as one of the most impressive sights we saw in Japan.
Next we arrived at ‘Kokonoe Yume’, the highest suspension bridge for pedestrians in Japan. The view from the bridge was magnificent. We were lucky enough to see two beautiful waterfalls which gave a meditative feeling. It was a thrilling as well as a bit frightening experience to walk along the bridge.
We then arrived at our last destination for the trip, ‘Ryumon notaki’ in which the natural water slides create an attractive scenery. It was exciting to climb up the waterfall stepping on the slippery stones, helping each other.
After gaining plenty of lifetime experiences, we proceeded to the campus, to conclude the trip, bidding farewell to our friends. It is no doubt I say that this was one of the experiences that I had in Japan, which will last forever in my heart……………
By Hiroshima (Civil Engineering, Class of 2014)
From Students
