Perth Hyogo Prefectural Government Cultural Centre group comes to Japan (Part two)

After a jam-packed day taking in the sights at Awaji yumebutai, Naruto whirlpool cruise, Awaji Ningyo Joruri puppet theater, Awaji farm park and Kobe Shushinkan, two days later I accompanied the group on their trip to Himeji castle and Mt. Shosha.

Posing with the gate guards at Himeji Castle, the first stop of the day. 

Our volunteer guide showed us around the entire castle.

With Himeji Castle currently under renovation, visitors are able to use an elevator to go all the way up to the roof.

Here's the group trying out a tea ceremony at a tea house next to Himeji Castle. 

The tea house was right next to this great traditional garden. 

Finally, the group climbed Mt. Shosha in Himeji, home of the beautiful temple, Engyoji, which was the location of some the scenes in "Last Samurai" starring Tom Cruise. 

I was very happy to have had the opportunity to accompany the group on the Hyogo leg of their visit to Japan. Not only was it great to visit some of Hyogo's best attractions, some of which for the first time, I was very impressed with the group themselves, whose genuine interest in Japanese culture and language are a testament to the work of the Hyogo Prefectural Government Cultural Centre and the Hyogo-Western Australia relationship in general.

Perth Hyogo Prefectural Government Cultural Centre group comes to Japan (Part One)

Hi guys, UK CIR Ben here. Here in Hyogo, the sakura have come and gone, leaving us to enjoy a bright, warm May before the hot summer months begin.

With the end of my time on JET fast approaching, over the next few months I'd like to present you with some of the highlights of my time here, beginning with a visit from 15 members of the Hyogo Prefectural Government Cultural Centre in Perth, Western Australia, one of Hyogo's sister states.

The group, who arrived in mid-April this year, visited Hyogo prefecture as part of a two-week tour taking in some of the Kansai region's best sights and cultural attractions. The participants themselves came from a wide variety of backgrounds but all shared a passion for Japanese language and culture, many studying Japanese at the cultural centre. I was lucky enough to accompany the group during their trips to Awaji Island and Himeji. Here are some photos of their trip.

"Plants Museum of Miracle Planet", Japan's largest Greenhouse and the group's first stop

Enjoying the sea breeze on the Naruto whirlpool cruise 

...and here's the whirlpools!

Heading back to dry land.

Posing with Ebisu at the Awaji Ningyo Joruri puppet theater.

Finally, it was off to Kobe Shushinkan, one of Japan's finest Sake breweries. 

Here's the group enjoying a sake tasting session at the end of a long day's sightseeing.  Kanpai!