GLFP 11th Cohort visited Nikko.
May 14, 2025
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, 13 students of the 11th cohort and faculty members visited Nikko for a fieldwork trip. This fieldwork was initiated and realized based on a proposal independently created by the 11th cohort students, reflecting their own interests. This time, the purpose was to experience a rural area in the Kanto region and learn through hands-on experience about Japanese agriculture, regional revitalization initiatives, and historical culture. The itinerary included strawberry picking at a farm, a visit to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and a tour of a sake brewery.
We traveled by limited express train from Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station, followed by bus transportation after arriving in Nikko.
We were blessed with beautiful weather and enjoyed the refreshing climate and vibrant greenery. Our first activity was strawberry picking at Nikko Strawberry Park. While strawberry-picking farms are common tourist attractions in Japan, they are rare in the U.S., making the experience of picking and tasting strawberries on-site a first for many of the US students. Participants were able to compare two of Tochigi Prefecture’s top three strawberry varieties - ‘Tochiotome’ and ‘Tochiaika’ - and enjoyed the differences in taste, with some students eating nearly 60 strawberries. It was a joyful experience for all and an opportunity to reflect on differences between Japanese and American farms, and how offering hands-on harvest experiences as part of tourism can help draw visitors to rural areas.
We then had lunch together. Coincidentally, we shared the venue with a group of elementary school students on a school trip, providing a glimpse into how Japanese children act in groups. After the meal, everyone joined in saying “Gochisousama deshita” (Thank you for the meal), a common practice in Japan. For the U.S. students, this was their first time witnessing and participating in such a custom, and they eagerly gave it a try—an example of the 11th cohort’s curiosity and open-mindedness.
After lunch, we visited Nikko Toshogu Shrine. With audio guides in hand, students explored the vast grounds at their own pace.
Our final destination was Katayama Brewery, one of the few breweries in Tochigi Prefecture (only about 10%) that continues to use traditional methods to produce sake.
Although sake production ends in March and we could not witness the brewing process in action, we were allowed inside the brewery, which is only possible after the season ends, as various external factors during the season can significantly impact the brewing process. Mr. Katayama, the president and master brewer, guided us through the steps of sake production using videos and photos. Learning about the craftsmanship and dedication behind their sake—not mass-produced but carefully crafted with select ingredients and methods—sparked many questions from both U.S. and Waseda students, extending the visit beyond the scheduled time. After receiving a warm send-off from everyone at Katayama Brewery, we headed back to Tobu Nikko Station with a sense of gratitude and reluctance to leave.
We took the limited express train back to Asakusa Station. The fulfilling day passed in the blink of an eye, and we safely concluded the day trip to Nikko.
This event was planned and led by students. Their proactive engagement rather than passive participation aligns well with the philosophy and goals of the GLFP. It also served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen bonds among GLFP students. The faculty and staff will continue to support the active endeavors of GLFP students in the future.
