Event Report : Yamanashi Bus Study Tour by the Office of International Students, School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology

On November 6, 2024, the Office of International Students organized the Yamanashi Bus Study Tour for new international students enrolled in 2024 in the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology. The tour welcomed 42 students from 30 different countries and included visits to the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center, a factory tour of Kikyou Shingen rice cakes, and the Fujisan (Mt. Fuji) World Heritage Center.

At the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center, participants engaged in lively discussions about the development and history of superconducting magnets while exploring the Maglev train test track and exhibitions on superconducting technology. Students learned about cutting-edge innovations through hands-on experiments with superconductors and enjoyed a mini-Maglev train ride. At the Kikyou Shingen rice cake factory, they observed the production line, where traditional Japanese sweets are made both by machine and by hand. For lunch, students enjoyed hoto, a traditional local dish from Yamanashi. The tour concluded with a visit to the Fujisan (Mt. Fuji) World Heritage Center, where participants gained insights into the natural significance and cultural importance of Mt. Fuji.

This study tour offered students a unique opportunity to engage with advanced technology, appreciate Japan's natural heritage, and deepen their understanding of Japanese food culture.

Group photo at the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center	Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
Enjoy the local dish of Houtou	Enjoy the local dish of Houtou
On a bench inside the Kikyo Shingen Mochi Factory	Fujisan World Heritage Center
Group photo at Fujisan World Heritage Center