February 14 - 16, 2007
Nagoya and Mie
The ICC's second-ever field trip took place over 3 big days in mid February, 2007. A diverse group of both Local and International students participated in the trip, which resulted in a lively, international atmosphere in which to enjoy the journey. The first day saw participants visiting a Toyota manufacturing plant in Toyoda City, followed by sightseeing at Ise Shrine and Mikimoto Pearl factory on the second day, and Matsusaka City and the ever-impressive Nagoya Castle of the final day.
♦International Student/Female
I was very happy with the Toyota plant visit. The guide and organisation was very good, and it was a great experience for me to see workers on their job indeed! that was amazing. I imagined everything automised with robots and machines allover, so that seeing man force actually doing manual work was amazing for me. It was my first opportunity to see the production process live, so that left a great impression to me. I expected a bit more from exhibition hall, though, I suppose Toyota should work more on that part comparing to their peers….
♦International Student/Female
I loved Ise Shrine because of its historical and cultural value. It was beautiful and it brought to life the historical pilgrimages to the shrine. I would like to take a trip back to Ise at some point.
♦International Student/Female
The wind was very strong up there, but that's not something anyone can control. The view was breathtaking!!
♦International Student/male
I was also very amazed by the ladies that dive into cold water to pick up pearls from the bottom of the sea. They seem so calm and collected and happy with their job. I wonder if I would be as fortunate one day.
♦International Student/Female
The second day of the trip was in Toba Island, I was fascinated by Mikimoto pearl. As I knew before that Mikimoto was the designer of Miss Universe crown. Therefore, Toba Island was the highlight of the whole trip for me. From this trip I learned that pearls are divided into 2 different processes which are natural process and cultured process. Mikimoto is more cultured process, therefore it able to produce a significant amount of pearls. The other interesting part is "ama" which is women diver. I was wondering why the divers are all women and dressed in white.
♦International Student/Male
The party at night was amazing! The food was simply fantastic, I had no words to say while eating because it was so delicious, I did not want to waste the taste by talking. The atmosphere was fantastic, from the many people in yukata to the singers on stage. It all came together to make one memorable night.
♦International Student/Female
The second hotel had an amazing view from the rooms, good service and was equipped with various activities that kept us busy. The onsen was beautiful, especially the outside section. It was my first time going to an onsen, and I was lucky to be able to experience my first time at such a nice place.
♦International Student/Male
Last but not the least, I loved the tenderness of Matsuzaka beef. A plate was not enough. It left me craving for more. I could eat ten plates full of Matsuzaka beef in one sitting.
♦International Student/Female
I would like to know more about the samurai residence. In addition the residence reminded me of Kamakura area. However, in the past, samurai are spread all over Japan. Therefore, there is no connection between samurai in Matsusaka and the one in Kamakura.
♦International Student/Female
The last sightseeing spot was Nagoya castle. The first castle I visited was Osaka castle. Therefore the view of Nagoya castle has almost the same architecture of other castle in Japan. Moreover, inside the Nagoya castle has been renewed as a result it undermined the impression of old and originality. Due to fire in Second World War, the actual castle was destroyed. However, I gain knowledge about Japanese historical site in Nagoya castle which ended the trip nicely.
