While in Kamakura, the students took a tour of Hasedera Temple, along with a visit to the famous giant Kamakura Buddha sculpture. The students showed a keen interest in what the tour guide was saying, listening intently to each explanation. There was free time from lunch onwards, where many students had Japanese food such as soba noodles, while some students went and bought Studio Ghibli souvenirs at the shops nearby. Everyone enjoyed their time in Kamakura, and on the way to Kamakura they were also able to see the cityscapes of Yokohama and Tokyo, giving them a good chance to see many sides of Japan and Tokyo area.

Seven students from Sophia University Junior College Division, who participated in the summer program in the College of Micronesia, also joined the trip to Kamakura. Additionally, Ms. Mary Helen from Micronesia (currently studying at Sophia University), and Mr. Kazuki Kohara and Ms. Ayaka Matsuo, APIC interns, joined the group. It was a lively outing with the students getting a taste of traditional Japanese culture, and expressing their thoughts and ideas with other students.
(Written by Haruka Matsukawa, intern)