A one-day excursion to Sakurai & Kashihara for international students took place on Sunday, June 10. The group of 39 students first visited Miwa area of Sakura City, which is known as the birthplace of somen noodle, to experience hand-stretching process of somen at "Miwa-somen Yamamoto Menyu-kan". They enjoyed stretching noodles by using sticks skillfully under the instruction of staff.
They next went to Hase-dera. After walking up nobori-ro (wooden staircase) of 399 steps, they visited hondo (main hall), which is designated as National Treasure. From the stage of hondo, they admired the scenic views of beautiful mountains.
The last visit for this trip was Imai-cho of Kashihara City, a historical town dating from the Edo Period. At Imanishi-ke, the house built in the 17th century, they were admitted inside the house and listened attentively for the explanation about traditional architecture called yatsumune-zukuri.
The excursion ended successfully as students deepened their knowledge of Nara's history and culture through hands-on experience, and also developed good relationships with each other.