Earlier this month, ThoughINAKA had the great pleasure of hosting a unique two-day educational and cultural exchange program with 19 students and 2 staff members from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Set in the serene countryside of Okuizumo, Shimane, this was a remarkable opportunity to introduce international students to the heart of rural Japan — a side of the country rarely seen in textbooks or travel guides.
From traditional tofu-making and soba noodle workshops to learning about ancient iron-making techniques and walking the quiet paths of Oni no Shitaburui Gorge, the students experienced a curated program combining cultural immersion, sustainability learning, and community connection.
What surprised many of the students most was the peaceful atmosphere and the strong local identity rooted in tradition. “This was our first time in such a quiet rural environment,” one student shared. “We now understand why the people here have such pride in their culture — it’s preserved so well, and it’s deeply connected to the land.”
ThoughINAKA aims to craft hands-on, transformative experiences that go beyond tourism. By pairing meaningful activities with thoughtful interpretation, we hope to inspire reflection and connection — and this group’s curiosity, energy, and openness made that mission truly fulfilling.
As rural areas in Japan explore new models of sustainable tourism and cultural exchange, we believe university programs like this play a key role. We would be thrilled to welcome other institutions — from Hong Kong and beyond — who are interested in creating impactful, educational journeys in Japan’s lesser-known regions.
If your university or institution is looking for a tailor-made rural exchange or study program in Japan, ThoughINAKA is here to help bring that vision to life.
Let’s build bridges where they matter most through shared experiences.Contact us via email at contact.us@tavikala.com to start planning your rural exchange!
