On Friday, October 31, 2025, Yokohama National University held a One-Day Tokyo Bus Tour as part of the Cross-Cultural Experience Program, supported by the Alumni Association. International students explored the highlights of Tokyo in a single day, including a visit to the House of Councillors in the National Diet Building, a free lunch at Tokyo Solamachi, and a hands-on Japanese cultural experience at AN TOKYO, where they made traditional sweets (wagashi) and prepared matcha tea.

Experiencing Japanese Politics at the National Diet Building

The day began with a guided tour of the House of Councillors. Although the tour was conducted in Japanese, participants were able to deepen their understanding of Japan’s political system thanks to English interpretation by volunteer interpreters from the Kanagawa SGG Club. While waiting to enter, the interpreters introduced current topics such as the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election and the national budget, and also engaged participants with questions, creating a friendly atmosphere and fostering interaction among international students.
Inside, the early Showa period architecture impressed everyone with its grandeur, detailed decorations, and the majestic main chamber, where students attentively observed.

Free Lunch at Tokyo Solamachi

At noon, participants enjoyed a free lunch at Tokyo Solamachi, the shopping complex beneath Tokyo Skytree. Students selected dishes from a variety of restaurants, experiencing the joy of choosing meals that suited their individual tastes.

Wagashi Making and Matcha Tea Experience

In the afternoon, students visited “AN Tokyo”, a cultural experience center, to make nerikiri wagashi (traditional sweets) and enjoy matcha tea. Using seasonal motifs such as ginkgo and chestnut, participants shaped and colored their sweets with tools used by professional artisans.
During the matcha session, students learned the differences between sencha and matcha, explored the cultivation and production process, and observed a live tea preparation demonstration. Each student then prepared matcha themselves and enjoyed it alongside the sweets they had crafted—an immersive experience of Japanese traditional culture using all five senses.

Reflections on the Tour

The One-Day Tokyo Bus Tour offered international students a rich experience of Japanese politics, culture, and urban charm, where tradition and modernity coexist. Students shared their impressions:
“It was great to learn about Japanese political systems and history, as well as culture and food.”
“It was also a wonderful event for interacting with other international students.”
The tour staff appreciated students’ punctuality and cooperation, and the interpreter’s extensive knowledge and flexible approach enhanced the learning experience.