On Jan. 15 2016, 20 international students of Yokohama National University (YNU) participated in the tour, ‘Factory night tour for international students.’

The group first visited ‘Kawasaki Daishi’ temple, and prayed for a good year. After praying, they enjoyed their free time in the temple. Among the various attractions, they liked drawing a fortune, curiously and earnestly reading what was written on it.

After lunch, the international students went to Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, strolling in the site, and making indigo dyeing handkerchiefs for the first time. After learning the history of indigo dyeing, they observed the beautiful artwork of the professionals. The craftsman’s skills impressed the students very much.
When their turns to dye cloth came around, the students looked clumsy at the beginning. However, after gradually getting the hang of it, they seemed more comfortable making their indigo dye.

Following the indigo dyeing, the students learned how Japanese houses had been remodeled according to the development of people’s life. Some students expressed that it was very interesting to see the houses from both inside and outside.
One of the students who was into architecture seemed very impressed by the different shapes of the roofs.

The last activity of the tour was a factory night cruise in Yokohama. Although the temperature significantly dropped after the sunset, the international students actively stayed on the deck. They enjoyed unusual views such as the bottom of the bridge, and beautiful city lights from the sea.
It was a productive tour for international students with a lot of wonderful experience.