Meiji-Mura

Today our group went on an excursion to Meiji-Mura, just outside of Nagoya.  We joined a group of international students from NUPACE.  They have been here for several months already, studying at NU.  There are even 2 students in the group from NC State!

Meiji-Mura is a site constructed to display architecture from the Meiji era (1867-1912).  This was a time that Japanese architecture experienced a strong western influence when the Tokugawa government gave up power.  It was during the Meiji era that Japan sought to transform itself into a unified modern nation and become an international power.   The site consists of over 60 reconstructed buildings.  Among these is the well-known Tokyo Imperial Hotel built by the American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

This trip was a wonderful chance to become closer with our classmates as well as meet the NUPACE students.   We began with a guided tour and were then given 4 hours a free time for lunch and exploration.  At the end, my group tasted traditional Japanese ice cream.  Mine was sakura flavored- cherry!

When we ended the trip we were dropped off at the Toyoda (Toyota) building on NU campus.  This was the main location for the Nagoya University Festival which is taking place this weekend to celebrate 49 years since the school's opening.  All student groups had booths selling food and there were bands playing throughout the day.  This event is celebrated throughout the weekend and we hope to go back tomorrow.