Everybody – Page 2

Furoshiki Wrapping Cloth Class

Get to know the traditional Japanese technique of furoshiki, learning how to reuse and stylishly wrap various items (gifts, bottles, or lunches) using versatile fabric cloths. Perfect for environmentally conscious participants interested in sustainable, reusable Japanese traditions.

Lunch

As on previous days, all the participants can enjoy a delicious standing buffet lunch on the 2nd floor of the FICC. This will be available after that days City Tours.

Using a Phone Camera to Create Lasting Memories

Most people wander the streets with a phone in their pockets. What they may not realize is that in the last 15 years phone camera quality is better than full sized digital camera. During this workshop I will share tips and ideas to help you take great photos. At the end of the day our […]

Downtown Fukuoka: Tenjin

Explore Tenjin’s dynamic downtown core with a local guide. You can explore independently or receive personalized recommendations as well as stories about the ever-changing urban landscape of downtown Fukuoka.

Tea Ceremony 101

You’ll need a numbered ticket for the time-slot to join. You can get them on February 9th during the coffee/tea break or during dinner. If some are still available you can also join on the spot! Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved […]

Fukuoka’s Western Seashore

Meeting Point and time depend on your group which you will be informed about shortly. The western coast of Fukuoka City is largely defined by striking modern urban development, much of it built on reclaimed land along Hakata Bay. This area is home to both the city’s Disaster Prevention Center and the iconic Fukuoka Tower, […]

Sacred World Heritage Site and Founding Tradition

Meeting Point: Lobby of Hotel Okura Meeting Time: 08:15 AM Just north of Fukuoka City lies the town of Munakata. It is home to one of the most significant shrines in Shinto, Japan’s native religion, and also called “Port of the Gods”. You’ll explore the main shrine, Munakata Taisha Shrine, a sacred site, which illustrates […]

Toyota Lexus Factory & Kokura Castle

Meeting Place: Lobby of Hotel Okura Meeting Time: 07:45 AM The north of Fukuoka Prefecture played a vital role in the modernization of Japan, and remains home to some of the region’s largest factories. At the Toyota Lexus Factory, you will observe lean manufacturing principles and the adoption of energy-efficient and sustainable production lines in […]

Eco Town Center, Next-Gen Energy Park & Kokura Castle

Meeting Place: Lobby of Hotel Okura Meeting Time: 08:15 AM Kitakyushu is a city in the north of Fukuoka Prefecture that was integral to Japan’s modernization and is now a hub for sustainable research and manufacturing. This tour takes you to the cutting edge of green technology: the Eco Town Center, which coordinates a pioneering […]

TOTO Museum & Kokura Castle

Meeting Place: Lobby of Hotel Okura Meeting Time: 08:30 AM Ask anyone who’s been to Japan and they’ll tell you that using the bathroom here is an almost spa-like experience. The TOTO Museum in northern Fukuoka Prefecture, operated by the country’s biggest sanitary manufacturer, is dubbed the “Toilet Museum” and delves into the cultural and […]

Mojiko & Kokura Castle

Meeting Place: Lobby of Hotel Okura Meeting Time: 07:45 AM Mojiko, a historic port town in northern Fukuoka Prefecture, flourished as one of Japan’s leading international trading ports after its opening in 1889, strategically connecting Kyushu to the Asian continent. This tour examines how the historical port architecture has been preserved and successfully repurposed as […]

Networking Dinner

Each Study Tour concludes at our spectacular venue for the Networking Dinner: The Fukuoka City Museum. In partnership with the City of Fukuoka, the Host Committee is honored to have secured this unique setting for our evening. You’ll enjoy a buffet dinner with the rare opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits after-hours, with local guides […]

Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Kimono

Explore the historic Fukuoka Castle Ruins, once the largest fortress in Kyushu, followed by an introduction to the traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, still worn and celebrated today. Perfect for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the local history of Fukuoka City. (This course is held during the morning; your specific timeslot will be […]

Ohori Park and Fukuoka Art Museum

Ohori Park, a beautiful green oasis beloved by locals, offers a peaceful respite from busy city life. Located within the park is the Fukuoka Art Museum, where you will learn about ancient Japanese painting techniques and treasured Buddha statues. Highly recommended for art enthusiats and those who want to enjoy a bit of nature within […]

Downtown Tenjin & Kawabata Shopping Arcade

Wander through the covered Kawabata Shopping Arcade, the historical merchant heart of the city. Discover the contemporary heart of Fukuoka, navigating the bustling commercial center of Tenjin known for its department stores, fashion, and vibrant city life. A great choice for anyone interested in modern Japanese fashion, urban planning, and retail culture. (This course is […]

Kawabata Shopping Arcade and Canal City

Explore Fukuoka’s vibrant heart on a walking tour through the traditional Kawabata Shopping Arcade, the island within the city called Nakasu, and the modern “city within a city” architecture of Canal City Hakata. Ideal for understanding the local merchant history and visualizing the dramatic changes Fukuoka has undergone over time. (This course is held during […]

Origami Class

Discover how a single square of paper can be transformed into a delicate work of art through the timeless Japanese craft of origami. Join us to master the folds that bring paper to life and find a meditative moment of creativity in every crease.

Best Practice and Key Principles for Tourist Guide Associations

This session will examine foundational governance concepts and how they apply to Tourist Guide Associations. It will outline the core principles that support effective decision-making, accountability, and transparency, with a focus on building structures that genuinely serve members and uphold industry standards. The discussion will cover practical tools for strengthening constitutions, clarifying roles and responsibilities, […]

Anime Pilgrimage

Anime pilgrimage has become a bridge between pop culture and real-world exploration. During my speech, I will introduce the concept of seichi junrei, or anime pilgrimage, where fans visit the real-life locations featured in their favorite anime. Using examples from popular series such as Demon Slayer and Oshi no Ko, I will explain how these […]

Munich Case Study

This workshop explores the important collaboration between public tourism organizations and tourist guide associations in the qualification of tourist guides and the effective placement of tourist guide assignments. Using the example of the collaboration between Munich Tourism, the public tourism organization of the City of Munich, and the Munich Tourist Guide Association, participants will learn […]

250 Years Underground – The Secret Catholic Faith of Nagasaki

Christianity was introduced to Japan by St. Francis Xavier in 1549, inspiring many to become serious Catholic believers. As an international trading port developed by the Jesuits, Nagasaki played a central role for Christianity in Japan. However, fearing its growing influence, the Samurai shogunate implemented a strict ban on the faith. This dark age of […]

Anime Pilgrimage

Anime pilgrimage has become a bridge between pop culture and real-world exploration. During my speech, I will introduce the concept of seichi junrei, or anime pilgrimage, where fans visit the real-life locations featured in their favorite anime. Using examples from popular series such as Demon Slayer and Oshi no Ko, I will explain how these […]

The Art of the Line

Part 1 History and Context The workshop will begin by tracing how kanji (Chinese characters), traveled to Japan, and how this led to the creation of the unique Japanese syllabaries, Hiragana and Katakana. We will look at examples to understand how calligraphy is still used in modern Japanese life, before introducing the essential calligraphy tools […]

Tea Ceremony 101

You’ll need a numbered ticket for the time-slot to join. You can get them on February 9th during the coffee/tea break or during dinner. If some are still available you can also join on the spot! Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved […]

Tea & Coffee Break

A convenient tea and coffee break perfect to chat and relax

The Heart of Japanese Cuisine:

Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) is the indispensable cornerstone that supports the entirety of Japanese food culture. Located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Makurazaki City in Kagoshima Prefecture holds the title of Japan’s top katsuobushi producer. In this workshop, you will learn the history, intricate production methods, and exceptional nutritional value of katsuobushi from a […]

Tea Ceremony 101

You’ll need a numbered ticket for the time-slot to join. You can get them on February 9th during the coffee/tea break or during dinner. If some are still available you can also join on the spot! Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved […]

Leave No Trace

According to the World Tourism Organisation, “Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological […]

Mitsuko – A Life Less Ordinary

Mitsuko Coudenhove-Kalergi (born Aoyama in Tokyo, 1874; died in Mödling, Austria, 1941) was one of the first Japanese women to live in Europe. At 17, she married Count Heinrich Coudenhove, the Austro-Hungarian ambassador to Japan. The Coudenhove family had roots in Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Greece and Austria. In the 1890s, Mitsuko moved with […]

The Beauty of Diversity and the Challenges of Intercultural Communication

In this workshop we’ll speak about the different ways and dimensions of communication that influence our perception of each other and create understanding or lead to misunderstanding. We’ll take advantage of the presence of participants from many different countries and explore similarities and differences that should be taken into account when dealing with diverse groups […]

The Spirit of Zen and the Path to World Peace in a Cup of Tea

Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved into the refined discipline we know as sadō (lit. “the way of tea”). This cultural practice, which has profoundly influenced modern Japanese culture and our deep-rooted sense of hospitality, has been preserved for centuries based on […]

The History and Culture of Kyushu from the Perspective of International Exchange

Located in the west of Japan, Kyushu has long been a gateway for exchange with other countries. We will explore the cultural exchanges in Kyushu from ancient to the early modern times including: Ancient Dazaifu was established as Japan’s base for diplomacy and defense in the 7th century. We’ll introduce the defense facilities built there […]

Tea Ceremony 101

You’ll need a numbered ticket for the time-slot to join. You can get them on February 9th during the coffee/tea break or during dinner. If some are still available you can also join on the spot! Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved […]

Community-Based Tourism

In this workshop Masanori will share his experience of turning local residents into heroes – in his own words: “In many village areas traditional cultures have their own answers to environmental conservation. These important stories are all too often lost, all over the world. For the purpose of environmental conservation, cultural protection, and economic stability […]

Cultivating the Good Life: Character Strengths Approach For Tourist Guides

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Tea Ceremony 101

You’ll need a numbered ticket for the time-slot to join. You can get them on February 9th during the coffee/tea break or during dinner. If some are still available you can also join on the spot! Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved […]

Tourist Guides as Agents of Transformation

This interactive workshop brings together tourist guides and other tourism professionals from around the world for dialogue, reflection, and creative exchange. Against the backdrop of climate change, technological shifts, and evolving travel behaviors, participants will explore how guiding can become a force for truly sustainable change. Through inclusive facilitation and thought-provoking questions, the session encourages […]

The Art of the Line

Part 1 History and Context The workshop will begin by tracing how kanji (Chinese characters), traveled to Japan, and how this led to the creation of the unique Japanese syllabaries, Hiragana and Katakana. We will look at examples to understand how calligraphy is still used in modern Japanese life, before introducing the essential calligraphy tools […]

Tea Ceremony 101

You’ll need a numbered ticket for the time-slot to join. You can get them on February 9th during the coffee/tea break or during dinner. If some are still available you can also join on the spot! Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved […]

Lunch

A delicious standing buffet lunch offering both Japanese and Western delicacies

The Impact of Overtourism on Amsterdam Plus the Toledo Ordinance

During this workshop, I will present the findings of my research and then work with you to explore specific issues you may encounter at your own destinations. As the challenges could range from quite similar to markedly different, together we will build a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts associated with increased visitor numbers, as […]

The Art of Arranging Flowers

I want to provide an opportunity to elevate your understanding of Japanese culture with an exclusive, hands-on experience in Ikebana, the dynamic Japanese art of flower arrangement celebrated by admirers worldwide. I will invite you to immerse yourself in the philosophy of the Sogetsu School, one of the three major foundational schools of Ikebana. Known […]

Guiding with Values – UNESCO Normative Frameworks for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Heritage Interpretation

Tourist guides are at the frontline of sustainable tourism. Through their daily interactions with visitors, they translate global values into lived experience and shape how heritage is understood, respected and transmitted. This keynote situates the work of tourist guides within UNESCO’s normative frameworks, highlighting how these instruments can support value-based heritage interpretation in the face […]

Surprise Performance & Welcoming Words

At 09:00 AM sharp the Host Committee will start with an opening act that you don’t want to miss! We won’t share more information so as not to ruin the surprise but let’s just say that you’ll experience a part of Japanese culture that not many get to see. This will be followed by welcoming […]

A “Guidebook to Japan”

Host Committee members will get on stage and introduce Japanese culture and customs – Everything you need to know to enjoy your stay in Japan!

Iaido

Iaidō is the Japanese martial art of the sword. Each technique is characterized by starting with the sword sheathed in the scabbard, and the practitioner responding to a variety of opponents attacking from situations a samurai would traditionally have had to deal with before resheathing the sword—from fighting in narrow spaces, buildings with low ceilings, […]

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