Hello! I’m Mako Iwamoto, a fourth-year student in the Department of Global Tourism. Today, I’d like to introduce two required first-year classes: “Kyoto Culture and History I” and “Tourism Studies A.” In this post, I’ll briefly cover (1) what each class is about, (2) what the professors hope students will take away, and (3) reflections from first-year students who took these classes this year. I hope this gives you a clear picture of the courses!

① “Kyoto Culture and History I” — Prof. Murayama
◎ Content
This class explores the culture and history of Kyoto—an introduction to Kyoto’s traditions. Kyoto surrounds us with living culture: historic buildings, festivals, food, and art. Because so much is close at hand, you can see, hear, and try things for yourself.

◎ What the Professor Wants Students to Take Away
“I’d be glad if you come to see that there are many ways to understand Kyoto!”

◎ First-Year Student Reflections
□ Fun and Interesting
I enjoyed the class about the image and character of Kyoto’s people. Hearing stories about Kyoto’s culture was engaging and memorable.
I went to the Gion Festival.I discovered shops I didn’t know. For example, I tried Minazuki after it was introduced in class—it was delicious!
□ What We Learned
The class made me want to study more about Kyoto on my own.
I learned about aspects of Kyoto’s culture I couldn’t have found just by searching online.
□ Changes After the Class
I learned that Kyoto’s history is much longer than I imagined, and people continue to preserve it today. I found many great places to eat in Kyoto. My image of Kyoto changed because of this class.

② “Tourism Studies A” — Prof. Hara
◎ Content
This is an introductory course for first-year students in the spring semester. It covers a wide range of topics so students can grasp the breadth of tourism studies: the meaning and spread of tourism, basic terminology, tourism and history, tourism and sustainable development and ethics, community development through tourism, new forms of tourism, and the current situation and issues facing the travel, hotel, and transportation sectors.

◎ What the Professor Wants Students to Take Away
“I hope students will understand that tourism is a wide and complex phenomenon connected with many parts of society. It’s also an important cultural and economic issue in today’s global world. This class gives students a chance to develop their own interests and continue studying tourism more deeply. In class, students are asked to use a microphone when speaking because sharing your opinion without fear is important for building your future career.”

◎ Guest Lecture
This year featured a guest lecture by the president of Nishimuraya, a leading company in Kinosaki Onsen. He spoke not only about company management but also about community development—education, health care, transportation, and tourism—from a long-term and broad perspective. As this year marks 100 years since the Great Hokutan Earthquake, students were impressed to hear how the people of Kinosaki Onsen worked together to rebuild and develop the town, and how they are now taking on new challenges for the future.

◎ First-Year Student Reflections
□ Fun and Interesting
It was enjoyable when the professor passed around a microphone, so we could hear many students’ opinions.
I learned about green tourism, which made me think about the tourism industry in my hometown.
□ What We Learned
We studied the connections between tourism and the economy, culture, community planning, the SDGs, and the impacts on local areas.
I realized that as a Tourism major, I should first examine the industry in my own hometown.
□ Changes After the Class
My view of tourism became broader.
When I travel now, I also notice other factors, such as the amount of waste.
The report assignment motivated me to study more on my own.
□ Reflections on the Guest Lecture by President Nishimura
I learned how the history and culture of Kinosaki Onsen and the local ryokan business connect to the future of tourism. I was deeply impressed by the spirit of hospitality and the efforts toward sustainable community development.I felt that connections with local people are very important. It was valuable to hear things we normally don’t hear.
I realized the importance of appreciating the efforts and wisdom of past generations, identifying risks and improving them, and cherishing the local community.

Through these classes, I also became more interested in Kyoto and started thinking about how tourism affects local communities. There are many other classes and activities that lead to new learning, and I look forward to introducing them next! Finally, my thanks to Professor Murayama, Professor Hara, and all the first-year students for their cooperation in introducing these classes!