Today we went to Hikone Castle (彥根城), which was completed in 1622. During the Sengoku period (戰國時代), Japan was wracked by battles as territorial warlord repeatedly fought each other to establish hegemony. Amid such strife-filled conditions, these warlords, known as daimyo (諸侯), built castles not only as residences but as fortifications and bases from which to wage military campaigns. The stronger the daimyo became, the greater their desire to build castles, and this in turn stimulated tremendous development in castle-building technique.

        Hikone Castle features a tower of unique beauty and design. The variegated roof skillfully combines several styles and shows a sublime harmony not seen in other towers. From the outside it displays three levels. On the inside are three stories, and through the tower is small in size, it feels majestic. The donjon is not the only attraction of castle. The castle walls, surrounded by double moats, retain the appearance of the Edo period (江戶時代). Now, Hikone Castle become more and more popular because of its cute mascot. Of course, we took another group picture with the cute guy~

        We also visited Genkyu-en (玄宮園), which is a famous garden that remains people today of life in early Edo period. It was built in 1677 by the fourth daimyo, Naooki, on the northeastern side of the castle, and its beginnings can be traced back to the Imperial villa of Emperor Xuan-zong (唐玄宗) of China’s Tang Dynasty. The garden’s theme is the Eight Great Scenes of Omi (近江八景), a Japanese version of Eight Great Scenes of Xias Xiang (瀟湘八景), in China. Trees and rocks are strategically placed throughout the garden.

        This was the last day for our group in Japan. We had a farewell lunch together and got certifications from JCMU. I really enjoyed and cherished “every moment” with the group members. I think I will remember the unique trip in my whole life. Since my flight was different from others, I had to say goodbye to everyone in Osaka (大阪). As everyone knows, it’s always hard to say goodbye. I tried my best to keep the smile and waved my hand. I can tell you a secret; it was really a lonely night without all the energetic students. But I knew we will meet in Flint very soon ~ wait for me, I’ll be back!

        Today we visited Toyota Monomachi plant, a successful example in Japan mobile industry. The four innovations for the future are based on Toyota’s vision of society in the first half of the 21st Century and the corporate image TMC wants to achieve are development of a recycling-based society; development of the age of ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) and ubiquitous networks; development of motorisation on a global scale; and moving with the development of a matured society. From my observation, Toyota plant did a very good job not only in operation management but also in public relationship. There was a proficient guide helping us to understand how the plant used automatic machine, JIT, and Kanban system.  

        We went to visit Hikone Chamber this morning. The director gave us an overview of Shiga (滋賀縣) industry. Through town management organization urban planning efforts, Hikone actively works to revitalize its shopping districts. After the presentation, we went to Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road (夢京橋城堡路), a successful example of town management plan. On that road, arts and crafts shops, tea houses, restaurants and boutiques, as well as private houses, are refurbished in a unified color of white, black, brown and gray, together creating the atmosphere of merchants’ houses of Edo era. We also went to Art Studio Odagaki and surprised at the host’s excellent skill. We all enjoyed his quick but vivid drawings.

        This morning JCMU prepared four different culture classes for us. We were so lucky that we had opportunity to learn IKEBANA (flower arrangement), SHOTO (calligraphy), CHADO (tea ceremony), and KOTO (music). I was very excited when I learned KOTO. I have learned piano, clarinet and erhu fiddle. But I never tried KOTO. Our KOTO teacher is an elegant lady with traditional Japanese kimono. After her patient instruction, I could play a famous Japanese song named “Sakura-Sakura” (cherry blossom)!

        In the evening, we participated in JCMU 20^th Anniversary reception and dinner. This program was held in Hikone View Hotel, which located next to Biwa Lake. Biwa Lake is amazing and full of countless varieties of seafood. I hope I were a Japanese that I can eat SASHIMI so often. (Originally I wanted to describe the beauty of the Biwa Lake, I don’t know why I mentioned food~ haha!)

        To truly understand Japan, we went to Kyoto (京都), a old imperial capital where scores of the country’s famous monuments are preserved within a lively modern city. First, we went to Nijo Castle (二條城),which was originally built in 1603 residence as the official Kyoto residence first Tokugawa Shogun (德川家康). The wall paintings in the castle feature superb paintings done by prominent unique function of each room. We saw lavish design and decoration, including the wood carvings above the sliding ceiling paintings, etc.

        Second, we went to Kinkaku-ji (金閣鹿苑寺), a elegant, harmonious building consists of three types of architecture. The first floor is the palace style. The second floor is samurai house and the third floor is temple style. Both second and third floors are covered with gold-leaf on Japanese lacquer. The roof, upon which the Chinese phoenix settles, is thatched with shingles.

        Finally, we went to Gion District (祗園), a best-known geisha (藝妓) quarter and symbol to the average Japanese male of all that’s good in life: wine, women, and karaoke. We saw a show that performed the tea ceremony (茶道), koto music (琴), flower arrangement (華道), Gagaku (雅樂), Kyogen (狂言), Kyomai (京舞), and  Bunraku (文樂).

        Guess what~ I got up at six to enjoy the Guanshan Town Encircling Bicycle Path again. I can’t tell you how amazing the scenery was. It was more marvelous in the early morning. That’s really a good path that people loving biking shouldn’t miss!

       After breakfast, we went to the Gaotai area (鹿野高臺) where is a highland area located to the north of Longtian, in Yongan Village, Luye Township. The unique geographical conditions of this area make it a superior place for eastern Taiwan paragliding activities. It’s so interesting when I saw the water paddies with “heart graph” decoration on it from the Gaotai area where the scenery of Beinan River Valley (卑南溪谷) can be taken in at a single glance.

         We also visited the Bunun (布農族) and Amis (阿美族) tribes. There are fourteen different aboriginals getting harmony to coexist in Taiwan. People with individual culture respected to each other. When they sang a song named “Taiwan, our mother”, I couldn’t help tearing. I even didn’t know that because how deep I love my country or just because I drank too much water!

       When mentioning the geography of Taiwan, it is not a big island on earth. But I wholeheartedly hope all my friends can remember the spectacular scenery and cute, friendly people in Taiwan after the three-day Excursion.

        Today we went to rafting in Xiuguluan River (秀姑巒溪). Our group was divided into two teams. Yes, it’s a “team-work time”. We tried hard to catch up other boats and kept playing water war. It’s so funny I got wet because of my “team member” but not because of the river or people on other boats. We spent more than three hours experiencing the crazy and exciting trip. It’s was a cloudy day and most of us including me got sun-burn. I can’t image how it would be if it was a shiny day~ I had a clear line on my leg with two totally different skin colors. The driver of our tour bus recommended me to put more “BBQ sauce” on my leg, it would taste more delicious!

        In the evening, we biked in The Guanshan Town Encircling Bicycle Path (關山環鎮自行車道) in Tuitang County. It was the first path in Taiwan to be built especially for cyclists. It is 12 kilometers long, and is divided into two sections, namely the "Water Section" and "Mountain Section". We really enjoyed the wide, extensive water paddies, which may take on different appearances during different seasons. Also, we saw the panoramic view of the township scenery, including the crisscrossing rice paddies and intricate irrigation canals, interweaving to make a simple but exquisite picture.

       At the beautiful night, I prepared some sparklers and image we were Cinderella (I hope the gentlemen of our group have another image~). After having a comfortable herb sauna, I fell asleep and had a sweet dream.

        Today we went to Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) in Hualien County by Taroko Princes Train. Taroko National Park's boundaries include the mouth of Liwu River close to sea level, and also the highest point, Mount Nanhu, which stands at 3,742 meters. First, we went to Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道) that known as "Mysterious Valley Trail". This trail is built along the river cliff so we can easily observe both the rock folds and plant ecosystem beside in the river valley. We are enchanted by climbing the rocks by the deep and clean river.

        We also went to Yanzihkou (燕子口 Swallow Grottou), you really enjoyed the sights of the Liwu River from nearly straight above the water, the potholes on the cliff faces, the springs sprinkled along the lower parts of the walls, as well as the famous rock formation "Chieftain's profile rock".

       Then we went to Jiucyudong (九曲洞 Tunnel of Nine Turns), the most magnificent part of Taroko Gorge, where the sheer cliffs face each other. The Jiucyudong tunnel was constructed 1996, so that we could view the rock folds, joint and fault of the marble cliffs. The two cliffs are so close to each other, and it looks like they are joining to each other if seen from afar. This section has the reputation of "Nine Turns of the Coiled Dragon".

       Then, we went to Changchun Shrine (長春祠 Eternal Spring Shrine), which commemorates the 212 personnel (military veterans) who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway (1956~1960). Spring water adjacent by the Changchun Shine flows all year round, and the Highway Bureau named it after "Chanchun Falls."