From China to Japan: World Cultural Heritages in Kyoto, Koyasan and Kii Mountain Range 2025
Overview
We will be embarking on a journey along the UNESCO heritage pilgrimage path in Japan, with a particular focus on the inter-connectedness between Japanese and Chinese culture. As we explore the rural and urban areas of Japan, we will have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Buddhist culture that originated from ancient China. Additionally, we will delve into the fascinating world of cultural conservation in Japan and study the ways in which Buddhist sites and pilgrimage routes are preserved in both Japan and Lantau, Hong Kong. Through this journey, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage that exists within Asia and the ways in which it is being preserved for future generations.
Programme highlights include trekking on the Kumano Kodo, morning chanting in Kōyasan Shukubō, practicing sitting and Kodo meditation, visiting Ise Jingu, and historic Zen temples of ancient Kyoto.
Proposed Itineraries
Day 1: Wakayama
Day 2: Kumano Kodo near Kumano hongū Taisha
Day 3: Mt Kōyasan
Day 4: Mt Kōyasan and Hayatama Taisha
Day 5: Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji
Day 6: Ise Jingu
Day 7: Kyoto temples
Day 8: Kyoto and Hong Kong
Fee
HKD 8,500 (Includes return flight tickets, transportation, most entrance tickets, and meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6)
Eligibility
HKU Full-time UG Student (except those who previously participated in the Japan trip organized by HKU Horizons Office in 2023 and 2024)Study Tour in Japan
March 8 to 15, 2025 (8 days)Pre-trip Talk
Friday, February 21, 2024 (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm)Pre-trip Local Fieldtrip
To be confirmedQuota
30 StudentsCoordinator
Dr. Parry Leung (pnleung@hku.hk)