For a familiar trip with a familiar person.
Due to the influence of the new corona, travel to rediscover the charm of familiar areas is attracting attention.Thatched roofs are also one of the attractions of such areas.In Kita Ward, Kobe City, there are many thatched-roof houses and rural Kabuki stages, creating a uniquely Japanese landscape.
By the way, what is thatch in thatched roofs?
In fact, there is no plant called thatch.Plants used for thatched roofs include pampas grass, reeds, rice straw, and wheat straw, and these plants are collectively called thatch.A roof made from these plants growing from the earth creates a typical Japanese landscape.
From this year, the Department of Tourism at our university has started a class in which students participate in activities to conserve and utilize thatched houses in Kita Ward, Kobe City.It is a one-year program that includes conservation activities such as growing pampas grass in thatched fields and harvesting materials for thatched roofs, as well as planning and implementing events such as concerts using buildings with thatched roofs.
As a pre-learning session, we listened to explanations about efforts to conserve and utilize thatched roof houses from officials in Kobe City and Kita Ward, Kobe City, and then learned about specific activities from the NPO Kobe Thatched Network, which is actually active locally. After listening to the story, the local activities finally began.
I'm looking forward to your future activities. In a year from now, students will find new value in traveling around Japanese landscapes.
Faculty of International Communication Department of Tourism Eiji Tanaka
