Japan October 2025

Our recent trip to Japan was described as an “OHO” — a pleasant surprise tour — and that it certainly was. Oishi for delicious, Heiwa for peace, and Onsen for the restorative hot springs we were lucky enough to enjoy.

A huge, heartfelt thank you to Steve and Noko Yoshida for giving us the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our journey through the enchanting country of Japan—with its dramatic mountain scenery, serene inland seaways, and timeless temples—was truly transformative. We admired the exceptional cleanliness, the sense of order, the politeness, and the ever-present culture of peace. The Japanese people are also wonderfully organized and tech-savvy. And yes, we even grew to love their toilets—especially after we finally learned the Japanese characters for big flush, small flush, and the array of accompanying washes!

In Hiroshima, Ray Matsumi and his team inspired us deeply with their message of peace through the Oleander Peace Program. We toured the city and, through lectures, discussions, and quiet reflection, gained insight into ongoing efforts to promote peace around the world. 

Meeting Mrs. Sadae Kasaoka, a Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor), was profoundly moving. Her courage in telling her story brought many of us to tears and continues to nurture the seeds of peace. We learned, too, about the survivor trees and the global efforts to spread their seeds—powerful reminders that if you plant peace, it will grow.

We learned to create and fold Origami Swans, a powerful symbol of peace not only in Hiroshima but in all of Japan.

We explored the Hiroshima bomb site, visited local attractions, and enjoyed the region’s delicious cuisine. A highlight was our trip to Miyajima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the famous torii gate appears to float at high tide—rightly ranked among Japan’s most iconic views. Thanks to the initiatives of dedicated local people, the culture of peace continues to flourish and evolve.

The second part of our journey took us to Osakikamijima Island, where our experiences were both transformative and inspiring. At Kaisei High School, we were taught to write our names in Japanese using calligraphy. At Osaki Elementary School’s Sports Day, we joined the fun and cheered alongside students and teachers.

We toured a soy sauce brewery, rode to the top of Kannominesan mountain (a couple people hiked!), practiced Zen meditation, and tried our hand at tie-dying—creating our own uniquely designed scarves and tote bags. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the home of Stomu, a Japanese gentleman who spent 40 years in the United States before retiring on the island. Each evening brought delicious meals and heartfelt talks from local speakers who generously shared their personal stories.  

At Oogushi Beach, we had a delightful picnic with Rotarian Jason Laurence—originally from New Zealand and now the island’s first Rotarian—along with his family and friends. And whenever we weren’t dining out or being hosted in someone’s home, we happily embraced the culinary wonders of Japan’s convenience stores. There is certainly much we could learn from them!

During a traditional tea ceremony, we learned how to calm our spirits and savour the quiet sweetness of the tea—an experience that fostered mindfulness and a sense of well-being.

The Onsen hot springs at our hotel were another highlight, offering the perfect way to both begin and end each day in relaxing comfort.

We concluded our tour by travelling across several islands via ferry and bridge en route to Fukuyama. We visited the Oyamazumi Shinto Shrine and its impressive 2,600-year-old tree, then wandered through the quaint historic streets of Takehara, lined with traditional wooden buildings, tiled roofs, cobblestone paths, and lush greenery. A memorable lunch stop at the Setouchi Golf Resort—one of Japan’s finest—treated us to sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Near our final hotel at Hiroshima Airport, we strolled through the beautiful Sakai-en Gardens, with koi ponds, stone bridges, bamboo groves, and gentle waterfalls. It was the perfect place to reflect on the learning, joy, and laughter that shaped our journey.

UNESCO defines peace in the 21st century as more than the absence of conflict—it is a positive, participatory, and dynamic process that nurtures human dignity and our responsibility to care for ourselves, each other, and our shared planet.

This was far more than a sightseeing tour. It was an invitation to experience a peaceful, joyful, unique, transformative, and inspiring way of life.

Together, we can build peace. Together, we can change the world. Every action, no matter how small, helps us move toward our global goal of lasting peace.

More info can be found at the official ITHF website.  ITHF.ORG