This is a special experience tour conducted by the Social Welfare Corporation “Universal Tourism Creation Project for Special Experiences in the Wake of the International Festival of Arts and Culture for the Disabled” with the assistance of the Japan Tourism Agency's project to expand inbound consumption and improve quality through the provision of special experiences, etc.

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This is a tour where anyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy Japanese culture, art, food, and scenery with peace of mind.

Tour guides and interpreters (Taiwan) will accompany the tour.　

The tour includes participation in the following “Special Experience Programs”.

1) Shigaraki Pottery making experience at Shigaraki Youth Dormitory, a group home

2) “Disability, Nutrition and Food” project in collaboration with Agriculture, Fortune and Food

(3) International Festival of Arts and Culture (Biwako Hall, Shiga Performing Arts Center)

(4) Cruising on Lake Biwa

(5) Private viewing night at Kyoto National Museum

These tours are attractive and appeal to a wide range of people, including those with disabilities, those interested in supporting people with disabilities, and those interested in culture and the arts. In particular, it will be a valuable opportunity for people with disabilities and their families to participate in a safe and comfortable environment.

Main Points of the Tour

Universal Design: Tours are designed to be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of disabilities.

■Cultural Experiences: Promote this tour as a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and contemporary art.

Food Experience: Promote the fact that participants can enjoy cooking using ingredients unique to Shiga and well-balanced nutritional meals.

Exchange: Participants will be able to make new discoveries and learn through interaction with other participants and people from facilities that support people with disabilities.

Main Target Audience

Anyone is welcome to attend, but the following customers are especially encouraged to attend

■ People with disabilities and their families

Visitors with disabilities can participate with peace of mind, as there are a variety of programs that take into consideration their needs, such as Shigaraki pottery making, nutrition and food culture experiences, and the International Festival of Culture and Arts for the Disabled.

Families will also have the opportunity to enjoy activities together and deepen their understanding of disabilities.

■For those interested in supporting people with disabilities

This is a valuable opportunity to experience the initiatives of the Shigaraki Youth Dormitory and the International Festival of Culture and Arts for the Disabled, which are aimed at realizing a symbiotic society.

It is also recommended for those who work in the field of support for people with disabilities, volunteer activities, and others with a high level of professional knowledge and interest.

In particular, performances and cultural arts by people with disabilities are of very high quality and worth seeing even if you are not interested in them.

■For those interested in cultural arts

The Kyoto National Museum's private viewing nights and programs by artists with disabilities allow visitors to experience valuable cultural arts that they would not normally have the opportunity to experience.

This program is also attractive to those who are interested in Japanese culture, especially Kyoto culture, and those who enjoy art appreciation.

■For those interested in food culture

In the Japanese Nutrition and Food Culture Experience, you can enjoy cooking using ingredients unique to Shiga under the supervision of the Japan Dietetic Association and “hospitality” provided by a nutritionist.

A registered dietitian will be at each table and available for consultation.

This is recommended for those who are interested in healthy eating habits and those who want to learn more about Japanese food culture.

■For those who love to travel and seek new experiences

There are many unique experiences such as cruising on Lake Biwa and making Shigaraki pottery.

Although it is a group tour, some itineraries can be scheduled freely, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxing trip in a group or alone.

■Others

Age Range: Open to all ages.

Gender: Open to both men and women.