Date: Monday, June 23rd, 2014
Place: Main Hall
Participants: 46 first years students
Lecturer: Ms. Natsuko Miyazaki, Subsection Chief at the Tourism Exchange Promotion Office of the Himeji City Industry Bureau, Himeji Nishi High School Alumni (43rd Class)
Topic: “Historical Tourism around Himeji Castle: The Present Situation and Problems
Today our school invited Ms. Natsuko Miyazaki, from the Tourism Exchange Promotion Office of the Himeji City Industry Bureau, to speak to us. She clearly explained about Himeji’s tourism administration efforts, and problems to us. She told us that in Japan Himeji ranks 25th in population, 18th in shipments of industrial products, 29th in annual sales turnover of goods. She also 
explained the history of tourism administration in Himeji and the surrounding areas. After that she mentioned that many tourists, especially foreign tourists, visit Himeji without staying overnight and go on to visit the Hiroshima or Kyusyu areas after staying in Osaka or Kyoto. This is a problem for the city. We was able to hear about diversified efforts by the 
Himeji Tourism Promotion Office, such as installing free Wi-Fi, improving the tourist information center, and taking part in an exchange project tween Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and Himeji Castle. She also talked about what the efforts for “the age of 2 billion inbound tourists” are being made by government and the public.
The students asked several questions such as what strategies would be used after the historical drama on NHK “Gunshi Kanbe” ends, and how the Grand Opening of Himeji Castle is being planned. The lecture was a great success.
Student Comments
- “I didn’t know much about the situation in Himeji, but when I listened to the lecture I learned a lot about the city’s current status and efforts. I think that as a citizen of Himeji I should know more about these kinds of things.”
- “I thought that Himeji was a small city, but I was wrong. It is a great city!”
- “It was a familiar topic and easy to understand. It was a good chance for me to think about the future of my city.”
- “I am familiar with Himeji City and its landscape so I never realized that there are some people who face difficulties here (ex. with understanding signs and so on).”
- “It is sad that foreign tourists visit many places in Japan, but not the very beautiful Himeji Castle. I think we must show that we are as good as the more famous places.”
- “I have lived in Himeji for my whole life, but I didn’t know much about its population or economic power. When I saw the data about them I was able to understand it.”
- “The lecture was about the place where I live, so it was interesting for me to listen to. I think it is necessary to attract more foreign tourists to Himeji. I came to understand how important events like festivals are in attracting tourists.
