Senior
IB course Japanese History Class Field Trip to Kyoto Imperial Palace
ib
On Wednesday December 7, the IB3 class took a field trip to the Imperial Palace and Gardens in Kyoto as part of their Japanese History class. Courtesy of the Miyakogusa Imperial Palace Historical Association, they were given a two-hour long in-depth and thorough historical guided tour where they could make connections to the knowledge coming from their class.
The tour was tailored to the high school curriculum and covered many centuries of diverse Japanese history, from the beginnings of Kyoto through the Bakumatsu Period, to the enthronement of the current emperor, using the palace grounds as a jumping-off point, including the origins of Ritsumeikan University and its deep ties to Kyoto. The students could also learn about different architectural styles and customs unique to the Imperial Household. They also had a chance to actively engage in historical conversations, ask questions, and experience Japanese and local history firsthand without the confines of the classroom.