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November 24, 2006
TRAINING REPORT : November 5, 2006 : Local Visit (Day 1) Go back to Global Navigation
November 5, 2006
Local Visit (Day 1)
This morning we set out on local visit to Hiroshima. We took Shinkansen – bullet train – from Tokyo. We were looking forward to see the highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji from the train but unfortunately it was too cloudy.
On the way to Hiroshima, we stopped by at Kyoto and visited a barrier-free temple, Sanjusangendo to learn about the accessibility and tourism. As autumn is the best season for sightseeing in Kyoto, the temple was filled with tourists from all over the world. At Kyoto station, we hired a taxi with a lift. This made it possible for us to move in this popular city of Kyoto.
As it was going to be a long walk to see the temple, at the entrance we rent three wheelchairs for participants from Laos and Vanuatu and for Mr. Ueno, chairperson of planning committee.
We observed the accessibility as follows.
1. There is accessible toilet for wheelchair users;
2. Wheelchairs are available for rent;
3. Baby carriages are available for rent;
4. Wheelchair users can freely move inside the temple;
5. Guide dogs and assistant dogs can enter inside;
6. Communication by writing is available for persons with hearing impairments;
7. There is a miniature of standing Kannon statue for persons with visual impairments to touch and recognize how the figure is;
8. Explanation and guide is given in Braille.
Tourism is one of the most important fields for income generation in many countries. If the tourist sites become accessible, the increasing number of people with disabilities will visit, therefore promoting more tourism in the countries. It provides more opportunity for persons with disabilities to visit and to participate in the society. We feel the disability issues should be addressed more in tourism.
We continued our journey to Hiroshima. When we got to JICA Hiroshima where we stay next 5 days, we were astonished by and pleased with its modern and comfortable accommodation.
* Sanjusangendo is located in eastern Kyoto. It was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266. The temple is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The central image is a seated figure of the Kannon with 11 faces and 1000 arms (a National Treasure), surrounded by 1000 smaller standing statues of the thousand-armed Kannon.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2006/training/leader1105.html
Posted by jicafriends at November 24, 2006 05:35 PM