TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tainan government’s Tourism Bureau sponsored a delegation of Japanese students from Daito Bunka University in Tokyo to promote educational exchanges between Tainan and Japan.

From Feb. 18-20, the group led by Daito Bunka University professor Nojima Tsuyoshi toured the southern Taiwan city, stopping at local landmarks, including the Hayashi department store and Shennong Street, and trying dishes such as beef soup and mango shaved ice, according to the Tainan government. Goodwill Ambassador Hitoto Tae facilitated the trip.

The Daito Bunka University Sociology Department has been conducting annual study tours to Taiwan since 2023, with Tainan being a key stopover.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) thanked Hitoto for promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between Tainan and the world. As Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, Huang said.

The mayor said each visit allows teachers and students to gain meaningful learning experiences while taking home cherished memories.

Nojima said the students experienced Tainan’s rich history and learned valuable insights into urban development and architectural innovation. He noted that every year, the students rate their time in Tainan highly.