This is where we get down and dirty. Every year MIEA volunteers conduct research on the rivers in the vicinity of Mimasaka. Your work will be to get into these rivers (don't forget your rubber boots) and ascertain whether they are healthy or not. We're going to analyze the water and hunt for river fauna.

This is the season grasses grows much all around. We need help to cut them and pick up trashes around river or road and some places. It would be very hard work because of hot temperature and sunshine, and be careful of poison snakes. 

You will have a time to talk about your home (country) with photos, foods, music, books, flag, traditional materials...etc.

Please bring them to Mimasaka with you. 

(They should be not to heavy to carry for your trip)

We will visit a local school for half a day. Please bring a simple story, game, prop, musical instrument, activity or dance from your own country to use with the students.Photographs from home (family, house, your bedroom, pets, town, etc.) also make interesting conversation topics so bring them too.

And we have chance to visit to high school. You can see the school life in summer vacation there. The students are 16-18 years old.

Japanese children are pretty cute until they kick you playfully in the shins and run away giggling. You will be spending time with some little people from one of Children's Club.

Yunogo Hot Springs in Mimasaka were discovered some 1,200 years ago by a virtuous Buddhist Monk named Ennin. It is said that he saved a wounded heron and was lead to the hot springs by the heron as a reward. The hot springs are popular with both locals and visitors. The waters are said to be beneficial for various ailments and are particularly good after a hard day's work. Japanese wash themselves and rinse thoroughly before entering the pools. Communal bathing is done naked. Males and females bathe separately.

Situated across the Yoshino River from Yunogo Hot Springs, this vantage-point (more of a hill than a mountain) provides outstanding views of the surrounding landscape, including a bird's eye view of the Yunogo Hot Springs. We will visit this scenic location so that you can get a good idea of the size and layout of Mimasaka.

Can you cook? You will get the chance to prepare a dish from your own country. You might want to bring a recipe or any special spices you might need. We are looking forward to sampling your culinary delights.

Japanese fine arts are highly refined. For example, although Japanese tea ceremony is exceedingly ritualized, the inner spirit is considered more important then the ritual form. And the heart of the ceremony lies in the selfless manner in which the host serves the tea to the guests.

You will get a chance to try your hand at calligraphy (shodo), flower arranging (ikebana) and tea ceremony (sado).

An annual summer festival that you will be attending. The town forms various teams who dress in traditional clothing and dance a special dance. Guess who one of the teams will be - You!

Buddhism and Shinto are the two main religions of Japan. 

Your visit wouldn't be complete without praying at a shrine for safety and happiness.