Are you setting your own limits?
This journey, which prompts such reflection, is held every year starting from JR Kurashiki Station.
A group consisting of individuals with disabilities and several volunteer assistants successfully held the Himawari-go this year as well, touring various destinations.
Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji Trip
Himawari-go is a chartered train exclusively for individuals with disabilities departing from and arriving at JR Kurashiki Station that operates once a year.
There have been years when it was canceled due to reasons such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been held almost every year since 1982, and 2024 will mark its 37th operation.
![[Volunteer recruitment until April 30] Himawari-go Himeji Trip - Let's travel together with individuals with disabilities on a chartered train](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23004940/194f902088937525978b75bd004be19a.jpg)
The destination changes every year, and in the 2023 fiscal year, it went to Tsuyama City in Okayama Prefecture, while this year (2024 fiscal year) it went to Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture.
This is a very popular program, with 110 applications from individuals with disabilities.
From the applicants, 50 individuals with disabilities were selected by lottery, along with 10 accompanying family members and a total of 201 people, including volunteers, headed from JR Kurashiki Station to Himeji.
Since some participants with disabilities may require medical care, medical staff also accompanied the volunteers.
Itinerary of the Day
The itinerary for the day is as follows.
For some participants, the goal is simply "to ride the train," while others aim to leisurely enjoy lunch outdoors. Not only do interests vary, but so do physical abilities, so sightseeing in Himeji City was set up to allow everyone to explore freely.
I participated in the event from the departure ceremony to the disbandment, taking photos of the participants, so I will introduce the day's events.
Departure Ceremony
After completing the registration at the north exit of JR Kurashiki Station, I received a cute badge.
This badge is also handmade by volunteers. There are four types of badges featuring sunflowers and trains. It’s fun to look for all of them while walking around.
At the north exit square of JR Kurashiki Station, there was a commemorative performance by the Kurashiki City Fire Music Corps, the first fire music band in Okayama Prefecture, along with a display by the Kurashiki Baton Fresh Twirlers.
The stage was adorned with flowers carefully crafted by the "Kurashiki City Mabi-no-Michi" B-type employment support facility for individuals with disabilities, heightening the anticipation for the journey ahead.
JR Kurashiki Station → Himeji Station Himawari-go
After the ceremony, everyone heads to the platform to depart.
Not only the volunteers but also all JR Kurashiki Station staff helped ensure smooth boarding by setting up ramps at the train entrance and guiding people to the elevators.
Onboard, individuals with disabilities and volunteer assistants opened the travel itinerary and discussed their destination.
Since most of the individuals with disabilities and volunteer assistants were meeting for the first time, there was still a slightly tense atmosphere on the train.
As we headed towards Himeji, there were also onboard recreational activities such as guitar performances and ventriloquism.
Lunch
Upon arriving at Himeji Station, everyone heads towards the Kaoru Yashiki Ato Park at their own pace.
At Himeji Station, 65 volunteers from the Himeji City Social Welfare Council and care taxis were also on standby.
Not all volunteers were from Kurashiki; it was very reassuring to have volunteers who are well-acquainted with Himeji to "welcome" us.
On that day, the weather was favorable, and both participants with disabilities and volunteers couldn't stop eating their lunch under the blue sky.
Exploring Around Himeji Castle
The travel itinerary states, "We will guide you to Bizenmaru Plaza even with a wheelchair."
Indeed, although there are ramps installed, the path to the main keep continues with steep slopes. I was curious about how we would climb, so I headed towards Himeji Castle first.
After passing through the entrance, staff holding a universal map were waiting to explain the route to the main keep.
Universal Map: A map that includes recommended points where Himeji Castle can be beautifully photographed even while in a wheelchair, as well as points where you can relax and take a break. Created by the Himeji Universal Tourism Center.
People in wheelchairs often tend to leave the route to those who can walk, but without a clear outlook, it can be physically and mentally stressful. I felt warmth in the sight of not only the assisting volunteers but also the volunteers explaining directly to the individuals with disabilities.
To Bizenmaru Plaza, volunteers were waiting at each spot like a relay baton, working together to guide the wheelchair to Bizenmaru Plaza.
The white castle, known as "Shirasagi Castle," stood out against the blue sky, and it was impressive to see everyone happily taking photos.
At the guesthouse below Himeji Castle, a live broadcast of the guide climbing to the main keep was also conducted. This service catered to participants who wanted to feel like they had climbed even if they were not confident about reaching Bizenmaru Plaza.
Next, we went to the Himeji City Zoo. It is a cozy spot with plenty of shade, so many participants were taking drink breaks here.
At the archaeological park, participants with visual impairments were exploring the area with guide help volunteers. The staff in armor also kindly allowed participants to touch the armor, which made them very satisfied. What a nice service.
I wanted to extend my visit to the Himeji City Museum of Art, but it was soon time to return to Himeji Station, so I think I will save that for my next trip to Himeji.
At Himeji Station, I took my time choosing souvenirs for myself and my family. For individuals with disabilities who need assistance, the trip is a special day. I saw many participants splurging on souvenirs.
Himeji Station → JR Kurashiki Station, Himawari-go
On the return trip, we spent a relaxing time playing quiz games and bingo, and writing memories of the trip in our itineraries.
The bingo game prizes included non-sale train goods and Himeji souvenirs, and both individuals with disabilities and volunteers were very excited.
We safely arrived at JR Kurashiki Station during the beautiful sunset.
There were scenes throughout the station where families waiting for their return exchanged souvenirs, and where volunteer assistants and families of individuals with disabilities happily chatted together.
It was a relief to return safely to JR Kurashiki Station without any major injuries or accidents.
Individuals with disabilities, volunteers, and the families who welcomed them all gathered with such soft expressions that were unimaginable from the tense faces they had when they departed.
During this trip on the Himawari-go No. 37 to Himeji, many instances were observed where individuals with disabilities and volunteers stimulated each other.
A Journey Where Individuals with Disabilities and Volunteers Discuss Places They Want to Go Together
While taking photos on the train, I asked each group, "What do you plan to sightsee today?" Many individuals with disabilities expressed a desire to go to the zoo.
When I asked, "Aren't you going to climb Himeji Castle?" most people responded with a wry smile, saying, "We can't go that far!"
However, when it was time for lunch, some volunteers began to persuade individuals with disabilities, saying, "It's been a while since we've been to Himeji. Since we're here, let's go to Bizenmaru Plaza."
Initially hesitant participants began to change their destination, saying, "Well, I guess I have no choice. But if you can take me, I might as well go," and more groups started to head to Bizenmaru Plaza.
When I asked the volunteers from the group that changed their destination from the zoo to Bizenmaru Plaza why they consulted about the change, they replied,
"If this were in Kurashiki City, I thought we could come here anytime, so I wanted to respect the opinions of the individuals with disabilities. But Himeji is a sufficient travel destination even for us able-bodied people. So, I wanted to enjoy Himeji too, and I ended up asking."
They answered with a smile.
Because individuals with disabilities and volunteers are equal "tourists," I believe we saw them consulting about their desired experiences and challenging themselves to try new things.
A Journey Where Individuals with Disabilities Inspire Each Other
In fact, many participants began to head towards Bizenmaru Plaza around the time the first climbers were descending.
Participants who were leisurely eating lunch or considering their destination received information like, "I heard that Mr. XX went to Bizenmaru Plaza," which prompted many groups to decide to aim for Bizenmaru Plaza as well.
With participants having various disabilities such as physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, visual impairments, and hearing impairments, there were instances where individuals were inspired by each other, thinking, "If someone with the same disability could go, maybe I can too," or "Since others with different disabilities are trying hard, I want to challenge myself as well."
A Journey to Pass on the Himawari-go to the Next Generation
The Himawari-go is a historic chartered train that has continued for 37 times.
As a result, there are many repeat participants who look forward to this journey every year. These repeat participants include not only individuals with disabilities but also many volunteers.
I met a family with three generations participating. In this family, the grandmother is an individual with disabilities, the mother is participating as a volunteer, and the daughter, who has been volunteering since childhood, is now actively involved in leading the volunteers as an adult.
She said, "Because this journey feels like a family trip, I hope it continues. I would be happy if the children who participated today could convey that the Himawari-go is a fun journey."
Thus, the journey of Himawari-go No. 37 to Himeji, which carries the thoughts of those who have grown up with the Himawari-go over the years, surely left each participant with their own precious episodes.
Conclusion
As an individual with disabilities myself, and having worked as a teacher at a special support school, I understand well the feeling of wanting to set our own limits when traveling with only individuals with disabilities and their families.
However, during this journey, the encounter between volunteers and individuals with disabilities allowed them to challenge themselves to try new challenges with the thought, "Maybe we can do this."
It truly felt like a day where we encountered the scenery that could only be seen because individuals with disabilities and volunteers traveled together.
This journey made me realize the reason why the Himawari-go continues to recruit new participants and volunteers every year on a chartered train, traveling far and building its history.
I hope this project continues for those who need this journey next year and the year after.
Data for Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji Journey
| Name | Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji Journey |
|---|---|
| Date | May 26, 2024 (Sunday) 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Location | Between Kurashiki and Himeji |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Adults: 3,000 yen, Elementary, Middle, High, and University Students: 2,000 yen (Includes JR fare, facility entrance fee, lunch bento, and insurance fee) |
| Website | Himawari-go Kurashiki |
