Interest in universal tourism has reportedly been growing in recent years.
Universal tourism
From the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website
Travel that everyone can enjoy with peace of mind, regardless of age or disability
Since 1985, Kurashiki City has operated the sightseeing train “Himawari-go” every year, offering a one-day trip on a chartered train for people with disabilities, medical and welfare professionals, and volunteers to enjoy together. (There have also been years when it was canceled due to the effects of swine flu and COVID-19.)
In 2024, Himawari-go No. 37 is scheduled to depart Kurashiki City on Sunday, May 26, and travel to Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. On the day, two to three volunteers will accompany each person with a disability on the trip.
Volunteers are currently being recruited for the Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji.
We spoke with the Kurashiki Organizing Committee, which runs “Himawari-go,” about the project’s aims and what volunteers do.
The information presented was current when this article was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from the current information.
What is “Himawari-go”?
Himawari-go is a chartered group train exclusively for people with disabilities, which began in Tokyo in 1982.
At the time, trains and stations were not as accessible as they are today, and people with disabilities faced many difficulties when traveling by train.
Against this backdrop, people with disabilities, their families, volunteers, and labor unions took the lead in launching Himawari-go services, which then spread nationwide. In Kurashiki City, the first Himawari-go ran between JR Kurashiki Station and Hiroshima Station in 1985.
This year (2024) marks the 37th trip.
How to apply to ride
For details about the number of participants, schedule, participation fee, how to apply, and application deadline for the Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji, please see the image below.
Applications for people with disabilities are now closed.
Volunteer positions available
The following five types of volunteers are being recruited to accompany the trip:
- Personal assistance volunteers
- Setup volunteers
- Recreation volunteers
- Documentation volunteers
- Venue volunteers
For details about the activities, please see the image below.
You can apply to volunteer even if you have no experience providing personal assistance.
A volunteer orientation will be held from 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza. Attending should help you get a clearer idea of what providing assistance involves.
Interview with the Kurashiki Organizing Committee that runs “Himawari-go”
We interviewed Nishio Takahiro, chair of the Kurashiki Organizing Committee that runs “Himawari-go,” about the Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji.
What kind of project is Himawari-go?
Nishio (surname only)
It’s a chartered train trip where people with a wide range of disabilities, regardless of the type of disability, and volunteers travel together.
Participants include people with intellectual and mental disabilities, as well as physical disabilities (visual, hearing, mobility, and chronic health conditions).
Himawari-go began operating in Kurashiki in 1985, and 2024 marks its 37th trip.
Could you tell us about the aims of the Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji?
Nishio
This will be the fifth time we’ve gone to Himeji on Himawari-go. Himeji Castle has beautiful views, and there are museums and a zoo nearby, making it a pleasant place to explore.
We deliberately haven’t made a detailed schedule for the trip.
Many of the participants with disabilities are taking part primarily for the experience of riding a train, so I hope they and the volunteers can enjoy the rest of the trip at their own pace.
You’re recruiting as many as 142 volunteers for 50 participants with disabilities.
Nishio
We plan to have two to three volunteers accompany each participant with a disability.
Some participants need help walking or using a wheelchair, or require medical care. We want their families to be able to send them off with peace of mind. That’s why we’ve maintained this ratio for many years of running Himawari-go.
Some of the volunteers accompanying the group also have specialized medical knowledge.
What would you like volunteers to take away from the Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji?
Nishio
First, I’d like them to experience interacting with people with disabilities.
I think there’s a lot to learn from people with disabilities while spending a day taking part in activities with them on Himawari-go.
Then, the next time they see someone in need around town, they should be able to approach them and say, “I think I can help with that.”
I’d be happy if more people were able to quickly lend a hand when they see someone in need, helping make Kurashiki a warmer, kinder city.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Nishio
Over its 36 previous trips, Himawari-go has attracted many repeat participants, both people with disabilities and volunteers, who come back every year.
It makes me very happy when people say, “I’ll come back and join you again next year.” For anyone unsure about participating, I hope you’ll find the courage to take that first step.
Whether it’s your first time or not, the organizing committee will do everything it can to support you, so that people with disabilities and volunteers alike can enjoy a comfortable and fun trip together.
We look forward to receiving your applications.
From the Writer
In my previous job, I was a teacher at a special needs school, and off-campus trips were valuable opportunities for children with disabilities to go out.
Even after graduating from school, being able to take part in initiatives like Himawari-go is a highly meaningful form of leisure support for people with disabilities.
Nishio also spoke of “learning from people with disabilities,” and this should be a valuable opportunity for people with disabilities to practice asking support providers for help.
This spring, why not gain a new experience by volunteering for Himawari-go No. 37 and take a chartered train trip to Himeji?
Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji details
| Name | Himawari-go No. 37 trip to Himeji |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, May 26, 2024; gather at 7:40 a.m., scheduled to finish at 4 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki–Himeji |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Adults: ¥3,000; elementary, junior high, high school, and university students: ¥2,000 (Includes JR fare, facility admission, boxed lunch, and insurance) |
| Website | Himawari-go Kurashiki |
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