Recently, there has been a growing interest in universal tourism.
Universal tourism
From the official website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Travel that everyone can enjoy with peace of mind, regardless of age or disability.
In Kurashiki City, since 1985, a sightseeing train called "Himawari-go" has been operating every year, allowing people with disabilities, medical and welfare professionals, and volunteers to enjoy a day trip together on a chartered train. (There have been years when it was canceled due to the impact of the novel influenza and the novel coronavirus infection.)
In 2024, the Himawari-go No. 37 is scheduled to operate on May 26 (Sunday), departing from Kurashiki City to Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. On that day, 2 to 3 volunteers will accompany each person with a disability.
Currently, they are recruiting volunteers for the Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip.
I spoke with the Kurashiki Executive Committee that operates the "Himawari-go" about the purpose of the project and the activities of the volunteers.
What is "Himawari-go"?
Himawari-go is a chartered train exclusively for people with disabilities that started in Tokyo in 1982.
At that time, barrier-free access to trains and stations was not as widespread as it is today, and traveling by train posed many difficulties for people with disabilities.
In such circumstances, the operation of "Himawari-go" began, led by people with disabilities, their families, volunteers, and labor unions, and it spread nationwide. In Kurashiki City, the first Himawari-go operated between JR Kurashiki Station and Hiroshima Station in 1985.
This year (2024) marks the 37th operation.
Information on how to apply for a ride
Please check the following image for information on the number of participants being recruited for the Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip, the schedule, participation fees, application methods, and application deadlines.
Applications from people with disabilities have closed.
Volunteers being recruited
We are recruiting the following five types of volunteers to accompany on the day.
- Assistance volunteers
- Setup volunteers
- Recreation volunteers
- Record volunteers
- Venue volunteers
For detailed activity content, please check the following image.
Note that volunteers can apply even without prior experience in assistance.
On May 5 (Sunday) at 1:00 PM, a volunteer training session will be held at Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza. Participating will likely help create a clearer image of assistance.
Interview with the Kurashiki Executive Committee that operates "Himawari-go"
I interviewed Takahiro Nishio, the president of the Kurashiki Executive Committee that operates the Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip.
What kind of project is Himawari-go?
Nishio (no honorifics)
It is a chartered train trip where people with various disabilities and volunteers travel together.
Participants include not only those with physical disabilities (visual, auditory, physical, and health issues) but also those with intellectual and mental disabilities.
In Kurashiki, the operation of Himawari-go began in 1985, and 2024 marks the 37th event.
Please tell us the purpose of the "Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip" project.
Nishio
This will be the fifth time we go to Himeji with Himawari-go. Himeji Castle has a beautiful view, and there are art museums and a zoo nearby, making it an easy spot to explore.
We intentionally do not create a detailed schedule for the trip.
Many participants with disabilities join primarily to "ride the train," so I hope that during the other times, they and the volunteers can enjoy the trip at their own pace.
You are recruiting 142 volunteers for 50 participants with disabilities.
Nishio
We plan to have 2 to 3 volunteers accompany each participant with a disability.
Since some participants may need assistance with walking or wheelchair support, as well as medical care, we want every participant to be comfortably sent off by their families. That is why we have maintained this ratio of volunteers to participants over the years.
Among the volunteers, there will also be staff with specialized medical knowledge.
What do you hope volunteers will feel through the "Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip"?
Nishio
First of all, I want them to have the experience of "interacting with people with disabilities."
I believe that through a day of activities with participants with disabilities on Himawari-go, there is a lot to learn from people with disabilities.
Then, when they see someone in trouble in the city, they should be able to say, "I can help with that."
If even one more person can quickly lend a hand when they see someone in need, it would make Kurashiki a more warm and kind city.
Please give a message to the readers.
Nishio
Through the past 36 operations of Himawari-go, many participants, both people with disabilities and volunteers, return each year.
I am very happy when they think, "I want to participate here again next year." I hope those who are hesitant to participate will have the courage to take a step forward.
Even for first-time participants, the executive committee will do their utmost to ensure that both people with disabilities and volunteers can travel together comfortably and enjoyably.
We look forward to your applications.
Conclusion
I used to work as a teacher at a special needs school, and for children with disabilities, school excursions were valuable opportunities for outings.
Even after graduating from school, being able to participate in initiatives like Himawari-go is a very meaningful activity for providing leisure support for people with disabilities.
Additionally, Nishio mentioned the phrase "learning from people with disabilities," but it should also be a valuable opportunity for people with disabilities to practice asking for support from their supporters.
This spring, why not have a new experience through volunteering for Himawari-go No. 37 and take a chartered train to Himeji?
Data on Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip
| Name | Himawari-go No. 37 Himeji trip |
|---|---|
| Date | May 26, 2024 (Sunday), gathering at 7:40 AM, scheduled to disband at 4:00 PM |
| Location | Between Kurashiki and Himeji |
| Participation fee (including tax) | Adults: 3,000 yen, elementary, middle, high school, and university students: 2,000 yen (Includes JR fare, facility entrance fee, lunch bento, and insurance fee) |
| Website | Himawari-go Kurashiki |
