Fall 2026: NUCB Students Explore Ena Gorge and Experience Traditional Japanese Culture

On October 10, 2026, NUCB's Global BBA and exchange students participated in a one-day excursion to Ena City in Gifu Prefecture. The trip offered students an opportunity to explore the region's beautiful natural scenery and experience traditional Japanese culture through an Enakyo sightseeing cruise, a noren painting workshop, and a hands-on taiko drumming session. Throughout the day, students also had the chance to interact with members of the local community and learn more about the history and traditions of Ena.

Discovering the Natural Beauty of Enakyo Gorge

The day began with a visit to Enakyo Gorge (恵那峡), one of Ena City's most scenic destinations. Students boarded the Enakyo Cruise, a sightseeing boat that takes visitors through the gorge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

During the cruise, students enjoyed the peaceful waters and impressive rock formations that characterize the area. The boat trip provided an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Gifu Prefecture from a different perspective, while spending time with fellow students outside the classroom.

Following the cruise, the group enjoyed a bento lunch together before heading to their next destination.

Expressing Creativity Through Traditional Noren Painting

In the afternoon, students traveled to Oi-juku (大井宿), a historic post town along the Nakasendo (中山道), an important route that connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period. Oi-juku was once a bustling stop for travelers making their way between the two cities, and the area continues to preserve its historical and cultural heritage.

Here, students participated in a noren painting workshop. Noren are traditional Japanese fabric dividers commonly hung at the entrances of shops, restaurants, and homes.

This year's workshop encouraged students to express what they appreciated about Ena and their hopes for the city's future through their artwork. Each student created an original design, drawing inspiration from their experiences, personal perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

The workshop provided a creative opportunity for students to engage with a traditional aspect of Japanese culture while reflecting on their visit to Ena.

Experiencing the Energy of Japanese Taiko Drumming

The final activity of the day was a traditional Japanese taiko drumming experience.

Students were introduced to the powerful sounds and rhythms of taiko, a form of Japanese percussion deeply connected to local festivals and cultural celebrations. After watching a demonstration, students had the opportunity to try playing the drums themselves under the guidance of local instructors.

Working together to follow the rhythms, students experienced firsthand the coordination, concentration, and teamwork involved in taiko performance. The lively session brought the day's activities to an energetic conclusion.

The excursion provided NUCB's international students with a valuable opportunity to discover a different side of Japan beyond their everyday university life. From exploring the natural scenery of Enakyo Gorge to creating traditional artwork and experiencing taiko drumming, the day combined sightseeing, cultural learning, and meaningful engagement with the local community.

NUCB would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Nakasendo Noren Contest Committee, the Ena International Exchange Association, the local instructors, and everyone in Ena who helped make this experience possible.

Global BBA Program

The Global BBA program at NUCB is designed for students looking to gain a strong foundation in business with a global perspective. Taught entirely in English, the program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on experiences, focusing on case studies, leadership skills, and cross-cultural understanding. Students work closely with international faculty and peers from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for careers in today’s interconnected business world. Through this unique program, NUCB aims to cultivate forward-thinking leaders ready to excel in global settings.