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Minami Uonuma-shi and "Uonuma" area
Minami Uonuma-shi where IUJ is located has a population of 64,000 and very famous for a delicious variety of rice called "Koshihikari". IUJ is situated in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains such as Mt. Hakkaisan and Mt. Makihata, with the Uono river flowing gently through, and beautiful rice fields quilting the landscape. You will find fresh air and a quiet environment to meet the Japanese culture, and where academic endeavors can flourish.
Museums, beautiful parks and picnic areas, various hiking
and biking trails, running courses and fishing spots await.
Near Urasa station are hotels, grocery stores, a hospital
and various clinics, banks, a post office, stationary and
variety shops, and other restaurants and services. A major
temple, "Urasa Bishamon-do" is nestled against the
mountain and features a unique and traditional "Naked
Man's Festival" on March 3 every year. Many IUJ students
participate.
Large shopping complexes including AEON, are located in near by towns, only 15 min. by car or IUJ bus.
In
"Osaki", 5 min. by car from IUJ, there is a shrine
called "Hakkaisan Jinja" -Mt. Hakkai Shrine- and
a small dam with a beautiful pond surrounded by cherry blossoms
in the Spring where IUJ students enjoy picnics during Ohanami
- Cherry Blossom viewing. Also at this Shrine the "Hiwatari":
- fire walking - festival is held each October.
The "Uonuma" area is also famous for its ski resorts and "Onsen" (hot springs). IUJ students enjoy skiing, hiking, golf, and 'Onsen" to refresh themselves from academic pressures.
Students also enjoy numerous delicious foods and drinks, like "Soba" - buckwheat noodles, mountain vegetables, "Ayu" fish from the "Uono" river, watermelon, Japanese "Sake" - rice wine- wine and beer. All are grown or brewed in Minamiuonuma-shi and other towns in the vicinity. |
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Climate
The climate has four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
and Winter . Students can witness the changing scenery on
campus day by day. Each season offers special events and a
chance to experience all aspects of Japanese culture: from
rice planting to snow shoveling.
From early March, warm sunshine and wind melt the snow quickly
away. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons with fresh
green growth and beautiful flowers. The rice is planted and
the once white valley is magically transformed into lush green
fields. This season is ideal for outside recreation. Students
can get their feet muddy by participating in the wet-paddy
rice planting festivals.
In June, the rainy season comes and lasts 2 or 3 weeks depending
on the year. After the rainy season, we have a hot Summer
season with temperatures between 28 and 35 C during the daytime,
with cool and pleasant mornings and evenings. You can enjoy
swimming in the river near IUJ and trips to the seaside about
one hour away. Summer festivals are many with fireworks, street
"parade dancing" and traditional festival games
and foods.
September
to early November are clear and pleasant, with average temperatures
ranging between 15 to 20 C (60 to 70 F). Leaves on the trees
change color to yellow or red by the end of October. It is
a good season for driving, hiking, "Momiji" - Foliage
viewing - and Otsukimi "Moon Viewing" events.
Toward the end of November, winter begins to creep into the
valley. Snow flurries occur a few times in December and more
in January and February, resulting in more than 2 meters of
accumulated snowfall. The area is well prepared to handle
the snow with special sprinkling systems to melt the snow
off the roads keeping them accessible. Campus too features
a tunnel system so students need not go out of doors to reach
classrooms and recreational facilities. You will not feel
cold as it is not windy, nor do the temperatures drop much
below freezing. Temperatures range between -5 C (rarely) and
10 C. The snow also makes beautiful scenery around campus.
Snow shoeing, downhill and cross country skiing, snowball
fight festivals and various snow festivals are great adventures.
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The Office of Student Services (OSS) and other staff members are always
happy to assist students with daily life in Japan, advise
them on visa issues and health care, and help arranging
cultural events.
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