Connecting Brittany, France, and Tango, Kyoto: An International Exchange Project on Ocean Wisdom (Part 1)
Day 1: Welcome to Tango Region
June 15, 2025
From June 15th to June 19th, students from Lycée Public Maritime du Guilvinec in Brittany, France, embarked on an international exchange project in the Tango region of Kyoto, Japan. This program offered a unique opportunity to explore marine industries, local culture, and regional specialties. The total participants included 10 students, 3 teachers, and 1 coordinator, making a group of 14 people.
The journey for students from Lycée Public Maritime du Guilvinec began on a high note, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural exchange in Kyoto’s picturesque Tango region. This first day was dedicated to immersing the French students in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the area.
Amanohashidate
The adventure began with a visit to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most iconic scenic views. Here, students were captivated by the beautiful landscapes of the land bridge covered by pines, stretching across Miyazu Bay. The unique perspective offered by viewing it upside down with the “Matanozoki pose”, a local tradition, added an element of playful wonder. After this, the group explored Kono-jinja shrine, an ancient and significant landmark deeply rooted in local folklore.
There, they had the opportunity to participate in the Nagoshi no Harae, a traditional Shinto summer purification rite which happens only once in a year. This is a summer purification where you have to pass through a ring “Chinowa Kuguri” (literally: passing through a ring) to cleanse any impurities and to pray for good health, usually held in June marking the halfway points of the year.
Here are the steps to perform the Chinowa Kuguri. First, stand in front of the Chinowa and bow, then go through the circle and turn left to the front of the circle, after that, go through the circle and turn right to the front of the circle, go through the circle and turn left to the front of the circle another time and finally, proceed to the front of the altar and pay your respects by bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once.
Then, they went to the top by chairlift to Kasamatsu Park, providing a panoramic view of Amanohashidate and the surrounding shores. This naturally formed sandbar is lined with over 5,000 pine trees which appears as a brushstroke of green on blue. Students were struck by its serene beauty.
Adding a playful and uniquely local twist to the experience, students took part in the tradition of “matanozoki”, where one has to bend over to view Amanohashidate upside down through their legs. From this angle, the sandbar appears to float in the sky like a pathway through the clouds, reinforcing its poetic name (bridge to heaven). This Matanozoki pose not only brought laughter, but deepened their appreciation for how nature and culture intertwine in Japanese heritage. Some locals also says that you can see a dragon while doing this pose.
At the park, students also enjoyed a fun and symbolic local tradition: ring throwing, known as undama-nage or enmusubi no wa nage. Participants aim to toss small rings through a circular target set up in front of the viewing platform. This simple yet meaningful activity is believed to bring good fortune and strong personal connections, especially in relationships or future encounters. It is also said that succeeding in throwing through the circle makes your wish come true. Each student took turns trying their luck and celebrating the few successful tosses with joy.
Ine
The journey transported the students to Ine, a charming and historically rich fishing village nestled between the mountains and the sea on the northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture. Ine is known for its unique and picturesque “funaya“, the traditional wooden boat houses that line the tranquil bay. These two-story structures are well-thought and designed, with the first floor serving as a boat garage and the upper level used as living quarters. This architectural harmony between human life and nature reflects a lifestyle that has been shaped by the sea for generations.
French students had the opportunity to learn about the everyday life of fishermen families, how the funaya are preserved today, and how the village has adapted to modern tourism while keeping its authenticity. They visited a funaya and were impressed by how convenient it is and how it could only work in a place where the sea level does not change much.
The visit continued with a serene boat ride across Ine Bay, going through rows of funaya that seemed to float on the sea. From the boat, the students could appreciate the elegant uniformity and surprisingly individuality of each boathouse, the shrines, warehouses and even sake brewery, each telling a silent story. In the final part of the boat tour, students were able to feed seabirds, which were circling around them, some snacks that the captain had given them.
After docking, the group walked through the narrow lanes of the village, soaking in the timeless atmosphere. They concluded their trip to Ine by going into a local sake brewery and tasting some snacks made by local artisans.
The day concluded at Marine Pier, where the students gathered for a lively dinner. The evening featured a delicious spread of BBQ and yakisoba, providing a taste of local culinary delights and an opportunity for the group to relax and reflect on their first day’s enriching experiences. Whether it was the incredible view from Kasamatsu Park, the peaceful boat ride in Ine, or the fun of trying something new like the purification ritual or tossing rings, everyone had a story to tell.
Writer: Mathieu Fonseca
Thanks to: ROOTS, Lycée Public Maritime du Guilvinec, Mrs. Hayakawa (coordinator and interpreter)
Special thanks to sponsors: Fondation franco-japonaise Sasakawa (日仏笹川財団), la caisse des péris en mer, Hénaff, Penmarch city, Loctudy city
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