A Kyoto Field Experience: Learning and Bonding in Nature

Meaningful Life field trip: Grasshoppers resting on a leaf after rainfall (June 2025). Credit: Sophia Kisa Eaton

During my spring semester of junior year, I enrolled in a course called Meaningful Life: Life, Art, Digital, and Field-based Learning at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Sophia University. The course aimed to explore how the meaning of life is intertwined with dynamic and complex social-ecological relations. What particularly interested me was the rare opportunity within my faculty to gain hands-on educational experience in nature through immersive field trips. One of these trips was to Kyoto, where we visited the Ashiu Forest Research Station and Kameoka Organic Agriculture School. It was a truly meaningful journey, allowing me to see, hear, converse with, and feel the rawness of both nature and social-economical systems firsthand. 

Every moment of our adventure in Kyoto was magical. The insightful teachings, captivating stories, and immersive experiences exceeded my expectations, deepening my appreciation for the course beyond imagination. Through this reflection, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the professors for their guidance, the wonderful guest speakers for their knowledge, and my classmates for making my time there truly unforgettable. Their meaningful impacts on my personal and academic development, together with the cherished memories we created, will forever remain in my heart. 

Ashiu Forest 

Meaningful Life field trip: A walk through the Ashiu forest (June 2025). Credit: Sophia Kisa Eaton

Before exploring the Ashiu Forest, we received a comprehensive briefing on its rich history and the vital work conducted at its research station. It was fascinating to learn about the deep and evolving interaction between humans and nature within their history of industrialisation, with charcoal and timber production, globalisation of wood imports, and the shift in societal attitudes from intensive logging to dedicated conservation efforts. Today, the forest is a site for research and environmental education, which provided me with a foundational understanding of the forestry practices and ecological dynamics of Ashiu. This knowledge significantly primed me to recognise and understand the intricate features of the forest as we explored, which positively enhanced and enriched my overall experience and observation. 

The sweet earthy aroma of the woods immediately filled my senses as I stepped off the bus. I could distinctly feel the moisture in the air, which  I playfully referred to as “skincare for my lungs.” The calmness of the environment was complemented by the calming harmony of natural soundscapes, offering a sense of comfort amidst the heavy rainfall. Encountering the great Katsura tree was a profound experience. Standing firmly for over 1000 years, this tree hosts a diversity of over 30 species,  and its presence overpowered me. I wondered what changes this grand tree had witnessed throughout history, from wars to the gradual transformation of the forest’s natural appearance. On the topic of transformation, I was shocked to discover that the exposed soil, visible beneath the trees, is not a natural healthy state. A photograph of the same exact location but taken 10 years ago revealed a green carpet with plants reaching chest height, a stark contrast to the current state indeed. This degradation of vegetation, primarily caused by the overpopulation of deer and overgrazing, was disheartening to witness firsthand. The soil health was deteriorating, poisonous plants were multiplying, and many trees were decaying. However, by physically being in that environment, touching and feeling its textures, and talking with knowledgeable local experts, I began to truly grasp the interconnectedness of all elements and aspects of nature. Each plays a vital and irreplaceable role in maintaining the overall rhythm and harmony of the ecosystem. Furthermore, I understood that the harmonious rhythm of the ecosystem simultaneously has an impact on human society and even the broader economy.

Although there might be ongoing challenges for researchers to manage this balance, I am delighted to see that eco-tourism is gaining attention and popularity, offering people like us the opportunity to directly engage with the richness of biodiversity. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at each plant and moss that grew on the surface of the trees, feeling the raindrops on my skin, balancing on the rocky riverbed, and touching the flow of the river stream. In those moments, I felt as if I had returned home after a long trip, a calming embrace, welcoming me back to my roots and connection with nature.  

Kayabuki no Sato & Kameoka 

Meaningful Life field trip: Landscape of Kayabuki no Sato and the Kameoka Organic Agriculture School (June 2025). Credit: Sophia Kisa Eaton

Starting a serene, foggy Sunday morning in the picturesque village of Kayabuki no Sato was an aesthetically pleasing sight. Surrounded by mountains engulfed by misty clouds, the atmosphere and scenery of the traditional Japanese village were greatly enhanced. Each traditional house had a unique architectural composition with its thatched roofs, all complemented by the rich greenery of the surrounding fields and the colourful blends of flowers. As I wandered around the village, I wondered what life would truly be like living in such a traditional house, as I couldn’t imagine a life without convenient stores and easy proximity to a town. Nevertheless, it was a wonderfully pleasant morning, spent enjoying local sweet treats and admiring the view of the horizon as we rode a bus towards Kameoka. 

Receiving a valuable and insightful lecture from the heads of the Kameoka Organic Agriculture School was a true privilege. Here, we learned about the efforts being made to implement and normalise organic agriculture practices across the local industry, economy, and society. Needless to say, I was inspired by their vision and dedication. The lecture covered key factors essential for successful organic farming, such as soil preparation, plant biology, plant disease prevention, weed prevention methods, and growth management. Learning how organic farming is executable with the right knowledge, expert guidance, and community support was really appealing. It was also fascinating to discover that starting with organic methods allows for reaching the productivity levels of conventional farming while preserving and enhancing the natural environment. Although it may take some time and effort, the long-term returns of organic farming seem far more bountiful and sustainable. Nevertheless, I felt the dilemma between ensuring food stability and prioritising environmental preservation within the organic farming framework, as I was told that some farmers, facing initial challenges, revert to conventional farming. I questioned why organic methods aren’t widely normalised in society today, especially when initiatives like those in Kameoka city are demonstrating their feasibility and success. It is important for us to collectively reshape the attitude towards organic agriculture, not just seeing it as beneficial for our health, but recognising its positive impact on the entire environment.

Following the lecture, we visited the organic farm and its fields where the local students, who were actively partaking in organic agriculture classes, were cultivating their produce. It was impressive and educational to see the method of growing “green revitalisation plants” as a natural, sustainable soil fertiliser. This revealed to me that chemical inputs are not always necessary to produce and maintain a healthy soil. Eager to learn more, I decided to talk to the students working on their farm plots. They were incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic to share details of the vegetables they were growing, as their faces lit up like a warm ray of sunshine. Seeing them be so happy and content, thriving in a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious town, encouraged me to consider the possibility of living in a similar community-oriented place. I’d love to have an opportunity in the future to help out with these farming processes! 

Insights and Impressions  

Meaningful Life field trip: Classmates, KASA members and Professor Ito throughout the trip (June 2025) Credit: Sophia Kisa Eaton

Naturally, the field trip taught me an abundance of knowledge and profound insights about ecology, sustainable forestry practices, and innovative organic farming techniques, all of which deeply inspired me and broadened my thinking. Another notable and perhaps even more heartwarming aspect of the trip was the genuine bond that began to form among everyone. After just three short but impactful days, I felt a joyful and deep connection with my peers as we gradually connected and opened up to one another. I imagined that if we had just stayed in the classroom setting, I would likely still refer to them merely as classmates, but now I think of them as great friends with inspiring interests, unique passions, and admirable qualities. The shared experiences of making dinner together, exploring the forest, enjoying our meals, playing games, spending quality time simply being together, and getting to know each other on a deeper level collectively made this trip exceptionally special and unforgettable. I’m so grateful to have been united in such a wonderful and supportive class. Deepening my appreciation for the connection between humans and nature, as well as between humans themselves, has become a meaningful and rewarding way of living my own life.