ITR25 INC MC Jardin du Japon

Students take part in a walk through the Parco Centrale del Lago (Laghetto dell’EUR), focusing on the Japan Promenade:

Japan Promenade & cherry trees: Students discover the avenue planted with Japanese cherry trees, donated by Japan to Rome in 1959 as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries. 

Nature, city, and architecture: As they walk along the lakeside, students observe the combination of water, trees, modern buildings, and green spaces, and discuss how urban parks improve quality of life and create meeting spaces for citizens.

Hanami and cultural traditions: Students learn about hanami, the Japanese tradition of admiring cherry blossoms, and how it is now celebrated every spring in Rome at the EUR lake. 

Italian students guide their peers in English, explaining the history of the promenade, the meaning of the cherry tree donation, and the links between Italian and Japanese cultures. In small mixed groups, students may be asked to complete simple tasks:

take a photo that represents “peace” or “friendship”, to give advice to their friends, a positive compliment, note words that describe the atmosphere of the week, prepare a short sentence in English to share how this place makes them feel.

A short debriefing at the end allows students to connect what they saw to wider themes such as international cooperation, cultural respect, and care for nature.

Students gain a new image of Rome, beyond ancient ruins and monuments, as a contemporary, international city open to other cultures. They improve their English fluency and confidence while walking, talking, and reflecting together in a calm outdoor environment. The activity strengthens team spirit, mutual respect, and a sense of global citizenship, showing how a simple walk in a park can carry strong messages of peace, friendship, and sustainability.