Hastings Exchange Organization Offers Unique Opportunity for Travel to Japan.

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Hastings, Neb. – Nearly seven years after the last official delegation from Hastings, Neb., traveled to its sister city, Ozu, Japan, the Hastings International Exchange Organization (HIEO) announces a 2014 travel opportunity.
From May 22-June 2, 2014, central Nebraskans of all ages and backgrounds are invited to travel to Ozu with HIEO. Tour participants will stay in the homes of Ozu-area residents; visit local attractions including Kumamoto Castle and the Honda Motorcycle Plant; and meet Japanese teachers, business owners, government officials, artists and farmers.
Anticipated per person costs are $2,500, including roundtrip airfare, hotels in Japan and most meals. Space is limited so reserve your spot with a nonrefundable $100 deposit by Monday, December 16, 2013. For more information, contact Franc E Wagner at fewagner2@gmail.com or 402.469.7647.
About Ozu, Japan
Located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, Ozu is acclaimed for its annual azalea festival and its nearby Honda plant. Hastings’ sister city boasts a slightly larger population of nearly 29,000 residents.
Nearby attractions include Mount Aso, a large volcanic caldera; hot springs; gardens; shrines; and farms.
About the Sister City Relationship
Since 1995, when the Cities of Hastings and Ozu signed a sister city agreement, families from the Hastings area have hosted residents from Ozu nearly every summer. Some of our Ozu guests have included businessmen and scholars; most guests have been young students experiencing their first overseas travel and a very different US from what they see and read about.
From these visits, close friendships have formed as host families and guests visit local businesses, schools, churches, the Adams County FairFest and museums.