Clearwater Sister Cities

Clearwater Sister Cities To promote cultural understanding, friendship, and global partnership through exchanges with Clearwater's Sister City, Nagano, Japan.

A member of the international program of Sister Cities which was created during the Eisenhower administration to promote world peace through friendship between culturally diverse city partners. Many life long friendships have developed between host families and students, and between members of both support organizations. City officilals from both Clearwater and Nagano have traveled to participate in cultural events in the partner's city.

First school day complete! The Young Ambassadors will spend two days at Sakuragoaka Junior High school. On day one they ...
06/11/2026

First school day complete! The Young Ambassadors will spend two days at Sakuragoaka Junior High school.

On day one they presented to the entire student body, toured the school, participated in classes, and started making friends.

The Young Ambassadors have made it to Nagano!During their stay in Nagano, the Young Ambassadors will attend school, live...
06/10/2026

The Young Ambassadors have made it to Nagano!

During their stay in Nagano, the Young Ambassadors will attend school, live with host families, participate in cultural activities, and build friendships through daily life and exchange experiences with Japanese students.

Photo Challenge  #5: NaraThe Young Ambassadors were asked to submit their best image from today's excursions. The always...
06/09/2026

Photo Challenge #5: Nara

The Young Ambassadors were asked to submit their best image from today's excursions. The always popular deer are heavily featured 🦌

Nara Park is home to more than 1,000 free-roaming deer, considered a symbol of the city and its cultural heritage. For centuries, the deer have been regarded as messengers of the gods in the local Shinto tradition, making them one of Japan’s most recognizable attractions.

Please vote by leaving a Like 👍 or Love ❤️ on your favorite photo by 6pm.

On the last full day of sightseeing,  the Young Ambassadors ventured off to Himeji Castle in the morning. They climbed t...
06/09/2026

On the last full day of sightseeing, the Young Ambassadors ventured off to Himeji Castle in the morning. They climbed the 5 flights of stairs as they wandered throughout the fortified structure. After appreciating the architecture and learning about the castle’s history everyone got on the bullet train and went to Nara.

The YAs received a very warm welcome from the local deer. The highlight of the day was seeing the deer bow, petting them, finding deer food and the occasional surprise antler. One ambassador said “this is my favorite part of the trip so far”. The group closed out their day at a traditional itzakayah dining on Japanese pizza, edamame, liver, and other shared foods.

Photo Challenge  #4: Hiroshima::UPDATE:: Given the significance of this site, all the YAs who participated- Iris, Tatyan...
06/08/2026

Photo Challenge #4: Hiroshima

::UPDATE:: Given the significance of this site, all the YAs who participated- Iris, Tatyana, Cora, and Andreo- will receive an award for participating in this challenge 🎉 Extra kudos to YA Cora (second image of the Atomic Bomb Dome) for getting the most votes 🗳

Located near the center of Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Park was built on the area most affected by the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Today, the park includes memorials, monuments, and open green spaces dedicated to remembrance and peace.

During their visit, Young Ambassadors were challenged to capture reflective moments, meaningful details, and scenes that helped them better understand the park's message.

It was a rainy day in Hiroshima, but no less memorable or reflective. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established ...
06/08/2026

It was a rainy day in Hiroshima, but no less memorable or reflective.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established in 1954, with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum opening in 1955. Together, they honor the victims of the August 6, 1945 atomic bombing and inspire visitors to work toward a more peaceful world. 🕊️

From Chaperone Wendy:

Today we went to Hiroshima. We visited the museum and listened to the audio guide. The Young Ambassadors saw the Flame of Peace and went to the Atomic Bomb Dome. They all handled themselves with maturity through the museum and understood the sadness surrounding the war.

With their home base in Osaka, the Young Ambassadors have a very full schedule for sightseeing in the Kansai region. Ove...
06/08/2026

With their home base in Osaka, the Young Ambassadors have a very full schedule for sightseeing in the Kansai region. Over the weekend, they hiked the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, climbed to the top of the Kiyomizudera shrine in Kyoto, toured Osaka Castle and the shopping district of Dotonbori.

Along the way, they have made friends with Japanese students, met other Sister Cities International youth ambassador groups, and tried every new food they could.

Check back soon for Monday's photo challenge and more on their visit to Hiroshima.

::UPDATE:: The winner of this photo challenge is Tatyana and her beautiful capture of a blue hydrangea!We have full part...
06/06/2026

::UPDATE:: The winner of this photo challenge is Tatyana and her beautiful capture of a blue hydrangea!

We have full participation of all 9 Young Ambassadors for Photo Challenge #3: Hiking at Fushimi Inari Taisha 伏見稲荷大社

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice and business. Located in southern Kyoto, Japan, it is famously known for its 2.5 mile mountain trail lined with over 10,000 vibrant, red torii gates.

You have until 6pm today to cast your vote! Vote by reacting to your favorite photos with a Like 👍 or Love ❤️.
Yes, you can vote more than once!

Photo Challenge  #2: Selfies::UPDATE:: Today's photo challenge winner is Stella! Her photo is the first one, with fellow...
06/05/2026

Photo Challenge #2: Selfies

::UPDATE:: Today's photo challenge winner is Stella! Her photo is the first one, with fellow YA Sydney in the background.

The second photo challenge is for the best selfie at 東京スカイツリー / Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is a 634-meter broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, and is Japan's tallest structure, offering panoramic views from its Tembo Deck (350m) and Tembo Galleria (450m).

Now it it's up to you! Vote for your favorite photo! You can vote for as many photos as you like. The photo with the most likes or loves by 6pm EST this evening is the winner.

Day 2 on the ground was mostly travel from Tokyo to Osaka, but before they jumped on the Shinkansen the Young Ambassador...
06/05/2026

Day 2 on the ground was mostly travel from Tokyo to Osaka, but before they jumped on the Shinkansen the Young Ambassadors walked the iconic Shibuya Crossing and viewed Tokyo one last time from the highest vantage point in 東京スカイツリー / Tokyo Skytree.

They made some new friends too!

Photo Challenge #2 coming soon 📷

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