Japanese Language Trip

A Memorable Trip to Japan!

Over the Term 3 break, students embarked on an unforgettable school trip to Japan for two weeks. The journey began in the capital city of Tokyo. During this time, students began the trip by watching a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome and visiting Akihabara, attended Japanese classes at Shotoku Gakuen, and visited the Imperial Palace.  

We then left the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for the quiet countryside near Lake Yamanaka, which offered a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. Students woke up at the crack of dawn to see Mt Fuji reflected on the lake each morning. We also visited Oshino-Hakkai, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site featuring the springs from Mt Fuji. 

A highlight of the trip was visiting our sister school, Koei Veritas Junior & Senior High School, where students were invited to attend the school’s culture festival. We were warmly welcomed into the school, with their students and teachers introducing the many student-run stalls and performances. Highlights included various food stalls, music and calligraphy performances, and many Japanese students in interesting costumes! Many students not only made new friends but also developed a stronger appreciation for cross-cultural exchange. 

In the second week of the trip, we visited the many temples and shrines in Kyoto, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima, and Osaka Castle. For our last day in Japan, we  ended with a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Japan, bringing joy and excitement to the group. It was lovely seeing our students’ beaming smiles throughout the trip as they have become more independent while enjoying this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Cynthia Leung

Japanese Teacher