JAPAN

KORUMBURRA IN JAPAN: A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER

When the Korumburra Secondary College group touched down in Osaka, there was no time for jet lag—only excitement. With their guide, Naomi-san, leading the way, the group’s adventure across Japan began.

Their first stop was Kyoto, where they dressed in traditional kimonos, wandered through serene bamboo groves, and admired the shimmering Golden Pavilion. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, they walked beneath thousands of iconic red torii gates before enjoying a well-earned feast of tempura and katsu.

The trip continued with sweet-making, a traditional tea ceremony, and a thrilling ride on the bullet train to Himeji Castle. In Hiroshima, they experienced the warmth of an izakaya dinner and the beauty of Miyajima Island. They even cooked their own okonomiyaki—Japanese savoury pancakes—complete with hats, aprons, and plenty of laughter.

A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum brought a moving moment of reflection, followed by comfort in a Western-style dinner with a Japanese twist.

From there, the group headed into the peaceful hills of Hakone, where they cruised Lake Ashi, saw Mt Fuji, and stayed in a traditional ryokan. A retro bowling alley made for a fun night of friendly competition.

Icy roads meant a detour from Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, but Oshino Hakkai’s charming scenery and street food didn’t disappoint. In Tokyo, the students explored Shibuya, Harajuku, and historic temples, and tested their skills at a karate lesson.

Their final days were packed with fun: visiting the Pokémon Centre, Nintendo Tokyo, cat cafés, and attending a high-energy baseball game at Yokohama Stadium—complete with chants, cheerleaders, fireworks, and even a few jumbotron appearances.

Before flying home, the group strolled through the peaceful Imperial Gardens, enjoying cherry blossoms and one last Taiyaki. As they said goodbye to Naomi-san and boarded their flight, they left with full hearts, lasting memories, and a deep appreciation for Japan’s beauty, culture, and people.