Minasan Konnichiwa (Hello Everyone) Melba- Japan Trip December 2025

In December last year, we took an amazing group of students on The Melba-Japan trip. There were 21 students ranging from year 9-12, 3 teachers and 1 parent. So, a group of 25 adventurers. We visited 4 major cities in Japan on our 12-day journey. First, we took a direct flight to Tokyo on QANTAS. It was a smooth flight and within no time we had arrived in winter Japan. We made it to our hotel in Osaki TOKYO. This hotel was part of a shopping mall with many restaurants, and it was next to the station. We visited all the famous sites of The Imperial Palace, Harajuku, Shibuya and Asakusa but our highlight was visiting a Japanese primary school. We got to spend the day with grade 5. We had a cooked lunch with them and played soccer and other activities at lunch time. It was so sad to say goodbye as we had all become good friends.

Next stop was KYOTO. We took the bullet train and had a perfect view of Mt.Fuji. In Kyoto we stayed at a traditional Ryokan, where we slept on futons on the tatami floor. The students were all so keen to try Japanese food and embrace the Japanese culture. Of course they loved the convenience stores of 7/11, Lawson and Family Mart. In Kyoto we did a full day private tour where we saw 4 famous world heritage sites. The highlight being KINKAKUJI- The Golden Pavilion. Next, we visited HIROSHIMA, where we spent a few days. We had a very detailed and moving half day tour. Our tour guide explained the details of the day the atomic bomb was dropped. There was not a word from anyone, and she had everyone’s full attention. We also visited MIYAJIMA island, which was a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima. The island was beautiful in its autumn leaves. Some took the cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoyed the spectacular view. The wild deer were also fun for us all to see.

Our final destination was OSAKA. Everyone enjoyed the rides and fun of USJ- Universal Studio Japan. Some had the courage to ride the scary rides with our Principal Mr. Lee. I rode the JAWS ride and felt quite sick on The Forbidden Journey in Harry Potter world. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their time at USJ. Mr. Lee encouraged students to join him in his running club at night after dinner.

We all had a wonderful time learning new things about Japan and it’s unique and fascinating culture. All our students were exemplary in the way they handled being away from their home and loved ones. Everyone challenged themselves with the food, shopping, experiencing things for the first time and making new friends. I am so proud of all our students who decided to embrace the Melba- Japan experience. We all made lifelong memories.

I would like to thank Ms. Mckenzie, Mr. Lee and Lisa for helping me look after our Melba students and for making our Japan Trip 2025 an amazing, memorable adventure, I couldn’t have asked for a better team.

Arigato Gozaimasu

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