Japan Study Tour

✈️ Japan Study Tour 2025

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

From the moment we met at the airport on October 18, the excitement was real. 13 students and 3 staff members stood together, bags packed and passports ready, about to board a flight that would take us on a 12 adventure we’d never forget.

That first night in Japan, convenience stores quickly became a favourite — we tried every snack we could find and laughed as we figured out how to use yen for the first time.

🎌 Life at Yaei High School

Meeting our host families was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but their warmth and kindness made us feel at home straight away.

The days that followed were packed with new experiences. We took part in Japanese language lessons, cooking classes, calligraphy, science experiments, and even drama. We joined in English and foreign language classes too — it was fascinating to see how Japanese students learn and how similar (and different!) school life is to ours.

We also had the chance to visit JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Yaei Junior High, and Yaei Primary School. After-school club activities were another highlight — from sports to art to music, it was inspiring to see the dedication and enthusiasm of the Yaei students. 

The week ended with a farewell party that none of us will ever forget. There were tears, laughter, and so many hugs as we said goodbye to our host families and new friends. The connections we made in just a few days were incredibly special.

🎌 Touring Tokyo

Once in Tokyo, we wasted no time. Our first stops were Shibuya Crossing and the famous Hachiko Statue. Standing in the middle of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing was surreal! After that, we visited Meiji Shrine, and then explored Takeshita Street, where every corner offered something new, colourful shops, amazing food, and endless energy.

The next day we visited Hamarikyu Gardens, Odaiba (where we saw a Statue of Liberty replica and a massive Gundam statue), and the National Museum of Emerging Science. We ended the day at TeamLab Planets, walking through glowing digital art installations that felt like stepping into another universe. It was absolutely breathtaking.

On Day 3, we took in Tokyo from above at Skytree Tower, 350 metres high, with stunning views stretching across the city. After that, we explored Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, wandered through Nakamise Shopping Street, and had lunch at Gusto, a restaurant where a robot delivered our food — something we’ll definitely be talking about for years!

We also stopped by the Sumo Arena and did some final shopping in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town filled with anime, games, and gadgets.

On our last day, we packed up and took one more walk through the city. We visited Hinokicho Park and Tokyo Tower, where a few brave students took on the 600-step “Open-Air Outdoor Stairs Walk” down from the tower. After some last-minute shopping and one final meal, it was time to head to the airport.

As our plane took off, we were exhausted but full of incredible memories — new friendships, new experiences, and a whole new appreciation for Japanese culture.

When we arrived home, our families were waiting at the airport with smiles and hugs. We may have left Japan behind, but a part of it will stay with us forever.

🌸 Reflections

The trip was so much more than a study tour — it was a journey of learning, friendship, and discovery. Each of us stepped out of our comfort zones, embraced a new culture, and grew in confidence along the way.

From mastering Japan’s train system to using Japanese language every day, our group showed resilience, respect, and curiosity. We learned how to navigate a different culture with openness and grace — and in doing so, discovered a lot about ourselves, too.