Information to seek expressions of interest

We are excited to announce that the Japan trip is returning in 2026, after a long-awaited pause! The trip will take place during the September school holidays and will be offered to Year 10 and 11 students as well as students in Year 8 and 9 who are studying Japanese in 2026. The maximum number of participating students is 16. To assist the planning and organisation of the trip, we are currently seeking expressions of interest. Please read through the information below and register your interest with the Google Form using the link provided before Friday 25 July (the end Week 1, Term Three).

Purpose of the trip

The purpose of this overseas trip is to provide our students with immersive and linguistic experiences that assist them in becoming respectful, curious, and informed global citizens. By visiting Japan, students will have the opportunity to:

apply and enhance their Japanese language skills in real-life settings
deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, customs, and daily life
build global awareness, independence, and intercultural competence
strengthen friendships and develop teamwork, resilience, and confidence with both their peers and students at the sister school
explore historical and contemporary aspects of Japan through visits to culturally significant sites and communities

Dates: 16th to 28th September 2026 (13 days)

The trip departs three days before the end of Term Three and concludes a week before the commencement of Term Four.

Provisional itinerary

Day 1: Depart Australia on an international flight to Tokyo, Haneda.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Tokyo (Asakusa and TeamLab Planets).

Day 3: Visit our sister school (Matsudo Kokusai Koko) in Chiba for the day.

Day 4: Students spend a day with their partnered Japanese students and their family (Senior students only).

Day 5: A day in Tokyo Disneyland.

Day 6: Farewell Tokyo and board Shinkansen to Kyoto. Visit Kiyomizu-dera and Gion area

Day 7: Sightseeing in Kyoto. Sushi making lunch workshop, kimono dress-up followed by tea ceremony and 30 minutes 2-person rickshaw ride in Arashiyama.

Day 8 : Farewell Kyoto and board Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Visit Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, including an A-Bomb Survivor Testimonial.

Day 9: Travel to Miyajima by ferry. A ropeway gondola.

Day 10: Travel to Shin-Osaka. Visit the Dotonbori area in the afternoon.

Day 11: Sightseeing in Osaka including Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku, and Sumiyoshi Taisha.

Day 12: Travel back to Osaka Airport for an evening flight to Australia.

Day 13: Arrive back in Australia early morning.

Please note this is a provisional itinerary, and once we confirm the participating students, their individual needs will be considered and necessary changes will be made and more details will be added to this itinerary.

Year levels

This trip is offered to Year 10 and 11 students in 2026, as well as students in Year 8 and 9 who are studying Japanese in 2026. If there are more than 16 interested students, the priority will be given to older students, particularly those who are studying Japanese.

Indicative cost per student : $ 4,800.00 to $ 5,600.00

Breakfast is included
This price excludes spending money, money to buy lunch and dinner, travel insurance, and fees to obtain a passport

Please note that due to the current inflation, this price may increase by the time the booking is finalised.

Please also read the following notes from Saizen Tours

Upon confirmation, a non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required
Families of participating students will be required to make payment following the payment plan the school will establish.
Cancellations 65 days or less from the date of departure are subject to a fee of $300 per person plus any airline cancellation penalties on issued tickets and up to 100% of total land arrangements
Prices are based on the current exchange rate and subject to currency fluctuations and inflationary impacts between now and when the booking is finalised.

Registering your interest

Please fill out the Google Form below to indicate that you are interested in participating in the trip. Submitting this form does not mean that you are selected to the group of participants.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11xOpk-wP5k0JMseQ1G9kzEPCOYFoPTB1QLV9yQx72nc/edit

If you have any questions while making your decision, please contact Yoko Cross (Teacher in Charge), via email: ycross@stbc.vic.edu.au

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