2026 Japan Study Tour
We began our tour in Tokyo where we visited Sensoji Temple, tried chopstick making in Ginza, marvelled at the city skyline and of course went to Disneyland, all while navigating the city’s chaotic yet organised transport system. We were also offered our first opportunities to speak Japanese, to order food, make purchases in shops or even just to be polite to locals.
The next city we visited was Kyoto. Kyoto was full of temples to visit, with one just around the corner from our traditional ryokan accommodation. On our first day in town we visited Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and Heian Shrine. The next day, our plans were altered slightly due to a turn of the weather, and we ended up visiting the tranquil merchant town of Omihachiman just outside of the city, as well as the iconic Himeji castle.
We then moved on to Hiroshima where we paid our respects at the Hiroshima peace memorial as well as the museum. After our day’s adventure we tried Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury pancake. We also visited Miyajima, an island near Hiroshima with friendly deer and a famous Torii gate in the water, where the weather couldn’t have been any better!
Our final stop of the trip was in Osaka, a city known for its night-life, beautiful Osaka castle and vibrant billboards like the “Glico Man”. Many of us tried takoyaki or sampled Osaka’s own variation of okonomiyaki. Our night in Osaka was an exciting finish to our tour.
Overall, the knowledge and experience gained from the tour provided both students and teachers with life-long memories!
Charlie Francis: College Captain
It was an absolute pleasure to organise and supervise the 2026 Japan Study Tour. Throughout the tour, the students exemplified college values and displayed great enthusiasm towards all activities, from speaking in Japanese, navigating the challenging metro system to trying various local delicacies.
I also wish to acknowledge and thank fellow supervising staff, Chris Wilson and Caitlyn Bourke for their time, dedication and unwavering support in making this tour such a rewarding and memorable experience for our students.
It is anticipated that the college will continue offering the Japan Study Tour on a biennial basis, with the next tour tentatively planned for 2028. We look forward to providing another group of students with this incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the language, culture and history of Japan. Watch this space!
Kristeen Quarrier: Head of Languages
