Japan Trip

On the 23rd of June, 14 Japanese students and 3 staff from Gisborne Secondary College embarked on the school’s first Japanese study tour since the COVID-19 pandemic. After a postponement last year, the group was keen to snap up this opportunity for a trip, and what an experience it was.  

The group had the chance to see and experience many of the physical wonders of Japan, from the many temples and shrines of the old capitals of Kyoto and Nara, the confronting, yet peaceful city of Hiroshima and its beautiful surroundings, the culinary scene in Osaka, and the duality of tradition and modernity in the vast capital city of Tokyo. The group enjoyed the technological marvels such as shinkansen (bullet trains), convenience stores, and of course, the novelty that is the Japanese vending machine. 

The group did a fantastic job in the face of many language challenges, such as asking for directions or train information, ordering meals and even at one point, some of the group members getting lost in Tokyo Disneyland at night. 

Some of the favourite memories of students who attended the trip include the many interactions with deer in Nara, visiting Miyajima and visiting its floating torii gate, learning how to make okonomiyaki and visiting the Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima, visiting Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, feeding koi and turtles at Heian Shrine and walking through Gion to get to Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, among many other memories. 

Patrick J, Languages Captain 

It was an absolute pleasure to organise and supervise the 2024 study tour to Japan. Throughout the tour, the students exemplified college values and displayed enthusiasm and willingness to participate in 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, Greg Neale and Caitlyn Bourke for their time, effort and dedication towards making this tour a success.  

It is anticipated that the college will continue to offer the Japan Study Tour on a biannual basis, with the next trip tentatively scheduled for 2026. It will be open for students in Years 9-12 in 2026. Watch this space! 

Kristeen Quarrier, Languages Curriculum Area Leader