Japan Trip
Journey Through Japan: A Memorable Adventure
**Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Tokyo**
Our adventure kicked off with an exhilarating day in Tokyo! We marvelled at the breathtaking views from the Tokyo Skytree before paying our respects to the iconic Hachiko statue. The bustling Shibuya Crossing was a whirlwind of energy, and we enjoyed a peaceful moment at the serene Meiji Shrine. To cap off our day, we strolled along the vibrant Harajuku shopping street, soaking in the unique culture and fashion.
**Day 2: A Magical Day at Tokyo Disneyland**
Day two was nothing short of magical as we spent the day at Tokyo Disneyland! The highlight? Riding Splash Mountain—again and again! The joy and excitement in the air were infectious, and the students made unforgettable memories while experiencing the magic of Disney.
**Day 3: Immersive Art and Sumo Showdown**
On day three, we ventured into the mesmerizing world of TeamLab Planets, where interactive displays ignited our creativity and wonder. Later, we explored Odaiba, a futuristic area filled with attractions, and ended our day with an exhilarating sumo tournament, experiencing a vital part of Japanese culture.
**Day 4: Connecting with Toyohama Elementary**
Our fourth day was heartwarming as we visited Toyohama Elementary School. We shared information about our school and performed our final concert dance alongside the students, fostering a beautiful cultural exchange. The classrooms were filled with laughter as we played games and made lasting memories together.
**Day 5: Historical Kyoto**
We transitioned to Kyoto, immersing ourselves in history with visits to the majestic Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, and Kiyomizudera Temple. Each site was a reminder of Japan's rich heritage. We capped off our day with a delicious Shabu Shabu dinner, savouring the flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine.
**Day 6: Nature's Beauty in Kyoto**
Day six took us on a tranquil bamboo walk, where we felt the serenity of nature surround us. We then visited the monkey park, where we laughed and played with the playful inhabitants of the area, making for a delightful experience.
**Day 7: Hiroshima: A Day of Reflection**
Our journey continued with a Shinkansen ride to Hiroshima. We participated in a cooking class where we made our own delicious okonomiyaki for lunch. Later, we visited the Peace Park and Museum, an emotional yet essential experience that deepened our understanding of history. We left our origami cranes at Sadako’s monument, symbolizing hope and peace.
**Day 8: A Day of Nature on Miyajima Island**
On our final day, we explored the stunning Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic torii gate and friendly deer. We enjoyed the local aquarium and the island’s natural beauty, wrapping up our adventure with a sense of wonder.
Throughout this incredible journey, our students extended their Japanese language skills and deepened their understanding of Japanese culture and lifestyle. We are immensely proud of their resilience during these ten days away from home and their exemplary representation of our school.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff and parents (Narelle Sullivan, Liz Morgan, Will Georgiou, Leah Cray, Bianca Fammartino and Sam Dekok), whose support maximised the students’ experience. This trip has truly been one for the books!
We hope you had the chance to keep up to date with our travels on the blog. If not, have a look through our incredible pics now! https://bpsjapantrip3.edublogs.org
