Japan Excursion 2024 Report

Following months of preparation and planning, students from Years 9, 10 and 11 who have been studying Japanese, landed in a very warm and humid Tokyo City after leaving Hobart at 3:30am that morning.

Our ten day itinerary took us through Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara and then back to Tokyo.

The Japanese train network was a new experience in itself for our students, as we travelled around on the local trains and buses as well as the Shinkansen “Bullet Train” and a Thomas the Tank themed train.

Tokyo Disneyland was a highlight, along with participating in a Wagashi sweet making workshop and Dorei (Japanese Clay Bell painting) in Kyoto. Students were also fortunate enough to have a personal performance and talk from a real Maiko (apprentice Geisha) in Kyoto and fueled up on plenty of Matcha (Green Tea).

Our itinerary included many iconic locations including Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Harajuku, Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park, as well as the famous Nara Deer Park.

Our visit to the Hiroshima Peace Museum and Peace Park provided the students with a unique educational and historical experience, where they were able to reflect upon the effects of the first Atomic Bomb and its aftermath for the citizens of Hiroshima.

The group were also fortunate enough to attend a bi-lingual English/Japanese church service at Tokyo Lifehouse Church in Jimbocho. This was a great opportunity for students to be able to experience an interpreted service and spend a quiet moment reflecting upon the sermons message.

The trip was a wonderful experience for our students, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our students for their exemplary behaviour on the trip, and also thank the accompanying teachers Mr Hull and Mrs Arnold, for their support and assistance in our travels.

Mrs Tracy Brandis

Tour Leader & Japanese Teacher