JAPAN STUDY TOUR

An Unforgettable Experience

 From September 11 to 27, Craig Metcher and Kerry Power had the wonderful experience of escorting 15 Kew High School students to our sister school in Soja City, and then travelling around western Japan and Tokyo. The sister school experience was unforgettable and we were overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness. Our students attended regular classes and also participated in special cultural activities with specialists in calligraphy, flower arranging, tea ceremony and music. The final assembly at the school was a tearful event and many of our students did not want to leave.

On our travels throughout western Japan and Tokyo we saw world famous heritage-listed sites such as Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) and Nijojo (the palace of Tokugawa, the first shogun to unite Japan 300 years ago). We also spent much time in the famous shopping districts of Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku. On our final day we all went to Tokyo Disneyland and enjoyed the rides, especially the terrifying Space Mountain - a fast and turbulent ride through darkness.

The trip was a wonderful success and I would like to thank everyone involved who supported us. I look forward to the next trip in 2016 and also to welcoming our guests from our sister school next August.

 Craig Metcher   

Japanese teacher