17 Oct 2024
After Tokyo, our Japan Trip students took the bullet train to Osaka, experiencing "eki-ben" (station boxed lunch) on the train. Unfortunately due to cloudy conditions, Mount Fuji was not fully visible.
Then it was off to visit the lovely Osaka castle, followed by a trip to the Dotonbori area to experience the liveliness of Osaka, and see the famous "running man".
Wednesday brought a full day of fun at Universal Studios Japan. On Thursday the group travelled to Kyoto for the day. Wet weather did not dampen the beauty of Kyoto. We went to Sanjusan gendo, filled with impressive statues, Yasaka shrine and explored the streets of Kyoto.
A highlight for staff and students were the two visits to elementary schools. The first school Amami elementary, was the smallest in the prefecture. We got to explore the classrooms and observe lessons, before joining the school for kyushoku, the "school provided lunch."
The second school was the biggest in the prefecture, Kawachi-Nagano elementary school, where students joined in fun P.E. Games and activities with Japanese students. There was time for mingling with the students, and friendships were formed!
Saturday was a sombre visit to Hiroshima Peace Museum, A-Bomb dome, Peace Park. We also caught a ferry to visit Miyajima, to see the Itsukushima shrine, and the stunning orange gate. On Sunday we visited Nara to see Todaiji temple, host of the huge daibutsu (big buddha). Students were able to feed the many deer in the park.
Our final day included a visit to the Osaka Aquarium, and fun activities at Spo-Cha, including bowling, karaoke, roller-blading and many more!
Students returned exhausted but happy and had a thoroughly enjoyable trip.
