JAPAN 2025
Join us on our adventure to Japan! Our group of intrepid travellers, from Grades 8-12 will post here about their amazing experience.
Day 1-4
Tokyo: a city pulsating with an energy unlike any other. In just days, we’ve been swept up in its symphony of contrasts. In a city of 14 million, ancient traditions exist in tandem with futuristic technology, and vibrant chaos is uniquely orderly. We journeyed from the tranquil Imperial Palace gardens, a haven of peace amidst the urban sprawl, to the electrifying streets of Akihabara, a kaleidoscope of anime and technology. We ascended the Tokyo Skytree, gazing at a cityscape stretching to the horizon, navigated the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, were mesmerized by the Art Aquarium in Ginza, and absorbed the sounds and aromas of Asakusa. Meiji Jingu provided a serene escape from Shibuya’s commercial bustle, and beyond the city, the beauty of Mount Fuji and Hakone was breathtaking in the sunshine. And through it all, we’ve savoured the culinary delights that make Tokyo a foodie paradise. Our favourite foods to date include char-grilled trout and Korean hot dogs at Oshino Hakkai; Yakitori chicken skewers, beef udon, gyoza, soy-milk ramen, and strawberries in our neighbourhood; matcha ice cream at Nakamise Shopping Street; and the whimsical dumplings at the remarkable village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba.
But beyond the iconic landmarks and delectable dishes, it’s our time together that will make this trip truly memorable. Happy memories shared so far include: enjoying late-night Family Mart ice cream when it (surprisingly) snowed; racing to the Mount Fuji viewing point (a strenuous climb for most of us!); spending the day with Masa and his mother; and playing hide-and-seek, spanning multiple floors in the dark, highlighting the simple pleasures of friendship and laughter. Tomorrow, we are on a bullet train for the next stage of our adventure!
DAy 5-7
Oh, the amazing adventure continues! With the bullet train, we were in Kyoto in no time. At the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the vibrant red torii gates brightened up the rainy morning. Next was the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a dream for our manga and anime fans, with shelves filled with classic and contemporary works. We ended the day at our hostel, surrounded by greenery and tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood of quaint homes.
Continuing the symphony of contrasts, we started the next day with a visit to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), the stunning gold leaf shimmering in the sunshine. Next, we explored Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where we learned the rituals of cleansing with sacred water, and drank at the fountain for love, academic success or longevity. The surrounding Higashiyama district was a maze of narrow streets, traditional architecture, and delightful shops. From there, we went to the busy Gion district, a shopper’s paradise. Some of us found hot-pot heaven, with an all-you-can-eat feast. Evening hit, and we hit Round 1! From bowling, racing, DDR, karaoke (in Japanese) – we did it all!
Our last day in the area took us to beautiful Osaka. We started by touring Osaka Castle, a majestic structure with a rich history. Then, we went to Shinsaibashi and Namba, the heart of Osaka’s vibrant shopping and entertainment districts. Our food adventure continued with tasting Osaka’s treasured street food: takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). From there, we explored Shinsekai, a retro district that feels like stepping back into the 1960’s. Our bike aficionado found a vintage bell and some colourful valve caps! Back at the hostel, was another massive, multi-level game of hide-and-seek. So many laughs.
As one student said, “What’s not to love about these past three days?” The culture, the fun and the amazing food continue to highlight our Japan adventure.
day 8-11
The Shinkansen, Japan’s iconic bullet train, whisked us back to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, a return that found us navigating the intricate subway system with a newfound confidence. Our first destination was TeamLab Planets, an immersive digital art museum that masterfully engaged all our senses. The Water exhibit stood out, a mesmerizing blend of light, sound, and tactile experiences that left us feeling both invigorated and slightly disoriented. The darkened room provided a delightful space for the students to tumble and explore, a simple joy that they thoroughly enjoyed.
The following day, we immersed ourselves in the magic of Disneyland. Despite the persistent rain that plagued the afternoon and evening, the students’ enthusiasm remained undeterred. Many chose to stay until the park’s closing, determined to savor every moment of the Disney experience. The next day brought a different kind of enchantment, a walking tour leading us to the Ghibli Museum. The older district we traversed was undergoing a captivating regeneration, revealing a charming blend of historical preservation and modern revitalization. We savored delicious local treats before entering the museum, a true animation paradise that showcased the artistry and imagination of Studio Ghibli. For our final evening in Tokyo, some revisited favorite restaurants, while others indulged in special meals, including an unforgettable Wagyu beef experience. A special treat was seeing Masa and Soto, adding to the festive atmosphere of our final evening.
The next day dawned bright and sunny, allowing us to squeeze in some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport. This entire trip was a tremendous experience, filled with unforgettable moments and much laughter. We are happy to be home with our families, but we will certainly miss our special time together!
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