Japan Study Tour 2024

October 9, 2024

Our students and staff were having the best time throughout their two-weeks study tour in Japan.

The group arrived at Takefu Higashi High School, SFX’s sister school in Echizen, after 24 hours of travel from Canberra. The group enjoyed a delicious obento meal during their journey and jumped right into English classes upon arrival, where they made origami cranes and ninja stars, and later took part in the school’s cleaning classes. The Year 12s also presented their research on social issue to our students as their test audience.

On Day 2, our students participated in the World Happiness Forum, where youth around the world gathered both in person and online. They also listened to a keynote about sport as a microcosm of society reflecting changing social issues. The day continued with dressing up in colourful yukata and a tea ceremony, making the most out of their time with their new friends from Takefu Higashi.

After spending the weekend with their host families, our students went onboard the bullet train to Hiroshima. It was a bittersweet farewell, but we hope to reunite with them someday!

Students then continued their trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, interacting with deer, visiting the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with is floating Shinto Torii gates and admiring the five-story pagoda. The day ended with karaoke after a delicious okonomiyaki dinner.

Kyoto greeted our students with rain upon arrival, but everyone was still in high spirits. The crew stepped back in time to the Edo period at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Kyoto Studio Park), famous for its iconic filming spot for ninja and samurai movies. They even got to watch a ninja show!

After Toei Kyoto Studio Park, our students and staff went inside the Nijo Castle and toured around the castle gardens. The gorgeous castle had gold panel screen paintings and squeaking ‘nightingale’ floors to ward off intruders.

They continued their journey to Universal Studios Japan, enjoying thrilling rides, attractions and meeting costumed characters, followed by a workshop on crafting Japanese sweets using local ingredients like beans, matcha, and rice flour. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the rich tea ceremony culture and the importance of beauty and aesthetics in Japanese delicacies. Afterwards, they attended a Maiko (apprentice geisha) show, where the graceful and delicate performances offered a glimpse into Kyoto’s historical and artistic traditions.

On their last day in Kyoto, our students went for their final sightseeing trip by visiting the city’s iconic landmarks; the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. They ended the day with a relaxing stroll through the vibrant shopping streets of the Gion District, followed by a hotpot dinner.

They also prepared speeches for their stay at the Kyoto Ryokan Inn, leaving the owners impressed with both their skills and their well-mannered behaviour. After a fun-filled trip in Kyoto, it was time for our students to head east to the nation’s capital and spend their last day in Japan before flying back to Australia.

Our students arrived in Tokyo by bullet train and visited the Meiji Shrine, a beatiful green oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle, followed by shopping and crepes in Harajuku and Akihabara. Their excitement couldn’t be more palpable as they read heartwarming letters sent from home.

On their last day, the group embarked on a coach tour, beginning with the immersive art experience at Tokyo Skylab. They also visited the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple, strolled along the Nakamise shopping street, admired the pagoda and took part in the temple’s incense ritual.

After lunch, they visited the Tokyo Skytree, the second-tallest building in the world. As the adventure drew to a close, the students have now boarded their flight home, full of memories from this incredible journey. While they may be looking forward to their own pillows, families and friends, they leave Japan having slept on futons, made new friends and experienced something truly unforgettable.