The first base for the trip was Kyoto. Students visited the famous temples of Sanjuusangendo, Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji and Fushimi-inari. The Philosopher’s Path allowed students to view beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms first hand and taste several cherry blossom delights, including cherry blossom ice cream. Students walked through the Arashiyama bamboo forest, purchased many truly Japanese souvenirs, including some famous katana swords and visited Nijo Castle, the feudal Emperor’s home. Day trips included visiting Hiroshima to see the Peace Park and Museum, Miyajima to see the floating tori gates, Osaka to visit Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, and Nara to see the largest statue of Buddha in Japan. Miyajima and Nara also gave students the opportunity to walk amongst Japan’s famous deer and feed them.
Jakob P is one of our Year 10 Japanese Elective students who participated in the April school holiday Japan Trip. He was asked to reflect on the experience. This is what he said:
One of the biggest challenges was the long days. We would be up at 6:00 am for breakfast and get ready for the day, than we would get back to the hotel at around 8:00 - 9:30 pm. This was really tiring as the days where full on and crammed. Although it was tiring, it was great because we experienced so much in the time that we were there.
The biggest learning curve for most people on the trip was the different etiquette of the Japanese people. It was a lot different to Australia. Adapting and learning how to fit into Japanese society using their etiquette was the main thing that I learnt how to do in Kyoto. This was evident catching public transport. We caught buses, trains, trams, ferries and of course, the famous Japanese bullet train or shinkansen. Japanese people travel differently to Australians and I noticed how quiet Japanese passengers are.
The highlight of the trip was being able to experience Japan with my friends and teachers. They really made the experience special for me. Experiencing Kyoto was great, it was my favourite part of the whole trip. Everything there just exceeded expectations.
Mrs Fiona Byrne
Coordinator of Languages and Christian Studies