G8- Footsteps of Growth Echoing in Historic Lands: School Trip Report on Kyoto and Nara

From October 14th to October 16th, our 8th-grade (Junior High 2nd year) students embarked on a three-day school trip to the Kansai region, visiting the historic cities of Nara and Kyoto.

Day 1 (Oct 14): Learning Nara’s History and Culture On the first day, the students traveled to the Kansai area via the Shinkansen and headed to Nara. They visited Horyuji Temple and Nara Park (including the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple), deepening their understanding of ancient Japanese history as they experienced the grand scale and solemnity of the Great Buddha.

Day 2 (Oct 15): Small-Group Taxi Exploration in Kyoto The second day was dedicated to small-group taxi tours in Kyoto, an activity the students had carefully planned in advance. Through prior research, each group established a unique theme or concept, such as “Hands-on Experience with Traditional Kyoto Crafts” or “Exploring the Beauty of Historical Architecture.” Guided by these concepts, students actively engaged in group-led field activities, visiting temples, shrines, and local craft workshops.
What truly stood out during this activity was the students’ exceptional discipline and teamwork.
Every group maintained strict punctuality, consistently moving to their next scheduled location well ahead of time. Their ability to assess situations independently and act responsibly was highly impressive, demonstrating maturity far beyond their grade level.

Day 3 (Oct 16): Traditional Performing Arts and Cultural Sights On the final day, students attended a Noh theater performance at the Kawamura Noh Stage and visited Sanjusangendo Temple and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s traditional performing arts and rich cultural landscapes.

Throughout the three days, students not only expanded their knowledge of history and culture but also developed a strong sense of personal responsibility and independence within a group setting. We look forward to seeing them apply these valuable lessons and growth to their future school life.Looking ahead, students will have an opportunity to share what they learned with their parents and the wider school community through the Academic Fair. We warmly invite you to attend and listen to the students’ presentations.