The Class of 2026 visited Naha, Okinawa for their Senior Trip, to celebrate not only the completion of their exams but the last two years of the IB programme in general.

The trip was the culmination of several months of planning by the Senior Trip Planning Committee, this year made up of two seniors, who organized the entire trip alongside their many other senior year commitments.

Even at the 6:30am meeting time at Haneda airport, the excitement among the class was palpable, everyone eager to spend some quality time with their classmates one last time. After a smooth 2-hour flight and quick stop-off at the hotel, the seniors headed into central Naha for the rest of the afternoon to explore the cultural and culinary delights of this historic city. Students went off in groups to explore nearby Shuri castle, produce their own pottery, or simply wander Kokusai dori and the myriad of sidestreets.

Day 2 was another early start, for the itinerary was jam-packed. A 2-hour drive to the northern part of the island allowed the class to take in the beautiful scenery beyond central Naha. The first stop was at Kouri island, and a small idyllic beach where many students took up the opportunity to snorkel, while others simply relaxed in this subtropical paradise. A quick bite to eat and it was off to perhaps the most famous of Okinawan landmarks, the Churaumi Aquarium, situated in acres of stunning parkland by the ocean. The main tank with the famous whale shark was the first destination for most of the class, who then later enjoyed a dolphin show and the plethora of other attractions including a traditional Okinawan village. Upon return to Naha, many students were content to eat near the hotel while some hardy souls ventured back to Kokusai dori to soak up more of the Okinawan atmosphere.

The morning of the final day saw the class divide into two groups, one group content to relax at a nearby beach while the other group ventured back into central Naha one last time. The highlight of the final day was a beachside BBQ - all ingredients purchased, and then cooked by the students! There was even time on the way back to the hotel to hold an impromptu first rehearsal of the class’s graduation song, under a bridge in a beachside park - a fittingly unique way for this cohort to conclude a memorable 3-day trip to a stunning part of Japan.