Last month, our Grade 7 students spent three fun-filled days in Tochigi prefecture. We stayed at Hoshifuru Gakko Kumanoki in Shioya Machi, the site of a former elementary school that has found a second life as an accommodation for group trips.

The itinerary included visits to the Oya History Museum, Nikko Edomura, and Kegon Falls. It was the first time since 2019 that Saint Maur students have visited the prefecture. During the first day of the trip, our students met students from the local junior high in Shioya Machi.

The students introduced themselves, made mochi, enjoyed dinner, and ended the evening with a campfire. For many students, visiting Nikko Edomura on the second day was a highlight of the trip. “I had many amazing moments with my friends during the trip,” said one student. “My favorite part has to be Edomura. At Edomura, me and my friends were able to watch the show, eat delicious food and dress up as a Samurai or a townsman.”

Another student agreed: “My favorite part of the Tochigi trip was going to Edomura, I really enjoyed it because the food was really good and it was quite fun to dress up in Kimonos, also the ninja show was really really good!”

On the third day, we said goodbye to our hosts in Shioya Machi and enjoyed the scenery at Kegon Falls before returning to school. Throughout the trip, the students had a good time and got to know each other better. “I enjoyed the fact that I was able to talk to new people in general," remarked one student. "I also liked the free time since we got to play volleyball.” The Tochigi trip was an chance to create friendships and lifelong memories.