Last week, the grade 7 classes and homeroom teachers enjoyed a three day excursion to Miyagi prefecture. The goals of the trip were to experience the culture of Japan, to build friendships, and to have fun. Happily, the trip was a success all around.

After a long bus ride, the students visited the site of Aoba Castle and had a guided tour of Zuidhoden, the mausoleum where Date Masamune, founder of Sendai, is laid to rest. After arriving at the hotel and eating dinner, they enjoyed a night hike to a nearby park. “When we went on a night hike it was really fun because the parks we went to had a lot of activities for us and the teacher also had bright soccer or volleyball, which was very good,” said one 7th grade student.

Many of the students woke up early on the second day to get in a run before breakfast. The day’s itinerary included a visit to Shiogama shrine, followed by a visit to kamaboko factory. After lunch, they boarded the boat to Matsushima—one of the three most beautiful places in Japan, according to tradition. After a quick stop for a snack, they took in the sights of Matsushima, visiting the famous temples Godaido and Zuihoden. One student said, “Mastushima was my favorite because I could ride on a boat.”

On the third day of the trip, the students visited Nakahama Elementary School, a school that was nearly destroyed by the tsunami in 2011. Our students were able to see first hand the destruction caused by the tsunami, as well as go to the roof of the school, where the Nakahama students and teachers survived the disaster.

“I think this trip strengthened my friendships with other people and I got to know more about Japanese culture,” said one student. “I made some (probably) lifelong friendships and bonds,” commented another student. “Overall, this trip was brilliant for me.”