By Lee Wall

On 27th September 2024, twenty-five intrepid travellers from the Eurobodalla were filled with a mixture of anxiety and excitement as they prepared to embark on a great adventure. This group was comprised of twenty-one students and four teachers from Moruya High School; for many of these students it was their first time on a plane, as well as their first jaunt to a foreign country.

After nine hours in the air (and a somewhat nerve-wracking flight for some) we landed in Tokyo and went straight to our accommodation to try and get a solid night’s rest before a few action-packed days in Tokyo. During our time in one of the world’s most bustling metropolises we explored Akihabara and Harajuku, then braved the glorious chaos of the famous Shibuya Scramble. We found peace and respite in the tranquillity of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, catching glimpses of a traditional wedding ceremony and enjoying a delicious and authentic lunch amidst the beauty of the shrine’s grounds. The following day, we channelled our inner children and were swept up in the joy and nostalgia of visiting one of the happiest places on Earth at Tokyo Disneyland.

Our journey then took us to Osaka via Japan’s famous bullet train (shinkansen) which was our base for the remainder of the trip. We began our acquaintance with this beautiful city by visiting the historic Osaka Castle, then plunging ourselves into the joyous, neon mayhem that characterises the famous Dotonbori area. More excitement and ‘shenanigans’ followed with a day at Universal Studios Japan where we immersed ourselves in the magical worlds of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo. The days that followed were a welcome change of pace that included day trips to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima where students were exposed to culturally and historically significant sites and experiences that gave them a small but valuable glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heart.

But possibly the most memorable and enjoyable day for many of the students and staff happened to be the day where we went to school! During our trip we had the immense privilege to visit two elementary schools on the outskirts of Osaka. The staff and students warmly welcomed us into their classrooms and showed us what school life in Japan was like. And whilst there is no doubt that all the amazing sights and sounds of the adventure have made a lasting impression on all of us, our visits to these schools epitomise what this incredible journey was about: expanding our knowledge and understanding of the world as only experiences of travel can do.

When our group of weary travellers finally found their way home it was clear that we were not the same people that we had been when we left. We were exhausted and grateful to return to our own beds, but we were even more grateful that we brought with us the types of gifts and souvenirs that cannot be bought: the memories, experience and bonds that we created and that will last for the rest of our lives.