Over the March Break, twenty-five students along with their teacher chaperones, Mrs. Markakos and Mr. Mehic, participated in a trip of a lifetime to Japan. The trip began in Tokyo where the students experienced the hustle and bustle of the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, they learned about the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and visited the Meiji Shrine, the Tokyo Imperial Palace and the Sensoji Temple. Students also got an opportunity to learn about hybrid technologies at the Toyota Mega Web Car Theme Park, experience math and science through hands-on activities at the ReSuPia in the Panasonic Centre, and explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum which hosts over 120 works of permanent outdoor sculptures. The tour of Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park to enjoy views of Mt. Fuji, an iconic volcano which has come to symbolize Japan, and sample black eggs.
From Tokyo, the group took a bullet train to Kyoto and got to admire one of it’s iconic sites, the beautiful Golden Pavilion Temple. Students also explored the trails of the Fushimi Inari Shrine where they walked through corridors of thousands of bright red gates. While in Kyoto, students navigated through Arashiyama’s lush bamboo forests and then walked up to the Monkey Park where the fed monkeys and enjoyed the panoramic views of the city. Students also enjoyed a day trip to Nara where they visited the Todaiji Temple and encountered hundreds of deer, which they were able to touch and feed.
While in Japan, students learned from a sushi chef how to prepare sushi and then eat their own creations. Students also participated in a meditation class which was led by a Zen Buddhist monk, which was followed by an informal tea ceremony at the Daisen-In Temple.
Overall, the trip provided many first-time and unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Thank you to all who participated for the beautiful memories.