32 students and five staff members spent nine unforgettable days experiencing the language, culture, and beauty of Japan.
This summer, several WC students and staff took an immersive journey through the Kansai region and Tokyo, offering an unforgettable opportunity to explore the rich heritage, language, and daily life of Japan.
The tour began in Osaka, where the group explored the iconic Osaka Castle. In Nara, students visited the Great Buddha and strolled among the friendly deer in Nara Park before heading to Kyoto, a city rich in tradition. Highlights included the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s red torii gates, Arashiyama’s serene bamboo forest, and the stunning Golden Pavilion.
A ride on Japan’s famous bullet train brought the group to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu region. Students explored the Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave. At Iyashi no Sato, a reconstructed traditional village, students learned about life in historic Japan while enjoying views of Mount Fuji.
The final leg of the journey took the group to Tokyo. Students visited historical landmarks like the Imperial Palace Plaza and Meiji Shrine, dove into pop culture at Akihabara and Harajuku, and took in panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower. Delicious Japanese foods, such as a sumo-style hot pot dinner, were a highlight for many.
The trip wrapped up with a visit to Japanese-style gardens, the famously busy Shibuya Crossing, lots of shopping, and a night of Japanese-style karaoke. Many students expressed renewed interest in studying a language, traveling, or studying abroad after the trip.\
This immersive experience not only celebrated the accomplishments of Warren Central’s Japanese program graduates but also broadened their horizons and deepened their cultural understanding. It reflects our continued investment in meeting the needs of our students by providing them with opportunities and experiences that prepare them for the future, wherever their paths may lead.
