Experience Japan explorations

This experience was for students who are curious about the world and are interested in learning how to be good independent travelers in the future. They are eating local foods (including fish for breakfast), travel on the high speed rail system, walk a portion of an ancient highway, and visit towns frozen in time. Students are responsible for carrying their own luggage and aware of their role as cultural ambassadors.   

They arrived in Osaka and took a transfer to Nara.  This was the first permanent capital and is now home to eight UNESCO Heritage sites.  This is the home to the Todai-ji Great Buddha Temple. From the ancient capital they are now headed onto the Alps.  They traveled to Matsumoto by rail and by foot. In the scenic Kiso valley, they walked the ancient post road Nagasendo (4-5 hrs) between the villages of Tsumago and Magome, enjoying the traditional architecture and observing the landscape.

Their next adventures brought them to Matsumoto.  This city is famous for its castle, which is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles.  They visited Nagano, site of the 1998 Winter Olympics. In Nagano they also listed Zenkoji Temple, dating from the 7th century.

The students then went from the Alps to the Sea.  They traveled by rail for 2.5 hours to Kanazawa. This is a historical city on the sea of Japan.  Here they experienced the Omicho Fresh Food market and met with some Japanese students for English conversation practice and cultural exchange.

The students are still in Kanazawa today.  More photos to come as the students will remain in Japan until Friday. What an experience!

Make it a great day in Japan!!!!