POYNTER PRIMARY SCHOOL JAPAN TRIP 2011
Memories to last for a life time...
A group of year 7 students and adult participants from Poynter Primary School went on 10 day trip to Japan in October 2011. Due to the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011, the trip was re-scheduled to minimise the time spent in the eastern part of Japan including Tokyo. However a carefully planned itinerary was still able to offer a rich diversity of experiences to suit the group's interest.
The trip took them across the country highlighting aspects of Japanese culture from the futuristic new architecture and technologies to be seen in Odaiba in Tokyo, to experiencing old traditions and walking through ancient history in the world heritage buildings of Kyoto, to the richness of the natural environment seen even in the big cities, to a taste of real life through the warm welcome of host families and a visit to a school in Hiroshima.
<ITINERARY>
| Day 1 |
Depart Perth International Airport |
| Day 2 |
Arrive at Tokyo International Airport. Transfer to Tokyo by charter coach for a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to the Odaiba area for a taste of future technology. Then drive across Tokyo to Yoyogi Park and the funky Harajuku area. Lastly visit Asakasa and see the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Then on to check in at the hotel and have time to relax after a long day. |
| Day 3 |
Transfer to Kyoto by shinkansen (bullet train), using JR pass. Kyoto is the former imperial capital of Japan and recognised by UNESCO to be of cultural importance with many of its historical temples and other buildings on the World Heritage List. Meet a charter coach at the station to begin an afternoon sightseeing tour, including famous world heritage sites such as Kinkakuji (the golden pavilion) and Ryoanji (raked garden). |
| Day 4 |
Spend the day sightseeing in Kyoto. The day includes a visit to Toei Uzumasa Eiga Mura (Kyoto studio park) - a theme park which recreates the ancient town and buildings of the Edo era (1603-1868) and a movie shooting location. |
| Day 5 |
Transfer to Hiroshima by shinkansen. Depart from Hiroshima Train Station by charter bus for a tour of Hiroshima taking the group to the Peace Memorial Park, the A-bomb Dome and Museum and stopping for lunch. Students continue on to meet host families at a local school to begin 2 nights homestay. |
| Day 6 |
Visit to a local Primary School in Hiroshima where students will experience life at a Japanese school by attending ordinary classes and taste of traditional Japanese culture through a calligraphy lesson, a music class, school lunch (kyushoku) and interaction with local students. For adults a trip to scenic Miyajima island. |
| Day 7 |
Say good-bye to host families and head to Osaka by shinkansen. Osaka is the Japan’s third largest and second most important city. Spend the afternoon sightseeing including Osaka castle. |
| Day 8 |
A day at Universal Studios Japan. |
| Day 9 |
Depart Kansai International Airport. |
| Day 10 |
Arrive at Perth International Airport. |
Updated on 10 Dec 2011 |
