Every Sunday, students choose from a range of activities that allow them to spend their day out of the classroom, engaging with different aspects of culture and daily life in Japan.
Last Sunday, groups chose between Fuji Q, one of Japan’s preeminent amusement parks; Tokyo Disney Land, a unique experience that attracts visitors from all the world; and wearing yukata in Asakusa, one of the oldest districts of Tokyo, during the Tanabata Star Festival.
🎢 Thrills and Mount Fuji Views: A Rush of Adrenaline at Fuji Q
If you heard screams of joy echoing from the mountains of Yamanashi, that was probably our Fuji Q group defying gravity on some of Japan’s tallest and fastest roller coasters.
…Fuji Q is located in Yamanashi prefecture, about an hour away from Tokyo via shinkansen or bullet train. It boasts some of Japan’s highest roller coasters and views of mount Fuji, which, despite the hazy summer weather, was visible from the rides.
🏰 Disney Dreams with a Japanese Twist: Magic and Culture at Tokyo Disneyland
What’s more iconic than Disneyland? Experiencing it in Japan! At Tokyo Disneyland, students stepped into a familiar world — but with surprises at every turn.
Tokyo Disney presents an original twist on Disney’s amusement parks with a lot of Japan-exclusive rides, content, and merchandise. Despite the sweltering heat, students strove to engage with the different rides, exhibits, and buildings, and pointed out at the differences between this park and its American pairs: lines, food, and fan behavior are markedly different, which made for an enriching cultural experience.
👘 Tradition in Full Color: Strolling Asakusa in Yukata
For those craving a more cultural escape, Asakusa delivered with elegance and authenticity.
…At Asakusa, students had the opportunity to change into yukata, the soft, thin-layered Japanese summer kimono and stroll around the historical streets and buildings in the neighborhood. At the center of their outing was Sensō-ji, Tōkyō’s oldest and most venerated temple, as well as its famous Kaminari-mon (“Thunder Gate”), famous for its enormous paper lantern.
More Than Just a Day Off — A Day to Remember
What made this Sunday truly unforgettable wasn’t just the places we visited, but the emotions we felt. Students pushed their comfort zones, experienced the joy of shared discovery, and grew closer to one another and the culture around them.
Whether flying through the air on a roller coaster, waving to Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, or bowing before a Buddhist temple altar, each moment was a reminder of why we’re here: to learn, to feel, and to live fully.
As we returned to our staying place “Kamikita House”, a little bit tired but smiling, one thing was clear — Japan continues to surprise and inspire us, one day at at time.
In our next post, we’ll take you to the stunning and peaceful mountain town of Hakone, where we rode cable cars over volcanic valleys, and found quiet moments of reflection by the lake, amazing nature landscapes and high mountains surrounded by rice fields.
With just a few days left, we’re holding onto every laugh, every view, and every story we’ve shared.
いつもありがとうございます。Itsumo arigato gozaimas (Always, thank you so much )
またね！Matane (See you soon)
元気でね～ genki de ne（Take care and stay well）