More than 100 Douglas County School System middle school students, parents and chaperones explored Japan and its rich culture during Spring Break.
The group visited Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka during the trip.
Mitch Springer, DCSS Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, went on the trip and said some of the highlights included a Japanese Drum Class, the Hikari Bullet Train, the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Tokyo Disney, Emperor's Palace, the Mt. Fuji view, and many others.
Springer said there were 103 total travelers from DCSS as part of the middle school trip to Japan, including students from all eight middle schools in the county as well as chaperone representatives from the central office and Chapel Hill, Chestnut Log, Fairplay, Mason Creek, Stewart and Yeager middle schools.
Springer said the middle school group also ran into groups from Chapel Hill and New Manchester high schools, who were also in Japan for Spring Break.
“I was extremely excited that our students were able to visit Japan and learn more about their rich culture!” Springer said. “As our vision states, we are building a community of lifelong learners who are global citizens and this trip demonstrated that in so many ways. First, students from all middle schools came together for this trip enhancing relationships across our schools. In addition, they learn about their role in the global society by understanding the cultural and social structures of the Japanese people.”
The separate group from Chapel Hill High included 29 students, four parents and six staff members.
CHHS Media Specialist Tracey
Young said the "once in a lifetime adventure" included stops in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka.
Young said highlights included seeing the Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom, staying at a ryokan and getting a genuine Japanese style resort experience with a Japanese Kaiseki dinner, the "breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji, a bullet train ride and a trip to Kyoto to see the bamboo forest.