Walking Through History in Japan

This early February, some of our Senior School students embarked on an unforgettable journey through Japan, bringing classroom learning to life through culture, language, and lived experience.

Kyoto welcomed our students with snow-covered temples, historic streets, and a beautiful blend of tradition and daily life. As the former capital of Japan, the city offered a rich introduction to history and culture. Students walked along the Philosopher’s Path, explored local shopping streets, and experienced the rhythm of everyday life. A traditional samurai tea ceremony introduced them to the mindfulness and discipline behind matcha preparation, once practiced by feudal warriors to cultivate calm and focus. They also participated in a Kyo-Yuzen dyeing workshop, designing their own textiles using time-honoured techniques, and visited the Kyoto International Manga Museum to learn how Japanese storytelling through art has evolved over generations.

The Nakasendo Trail brought a meaningful shift in pace as students left the city behind and stepped into rural Japan. Once a historic route traveled by samurai and merchants between Kyoto and Edo, the trail offered a powerful connection to the past. Staying in family-run inns, students experienced traditional hospitality and shared meals prepared with care. They learned about woodblock printing at a local museum, listened to regional songs passed down through generations, and explored small post towns nestled among forests and mountains. Over several days, they walked long distances through changing weather, supporting one another and embracing both the physical challenge and the quiet beauty of the countryside. A hands-on soba noodle-making workshop, snowshoeing through mountain landscapes, and visits to local museums added both adventure and joy to the experience. Slowing down allowed students to reflect, recharge, and fully engage with their surroundings.

Tokyo marked the final chapter of the journey, offering a dynamic contrast between tradition and innovation. Students explored the Imperial Palace grounds, gaining insight into how Japan’s rich history continues to shape and influence its modern cityscape. They explored immersive art exhibits, vibrant neighbourhoods and shopping districts that reflect Tokyo’s global influence. An evening of shared meals and karaoke brought laughter and connection, closing the experience on a joyful note.

Throughout the trip, students demonstrated independence, adaptability, and respect for cultures beyond their own. They navigated new environments, foods and traditions, and engaged thoughtfully with the communities they visited. Experiences like this reflect CFIS’s commitment to expanding experiential and real-world learning opportunities. Travel invites students to step outside their comfort zones, to listen deeply, and to grow in confidence.