The 2019 Japan Ski Trip was a once in a lifetime experience, one that the 30 students and 4 teachers who took part in will never forget and will always cherish. It began on 8th January with a long fight to Japan that took over 15 hours, including a quick stopover to Singapore Airport.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, we were all buzzing with excitement over the adventures that awaited us, and it did not take long till we were boarding a bus headed towards the extraordinary slopes of Madarao Kogen Ski Resort!
For the next five days, the snow became our new home. Many of us experiencing its chills and splendor for the first time, but it was not long until we were all quickly acquainted with it. This was especially the case during our first ski/snowboarding lessons, trying to glide down slopes with some form of composure but then quickly finding ourselves head first in the fresh snow.
Given enough practice, however, we all took to our chosen winter sport swiftly, carving up the mountain during the day and even indulging in a bit of night skiing on one occasion.
Aside from skiing/ snowboarding, Madarao had so much to offer as a cultural experience. We witnessed its annual fire festival, which included a spectacle of skiers going down the mountain with flares in perfect formation and the lighting of a huge bonfire. We had also travelled to the neighbouring area of Nagano where we participated in more cultural activities such as exploring the tunnel of enlightenment in the Zeno Ji Temple, making our own soba noodles for lunch and even going to Round One Sports Game Centre (think Time Zone but on ten other levels).
Once our time in the mountains had come to an end, we travelled to the city of Tokyo, a place filled with bright lights, bold colours and charming locals. The first day in the city was spent sightseeing where we wandered the streets trying the different Japanese food up for offer, immersed ourselves in the tech district of Akihabara and then ascended the Observation Sky Tree (the tallest structure in Tokyo) for a breathtaking view of the whole city.
On the last day, we boarded the Disney Train straight for Disney Sea, which truly lived up to its hype as one of the happiest places on Earth. First greeted by our favorite childhood characters, we then explored the park, delved into the rides, feasted on mickey shaped treats and witnessed its famously spectacular shows.
When nightfall arrived, we knew it was time to exit the gate, pick up our bags and start our tiring journey back home to Perth. Many of us already missing our holiday in Japan.
We sincerely thank all those that made this trip possible. This includes parents and of course the four teachers (Mr. Borrello, Mrs. Booth, Miss Dowel and Mr. Walker) who kept us safe and made the trip such an enjoyable experience.