Geography trip to Japan
In July, a group of Geography students set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Japan. Our thanks to Adly-Charles Youssef for his reflections on this fantastic opportunity:
"The trip combined breathtaking scenery, sobering history and vibrant cultural experiences, all whilst bringing our classroom lessons to life.
After the flight into Tokyo, we were greeted by our tour guide, Kaz, and given our first introduction to Japanese culture. The adventure truly began the following morning when we boarded the shinkansen to Kesennuma, a coastal town devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Travelling at incredible speeds, we witnessed the change in landscape from Tokyo’s sprawling urban skyline to the serene countryside, setting the tone for the geographical contrasts ahead.
Hearing testimonies at the City Memorial Museum offered a powerful insight into the impact of the natural disaster. At Koyo High School, where the tsunami reached 14 metres, we saw a car lodged on the third floor along with the school’s preserved ruins, all of which served as a stark reminder of its sheer force. However, Kesennuma is also a story of recovery, through a fish market tour we discovered the town’s booming fishing and aquaculture industry, known for producing the majority of Japan’s shark and swordfish. On an oyster boat, we also saw first-hand how seafood is harvested, a key source of livelihood for the local community, there was also time to be spent visiting a beach and making furikake before unwinding in traditional tatami room.
We then headed to Fukushima, an area severely affected by the nuclear disaster following the 2011 earthquake. Here we learnt of the long-term impacts of radiation and displacement as well as rejuvenation projects through exploring abandoned streets and touring the Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum. Workshops with locals gave us the opportunity to hear first hand accounts, a moving experience which showed the resilience and determination of communities and individuals who lost everything, a lesson not only in geography but also humanity. There was also time for lighter moments, staying at J-Village, Japan’s national football training centre we had the pleasure of playing on one 
their pitches before heading back to Tokyo the following morning.
In Tokyo, we immersed ourselves in the capital’s distinctive fusion of modernity and tradition. On a day trip to Hakone, we visited Hakone Shrine and rode the Owakudani ropeway, which offered stunning views of volcanic landscapes and fumeroles, a reminder of Japan’s tectonic setting where we even witnessed a glimpse of Mount Fuji as we cruised across Lake Ashi. Tokyo saw the visit to Japan’s famous Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji. Straight after we entered Harajuku’s bustling centre and the iconic Shibuya crossing where thousands cross at once. Cultural highlights included a sushi-making class, shopping along the energetic Takeshita Street and touring the Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views, followed by watching a dazzling art projection on the building. We also experienced how an earthquake and other natural disasters would feel through simulations at Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Centre, giving us a greater understanding for Japan’s disaster readiness, giving an appreciation for the disaster-free security back at home.
Many thanks to Miss Benham for organising such an unforgettable trip, as well as Mrs Watson, Miss Smith and Mr Lake. This invaluable experience greatly deepened our geographical understanding whilst giving us a newfound appreciation for Japanese culture."
