Assets High School Students Travel to Japan!

Thirty-six students from Assets High School recently returned from an unforgettable educational journey to Japan, held from March 14-20. Open to any interested high school students, the trip drew strong participation from those studying Japanese and marked the school’s first Japan program in recent years. 

Based in Tokyo, students explored some of the country’s most iconic cultural and historical sites. Highlights included visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple, Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum, and the bustling neighborhoods of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Akihabara. The group also took in sweeping city views from the Tokyo Skytree and experienced cutting-edge digital art at teamLab. Beyond Tokyo, students traveled to Yokohama to explore Chinatown and the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, and ventured to the Bōsō Peninsula, where they encountered rural Japan through hikes at Mt. Nokogiri, a visit to Nihon-ji Temple, and the awe-inspiring giant stone Buddha.

The impact of the trip was felt not only by students and faculty, but also by families at home. One parent shared, “Just wanted to thank all of you for the BEST spring break [our son] ever had. He came back with so many wonderful stories to share with us including the tea ceremony, walking with fishes, and making ramen. His favorite part of the trip, to our surprise, was the hike!"

For faculty member Ms. Emi, the experience also held personal meaning: “I was especially looking forward to visiting teamLab and Skytree, and also going to Yokohama since I lived there for three years.” Together, these reflections highlight how the trip brought classroom learning to life while fostering independence, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives.