St. Anne's Catholic High School's Trip to Tokyo

Our main objective for the trip was to give students a cultural experience that's so different to what they could experience in the UK or Europe. 

We chose this destination as we know that Japan is on many people's bucket list - but for a whole family to go could be unaffordable. So, we wanted to give our students the opportunity to visit. 

We knew it would be completely different to our day-to-day life and also knowing that it's such a safe country made it more inviting. 

On our first day in Japan, we landed early in the morning and spent the day exploring on foot around the area we were staying. We visited the Imperial Palace and spent the rest of the day shopping and trying to beat our jet lag. 

The second day started with a visit to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Street where we were able to take part in rituals, pull our fortune and try traditional street food. We then went to the Skytree to check out the views from 634m in the air. On day 3, we visited Hakone to do the Lake Ashi cruise. The boat was really nice and the trip was very relaxing. Afterwards, we had a traditional Japanese meal in the local restaurant before jumping on the cable car with hopes to see Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, the weather didn't play ball and it was too cloudy. 

On the fourth day, we visited Meiju Jingu Shrine, where the students got to partake in Shinto prayers and learn more about this ancient Japanese religion. We then visited Harajuku, which is famous for being an area popular with Japanese teens, with lots of cool shops and food to try. On day 5 we visited Akihabara, which is the hub for all things Anime and Manga. It was also very techy, with huge screens and speakers constantly playing something. We then went to Odaiba via the Rainbow Bridge. Here, we saw Tokyo's very own Statue of Liberty. That evening we booked to do karaoke, which was a great experience that was really enjoyed by all. 

On the final day, we surprised the students with a trip to Disney Sea. This was a great last day - we were there from 9am to 9pm and all had Mickey Mouse ears to wear all day. 

We wanted a broad range of activities to suit all students - we left the rest to Halsbury. 

My lasting memories of this trip will include landing in Japan and the girls all shouting 'We're in Tokyo!'. 

I'll also remember our time spent on Nakamise Street, going to traditional Japanese restaurants and surprising the students with a visit to Disney Sea. 

Halsbury have a good reputation within schools. This was a huge trip and we needed a company we could rely on and trust. 

Super easy, they always got back to me within 24 hours with answers and help. I was never left confused or unsure of what was going on. They made it so easy to organise.

100% - in fact, I already have! Halsbury are professional, understanding and supportive.