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During the February school holidays, some of our students swapped the ski slopes of Switzerland for the famed snow of Niseko. Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, the Niseko resort area is renowned for having some of the world’s finest powder snow. Skiers and snowboarders from across the world come to this region to enjoy the Japanese powder, which has even earned its own nickname: “Japow”!
Stunning Niseko offered the perfect setting for our skiers of all levels to test their skills. With gentle slopes, our students could safely hone their powder skiing while going off-piste. Thanks to our local ski instructor and mountain guide, our group not only picked up new techniques, but also learned about Japanese sporting traditions and ethics. Niseko may be a natural winter playground for sports enthusiasts, but in Japanese spirituality, the beautiful mountains are also a sacred place.
Our 10-day trip abroad gave our students many opportunities to experience Japanese culture. In Tokyo, we travelled in time from the historic Asakusa district with its ancient Senso-ji temple to the modern hustle and bustle of Shibuya.
Of course, no trip to Japan would be complete without sampling Japanese cuisine – after all, the Japanese art of eating is part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Our students treated their senses to the wonders of Japanese gastronomy, tasting sake and learning how to make sushi with a local chef. Our group also participated in a traditional tea ceremony and learned about the richness of Japanese arts like calligraphy.
From the city of Tokyo to the snow-capped mountains of Niseko, this winter journey to Japan was unforgettable. We can’t wait for our next school trip abroad!