特進修学旅行2022 Kobe Osaka USJ

We learned that on January 17, 1995, Kobe, Osaka and the surrounding area were hit by a big earthquake. All lifeline services were destroyed. A large number of people had to face a long cold winter in temporary shelters. 6,434 people were dead; 43,792 were injured, 249,180 homes were completely or partially destroyed. At this center, we learned about natural disasters and how to minimize risk and damage in future.

Every student walked around the exhibits and was interested in the items on display. In addition, at this center we can play some science games with the staff. We learned about how natural disasters occur and how we can prevent natural disasters. In short, we enjoyed science games and realized about how natural disasters are caused at the same time. 

We went for a walk around Nankincyou area to explore Chinatown. We enjoyed eating around. 

Some students got ”小籠包” xiao long bao.

One of the students said, "This is hot with meat juices bursting out, but it was so delicious.”

Someone is brave enough to eat a Kobe Beef stake. He said, "Do you know Kobe Bean Bryant? He was a famous American professional basketball player. He was one of the premier shooting guards in NBA. One day I happened to find an article about Kobe Bryant in a magazine I was reading. According to the article, his parents named him after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu. After I read this article, I wonder how good Kobe beef stake really is. I have long wanted to eat it. On this trip, this would be my first and last chance. Our tour guide recommended a nice restaurant. I asked a clerk at a souvenir shop where the best stake house is. His answer was the same restaurant. Finally, I decided to enter the expensive stake house. I ate the world-famous Kobe Beef Stake. I crossed one thing off of my bucket list."

At hotel.

Kaneko sensei gave students a game. Today we visited Kobe, that’s why he prepared for a local entrance examination from Kobe university. If students answer this question, they will get a prize. Even if they can’t answer this question, if there is a Bingo written on the back of the paper, they can also get a prize. Students enjoyed this game. 

The park said it opens at 10 am, but it really opens at about 9:30. We expected it. We left the hotel earlier. According to the weather report, there is a 80 percent chance of rain that day.  True, it was raining in the morning, but soon it stopped raining. We had a beautiful day. Because of this weather, there were fewer people than we had thought. We could enjoy all the areas in the park. We were very lucky to visit the park on a day when it was relatively quiet, so we didn't have to wait long for rides or food. We spent a whole day in Universal Studios Japan. 

A comment from A student (T.M.)

I love “Harry Potter” movies. I went to the movies when I was little. I have wanted to to Universal Studios Japan, especially, the area of “Harry Potter”. Finally…finally. My dream comes true. I could go to Universal Studios Japan on this school excursion.

When I walk around the area, I saw “Hogsmeade Village” ( it appears in the movie ). I was very excited and impressed…I am at loss for words. I just said, ”Wow…” The village which I saw in the movies was there. The shop, for example “Ollivander’s shop”,” Zonko's Joke Shop ” and “Honeydukes”, which appeared in the movies were there. When I walked for a while, and turned left, I could see “Hogwarts Castle” I was so impressed that I came near to crying. In “Hogwarts Castle”, there were “Gryffindor’s Common Room”, “Dumbledore’s room” and “Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom”. They were so amazing. Thye look like real things. I was glad that I went there. My mother and my sister are fans of “Harry Potter”. I would like to take them to this magical wonderland someday.

The Last Day

It was raining. We visited Osaka castle. Osaka castle was originally built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Our tour guide explained its history in detail. But almost all students had known what she said. That’s why she was surprised and realized that our class was great.  The main tower was rebuilt in 1931 and the original does not exist anymore. It’s 54.8 meters high. We could go up with an elevator.

The view from the top of the tower is outstanding!

Have you been to the big aquarium? 

In Osaka, there is a large aquarium called "Kaiyukan."  海遊館 is one of the most popular aquariums in Japan. It's an amazing place and they even have the biggest sharks, whale sharks, on display. Whale sharks are considered endangered. We wish there was something we could do for these sea creatures. The aquarium was very crowded. A lot of elementary school students were excited to see various fishes.  We also enjoyed looking at rare sea creatures.