Day 1 – Friday 15 September

A Remarkable Start: The JOE Team’s First Day in Japan

Embarking on an exciting journey, the JOE Team’s first day in Japan was brimming with cultural delights and a few new experiences. For Reilly H a first train ride after yesterday’s first plane flight!

Today was what is know as a moving day; our day began with a walk to the station, with our luggage in tow, a bit of a site to see 42 people doing a long conga line down the street,l.

It took a while to exchanged our JR Rail passes, granting us access to Japan’s extensive rail network. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. As we zipped through picturesque landscapes, we savored a bento lunch on the train—a true Japanese experience.

While on the train some students took time to read you messages and some replied and all were glad to read your encouragements; thank you!

Checking into our new hotel for the next four nights, we dropped off our bags and took a short break to get out of the sticky heat. We took a crowd avoidance route around Kyoto station and then saw the beautiful lite Kyoto Tower.

As the sun set, we split into small groups to explore Kyoto’s culinary scene. Dinner ranged from traditional kaiseki to modern twists on classics. The day concluded with a team meeting, fostering camaraderie as we enjoyed the grand staircase at the Kyoto station and enjoyed a new ice cream treat for many- Coolish!

Off to bed and lights out at 10. 30pm and up early tomorrow to go climb an original castle- Himeiji Jo!

Join us as we continue unearthing the treasures of Japan with the JOE Team. And tomorrow student reporters on air!

Oyasuminasai