HPS always believes in giving its students incredible opportunities to learn through direct experience and these Dussehra holidays were no different.
True to HPS’s values, 42 students and 5 teachers went on a nine-day immersive journey visiting some of the most significant sites across Japan. Each location offered a glimpse into the diverse cultures that form the fabric of Japan.
The group toured Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and Miyoshi – Hyderabad’s twin city in Japan. During their stay, students delved into Japan’s culture, traditions, history, and natural beauty.
In Tokyo, visits included the Imperial Palace, the spectacular Nijubashi bridge, the towering 634-metre TOKYO SKYTREE, the Lab Planets and the Shinagawa Waste Management Plant.
At Hiroshima, the group visited the Peace Memorial to the atomic blast victims. Being there was a stark reminder of the horrors that war can inflict upon a nation and its citizens.
Mt. Fuji, Japan’s revered mountain and a dormant volcano, seemed to mirror the energies, resilience and grace of the Japanese people who created such a vibrant, prosperous country so soon after such a devastating war.
In Miyoshi, the students experienced the warmth, welcome and true hospitality of the Japanese. The Mayor welcomed the students with open arms and presented the Vice Principal, Mrs. Amritha Chandra Raju, with a bouquet welcoming the school to the city. Here students engaged in traditional Japanese activities like using chopsticks, calligraphy and the martial arts. Memorable moments included a Bonsai Tree Plantation visit, wearing kimonos and a tea ceremony.
No trip to Japan can be complete without a ride on the famous Bullet Train. For a while the students were amongst the fastest land humans on the planet zipping through 60 kilometres in just 14 minutes.
Japan’s natural beauty, paired with the locals’ warmth, graciousness and meticulousness, left a deep impression on everyone. Japan showcased the Zen way of life, emphasizing precision and mindfulness. The term Zen originates from the Sanskrit Dhyana, meaning ‘attention’.
The trip concluded with joy, fulfilment, a life time of memories and … a yearning for more.

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