Sixteen Upper School students and three faculty and administrators recently completed a historic 10-day visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The journey, which included visits to ancient temples and dazzling modern cityscapes — as well as a bevy of fun activities — allowed students to appreciate Japan’s unique blend of faith and culture, something Upper School Latin Teacher Rebecca Mull described as an impactful takeaway.

“Our visits to such diverse sites as the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, originally constructed in 752 A.D., and the Tokyo Skytree Tower, completed in 2012, were powerful reminders of how remaining connected to history and heritage adds layers of richness and meaning to life,” Mull said.

She also noted that the group observed how the Buddhist faith shaped personal interactions among the Japanese people.

Abigail Sieczkowski ’25 concurred, saying the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara and seeing Mount Fuji from Hokone were highlights for her, while “both the sushi-making class we did and the tea ceremony were great experiences and definitely left some lasting memories.”

For Lauren McPhail ’25, it was the scenery she liked most about Japan.

“From big, busy cities to quiet temples and shrines, there is something there for everyone to enjoy,” she recalled. “I also liked the little streets within the big cities, like Takeshita Street in Harajuku and Ameya-Yokocho in Ueno.”

For rising senior Aureliana Basso-Wiideman ’26, the trip offered a chance to connect with classmates and the people of Japan.

“It’s one thing to simply visit a country, but connecting with the people who live there allows you to truly see and take in the environment around you,” Basso-Wiideman said.

Trip highlights included exploring Osaka’s vibrant food scene, exploring Mount Fuji, and walking Kyoto’s historic streets.

The group also crossed Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing, participated in a traditional tea ceremony while wearing kimonos, visited the Meiji Shrine, rode the bullet train to Kyoto, learned how to make sushi, and met the famously friendly deer of Nara Park.

This trip was the latest opportunity for students to grow as true global citizens through Oak Knoll’s Global Studies program. As part of the Holy Child Network of Schools—which includes nine U.S. institutions and 13 international schools — Oak Knoll embraces its mission to equip students for the world and inspire them to transform it.