"It will be a trip I will never forget. The places we visited and the people made it a great experience."

Those simple words from Prescott High School student Rowan Bauman capture what 24 students and 11 adult chaperones discovered during a remarkable 10-day Education First journey across Japan. The group traveled through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, Kamakura, and the Mount Fuji region, visiting world-renowned landmarks including Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Kyoto's Golden Temple, Himeji Castle, the Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura, and the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of brilliant orange torii gates.

For many, however, the memories that will last a lifetime had less to do with the places themselves than with the people they met and the culture they experienced.

"We did so much in such a short period of time," said senior Miles Malm. "We weren't just seeing Japan. We experienced the country firsthand, from the food and history to the daily lives of the people."

Every student seemed to return home with a different favorite memory. For Andrew Lesso, it was simply taking in Japan itself. "Walking through the cities at night and seeing the skylines was unforgettable."

Emma Schmitz still laughs when she remembers Nara Deer Park. "The deer were adorable, even if they bit me while I was feeding them," she said. "It was peaceful, beautiful, and unlike anything I've ever experienced."

Andrew Henrich found himself captivated by Japan's castles and temples. "It's hard to imagine how they were built and how much work went into creating them."

When asked which place left the greatest impression, many students pointed to Hiroshima. "I learned so much about what happened there," Lesso said. "What surprised me most was learning how the city rebuilt itself and how Japan holds no ill will toward the American people and how crucial sharing what happened at Hiroshima is to the world."

Others found inspiration elsewhere. Schmitz was captivated by the lavender fields surrounding Mount Fuji. "The beauty of the landscape completely captured me."

Malm called Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine "unbelievable," while Lilly Hillebrand admitted it was almost impossible to choose a favorite. "Himeji Castle and the Golden Temple were spectacular," she said. "But honestly, everywhere we went was incredible."

As impressive as the famous landmarks were, the students spoke even more passionately about the Japanese people. "The culture was so different from the United States," Lesso said. "Everyone was polite, kind, and incredibly efficient."

Henrich noticed the same thing. "People were always respectful and friendly. It was also interesting to see how many people walked or used public transportation."

Schmitz said she came away with a deeper appreciation for a culture built upon tradition and responsibility. "Japanese society places a high value on respect and passing traditions from one generation to the next," she said. "You can see that history is reflected in the architecture, the temples, and everyday life."

Perhaps the biggest surprise was how differently people interacted with one another. "On trains and buses, people were quiet and respectful," Lesso said. "The biggest difference was simply how people treated each other," Malm added. "Please, thank you, excuse me, you heard those words everywhere over and over again." Schmitz said the contrast became obvious almost immediately after returning home. "When we landed in Dallas, I think all of us noticed the difference."

The journey also reinforced something every student agreed upon: the value of traveling beyond your own community. Lesso encouraged students to travel while they are young because opportunities like this don't always come along twice. Henrich said traveling allows people to see life from another perspective. "You realize there's a whole different way of living outside your own hometown."

Chey Keegan said the experience left him wanting to learn even more. "It was only a glimpse of Japan's history and culture, but it made me realize how important traveling to other countries can be. If you have the chance, you should do it."

The trip wasn't without its challenges. "It was really, really hot," Parker Skeesick admitted. "We walked a lot, and there were times it was difficult. But every place we visited, every person we met, and every experience we had made it completely worth it. I'll never forget it."

Students and teachers agreed there was one person who made the experience possible. Tour director Yasunobu Yoshino became much more than a guide. He served as translator, teacher, historian, navigator, cultural ambassador, and at times, problem solver. Whether explaining the significance of a centuries-old shrine, recommending local cuisine, or helping students navigate crowded train stations, Yoshino quietly made Japan accessible.

"Our guide, Yasunobu Yoshino, was tremendous," said teacher Jeff Ryan. "As our navigator and translator, Yasu introduced us to the history, culture, and everyday life of Japan. He answered every question, helped us understand what we were seeing, and made the experience richer than we ever could have imagined. I can't imagine making a trip like this without someone like him."

For Ryan, however, the greatest lesson had little to do with castles, temples, or famous landmarks.

"The most meaningful way to learn about another country is to experience it in the places where people actually live," he said. "History becomes real. Culture becomes personal. You begin to understand people instead of simply reading about them." Ryan said that not speaking the language also offered an unexpected lesson. "There were moments when we depended entirely on others for help. That vulnerability gives you a glimpse of what immigrants experience when they come to the United States. It builds empathy."

That empathy may ultimately be the greatest souvenir the students brought home.

Long after the photographs have been shared and the souvenirs put away, the lessons of Japan will remain—not simply memories of beautiful temples, bustling cities, or incredible food, but a deeper appreciation that people in different parts of the world may live differently, think differently, and celebrate different traditions, yet share many of the same hopes and kindnesses. For 24 Prescott High School students, Japan became more than a destination. It became a reminder that the world is far bigger than their hometown—and that some of life's most important lessons are learned by stepping outside of it.

Submitted by Prescott School District