Travel Journal
Japan 2025: Departure Day
Jul 26, 2025
by
Kathy Young, Chief Academic Officer
Hello all!
Our adventure in Japan is coming to a close. We are feeling both sad to leave and excited to return to Canada and share our stories. It’s the hallmark of a great trip when students share that they really don’t want the journey to end.
The last few days have been amazing as usual. We didn’t know what to expect from our visit to the farm and it over delivered for sure. From picking vegetables to driving the tractor, from cutting down bamboo to building a trough to wash our vegetables, students saw a different side of Japan from the cities we have explored. We enjoyed meeting our host who had returned to farm in Japan after working at the Japanese embassy in the UAE. The home cooked meal of curry, vegetables and teriyaki chicken was one of my personal favorites. Then it was back to the hotel and time for class work.
Saturday was our last full day in Japan and we took full advantage of the time. Students finished up course work in the morning and then it was off to Shinjuku, the busiest subway station in the world! There was a summer festival underway so lots of performances, lots of crowds and, as always in Japan, lots of shopping. Dinner was wonderful and followed by a special dance performance. Students were at first reluctant but after some encouragement nearly everyone took part in the fun.
This has been a wonderful journey. I need to complement this group of students on their resilience in the face of heat and a VERY busy schedule. They have proven to be great and savvy travelers. It requires a significant level of maturity to combine this level of travel with academics. This group has risen to the challenge. It has been a pleasure for George and I to spend time this time with these students.
Finally, a word of thanks to Forrest, our Japanese tour guide. He has been amazing, working always to create the best possible experience for our group. G/Hardy Tours – wherever you found Forrest, keep him on your list. We have all loved his calm demeanor and deep knowledge and respect for Japanese culture. We have learned so much from him.
See you at the airport!
さようなら
Sayōnara,
Kathy
