AJHS students embark on transformative Japan study tour

From 26 May to 3 June 2025, 26 participants from Ateneo de Manila Junior High School took part in the International Study Trip Program (ISTP) in Japan. The group included 21 students, two teachers, two agency officials, and a tour guide. Nine students share their reflections from the tour, highlighting deep cultural engagement, meaningful interactions with peers from Hiroshima Gakuin Junior & Senior High School, and unforgettable experiences across cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. (Following the students' names in parentheses are their sections from SY 2024-2025) 

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What made this trip particularly memorable for me was our visit to Hiroshima Gakuin Junior & Senior High School on the second day. As we entered the school, we were warmly welcomed with the display of a Philippine flag—a gesture that truly reflected the kindness and hospitality of the Japanese people. Despite the language barrier, we were still able to communicate meaningfully and connect with the students. Participating in classes such as calligraphy and folding paper cranes allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and its rich history. I am truly grateful to have experienced this study tour alongside fellow Ateneans and to have learned so many valuable lessons along the way. – Kiko Valdez (10-Page Class of 2025) 

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As I look back on my stay in Japan, I feel honored to have been chosen as one of the students to experience the ISTP program. At first, I didn’t know much about the other members of the group, but as time went on, we grew closer—sharing laughs, supporting one another, and forming tight bonds that felt more like family than friendship.

One of the most memorable experiences for me was visiting the Tōdaiji Temple in Nara. Despite being burned down and destroyed several times throughout history, it was always rebuilt—a powerful symbol of resilience. Much like the temple, our experiences and memories form lasting legacies. Even if we can’t relive those moments, the act of remembering keeps them forever alive in our hearts. – Sky Salazar (9-Lalemant)

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What made this trip memorable for me was that we got to learn more about Japanese culture through the students of Hiroshima Gakuin Junior & Senior High School. Despite the language barrier, they still tried their best to communicate with us and teach us about their school and history. They were also very kind and welcoming towards us. During breaks they would invite us to play basketball, and would ask us questions about ourselves when we had classes together. Overall, this trip would have been much different for me if we didn’t go to Hiroshima Gakuin. I hope to go on a study trip like this again and maybe study at a Japanese school for a longer period of time. – Sancho Ramirez (10-Nagashima Class of 2025)

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One thing I will definitely never forget about Japan is the food! During our time there, we had so many opportunities to try a wide variety of dishes, each one offering a glimpse into Japan’s amazing culture! Many of us were unfamiliar with the cuisine at first, but we ended up loving everything we tried. Not only was the food nutritious, healthy, and well-balanced—it was also beautifully presented and tasted super good! We even had the chance to cook some dishes ourselves, like Okonomiyaki! Even the street food sold on the sides of the road tasted amazing. The opportunity to enjoy so much food is something I’ll always be grateful for, and something I’ll never forget. -Borgy Pua (10-Nelson Class of 2025)

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This Japan Study Tour was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to learn beyond the classroom while having fun at the same time. One of my favorite parts of this tour was Expo 2025. Even though we were separated into two groups, we were still able to have fun and checked the unique pavilions of the Philippines, Singapore, and many other countries. This trip opened me up to the beautiful and amazing history and culture of Japan. Being one of the only two grade 8 students there, I was not sure if I was gonna fit in, but as the days went by, I could feel a connection being made with the others through this learning experience. I want to thank those who made this trip memorable and also the teachers and tour guides who helped to keep us all in check. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to journey across Japan's history and culture with my fellow Ateneans. -Max Garcia (8-Corby)

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Personally, I found the Japan Study Tour to be insightful, eye-opening, and so much fun. Through my experiences with my Japanese counterparts in Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School, I learned to overcome language barriers and make new friends. My time experiencing the rich culture and enjoying the interesting architecture of Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nara gave me unforgettable memories. Learning how to properly budget my time and money was also an important part of the trip that pushed me to be more decisive and responsible. Overall, I had a lot of fun on this trip, and I hope I can use my new experiences from it to improve as a person. -Mikee Flores (10-Saito Class of 2025) 

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The Japan study tour was a refreshing escape from the familiar rhythm of life in Metro Manila. It offered countless new experiences and unforgettable memories—moments of joy, laughter, wonder, and cultural discovery, as well as quiet times of deep reflection and introspection. The trip rekindled our sense of wonder, reminding us that such an opportunity doesn’t come along often, and should never be taken for granted. We experienced Japan in its full richness: the culture, the food, the technology—all of it pulling us into a world beyond our comfort zones. These were fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments—visiting places like Hiroshima Gakuin Junior and Senior High School, Nara Deer Park, and the many grand shrines and temples—that will stay with us forever. This is my farewell to a truly remarkable experience, but not a final goodbye. After all, just because a journey is rare doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself on another one just as meaningful someday. -Lorenzo Defensor (10-Spinola Class of 2025)

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There were many memorable moments throughout the trip—whether it was learning new information about Japan, exploring places I had never been to, or trying new food. However, what stood out the most to me was learning in-depth background information about the places we visited from our tour guide, Sir Manabu. His jolly and caring attitude made the entire tour more enjoyable and unforgettable. Thanks to him, I gained a deeper understanding of Japan’s history and culture—such as the impact of the Hiroshima bombing, the origins of matcha, and the art of Japanese ink. Because of his guidance, this trip wasn’t just informative- it was also the most fun study tour I’ve ever been on. -Miguel Atienza (9-Garate)

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This trip was truly ichi-go ichi-e—a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forget. While I had an incredible time, I still feel there was more I could have done to fully enjoy it. What stood out most were the people I met and the meaningful connections I made along the way. Japan is a truly great nation, and Hiroshima became my favorite city in the world. I often tell others that Hiroshima is a powerful symbol of peace and rejuvenation. Though a devastating tragedy once struck the city and took countless lives—a moment in history that must never be forgotten—we were able to walk its streets and explore its many beautiful places. The streets were clean, the people were orderly, and I felt completely safe. It was hard to believe one of humanity’s greatest tragedies had occurred there. Visiting Hiroshima left me with a deep sense of awe and amazement. It taught me that despite immense hardship and devastation, beauty and strength can emerge. What truly matters are perseverance, faith, strength, and wisdom.                                                                         -Jiyo Arceo (10-Nelson Class of 2025)