Submitted to Nassau NewsLine
There is an old Shinto quote on travel: “A journey is best shared with others” (旅は道連eれ、世は情け – Tabi wa michizure, yo wa nasake)
Each spring, Fernandina Beach High School students travel beyond our country’s borders and share their experiences with others. These experiences they are blessed to have contribute to their development in so many wonderful ways.
Thirty-eight students from FBHS traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan, for spring break of 2026 and are now, as the quote implies, enriching their experiences by sharing them with others.
After a 13-hour flight, they began their incredible trip in Tokyo by visiting the serene Sensō-ji temple, the Meiji Shrine. A few even relished a quick run in the Yoyogi Park while others took advantage of fun shopping sprees in the Harajuku District and the Akihabara Electric town.
While crossing the famous Shibuya crossing, some of the students made it to the famous Pokemon and Nintendo store.
The next day was full of a scenic day trip to the Hakone valley with a ropeway tour through the clouds to the top of Mt. Hakone to snack on the famous black eggs, then down the mountain to have lunch on the shores of Lake Ashi and ending the trip with a lake cruise to the famous Hakone Shrine.
The day didn’t end there, as they went off to an exciting night full of karaoke and more shopping. Another notable event to mention, two seniors, Jacob Kovalcik and Trey Bunn, who have traveled for the past three years with Mrs. Julianna Durr, along with Reid Webber, finally fulfilling a huge travel bucket list. They were able to dine at the infamous NOBU restaurant, where they met the founder and co-owner, Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa.
Kyoto was the next stop via the Shinkasen bullet train. They fed the deer, which were eager to bow for treats at the Nara Deer Park. Visits to the Todai-ji temple and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kasuga Grand Shrine, were the perfect way to learn the tenets of Buddhism and see in person the largest Buddha in the world.
They visited the Kinkaku-ji temple, another UNESCO world heritage site, to toss coins in a cup for good luck, drank hot green tea with gold specks and strolled around the golden temple’s gardens.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove helped the students become one with nature and bamboo as they wandered through the bamboo grove and found their way to the top of the mountain. A few even ventured off the path to discover the monkeys on another hill.
A quick lunch by the river and they were off to observe the staggering 1,001 gold leaf soldiers at the Sanjūsangendō Temple.
In Osaka, they were able to climb the eight stories to the observatory deck and look out over the skyline of Osaka. However, the Umelda Sky Building offered a better view from the 40th floor observatory deck as the students braved the breeze and 360-degree breathtaking views of all of Osaka.
The final day ended in an adventurous day of fresh sushi lunch in Kuromon market and more shopping in the Dotonbori district.
This trip allowed the students to learn so much about the culture and traditions of Japan. They all fell in love with Japan and hope to return on their own.
A connection has been made between the Pirate travelers and the wonderful people and culture of Japan (#missionaccomplished).
For 2027, the Pirates will be off to Amsterdam, Brussels, London and Paris. This trip is officially sold out, with another 40 students coming along for a European adventure. The 2028 trip will be a trip to seven cities and three countries — Venice, Verona, Florence, Pisa, Monaco city, Nice and Paris.
