Tomorrow morning, my second daughter will leave with her school class for their 林間学校 (“Country school” “Camping school“ ”field trip”) in 新潟 (Niigata).
I’m not sure what to call 林間学校 in English. It translates to “Camp school”…but that’s not exactly what it is.
林間学校 is pronounced “Rinkan-gakkou” and is a three-day trip to the countryside by kids who live in the city, to let them experience country living. Japanese country living, of course.
She’s real excited about this trip. Her older sister did the same trip last year, and her younger sister will do it in 2010. (Older sister’s class took a 3-day 修学旅行 (school trip) to 京都 (Kyoto) this year…and this winter, youngest sister will go to 新潟 (Niigata) also—but for snow-skiing).
On this trip, from tomorrow until Friday, she and one of her classmates will stay in a local family’s house, learn to make something by hand from a local tradesman, and do some hiking.
When I was a kid, the schools I attended in America never had any field trips like this.
It’s a good experience.
Of course, though, whenever my kids are away from home, I can’t relax until they come back safe!
Tokyo Five 
Roppongi Hills?! Lots of other 外国人 (foreigners) there, huh?
The “Azabu-Juuban Festival” is quite hot and crowded! But you should see it (especially since you can walk to it from your apartment!).
Also, usually Roppongi Hills has a “Bon-odori” (Bon dance) Festival the same day.
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>> And do you live in 六本木 (Roppongi)?
Yes, we live in Roppongi Hills, my company pays for our housing as part of my assignment expenses – couldn’t afford to live here otherwise.
>> Coming soon, is the popular 「麻布十番祭り」(Azabu-Jyuuban Festival) near Roppongi.
Yes, I just saw it in the Metropolis listing of festivals.
>> Anyways…did you just feel that big 地震 (earthquake) now??
My wife
and Idid as we live in a high-rise apartment, but I did not (again).LikeLike
Wow, what an amazing experience for them. No, schools here don’t typically have field trips that last as long as this or that are in this depth. But I did go away with the church I grew up attending quite often, and also went to many camps and camp enrichment programs. I remember this amazing science-based summer camp I attended. It was an extension of the public school, and we did things like go on a glass-bottom boat, study mangroves and manatees first-hand in a FL estuary, and dissect owl vomit (I know, but kids love it). This is very similar to the private school I teach at. We’ll be going on tons of field trips. None will be longer than the school day lasts, but I think that’s best for K-5 kids anyways. Anyhow, I’m very excited for S and hope to hear all about her trip!
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>added a link to your blog.
Thanks.
My “Festivals” page is coming along slowly.
Do you know there are 花火 (Fireworks) shows all over Japan in the summer?
And do you live in 六本木 (Roppongi)?
Coming soon, is the popular 「麻布十番祭り」(Azabu-Jyuuban Festival) near Roppongi.
Anyways…did you just feel that big 地震 (earthquake) now??
I hate earthquakes!!
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It’s the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills.
Thanks for the tip – I’ve been playing around with WordPress customization, just added a new Blogroll and added a link to your blog.
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The Boso Peninsula is a nice area!
Yes, they do grow up fast! Your son’s 12 now…right?
My daughters are 12, 13 and the oldest will be 15 next week.
I see you added an “avatar” (picture next to your name).
What is the picture? Looks like a building…but too small to recognize.
Next you should change your profile on wordpress so that visitors can click your name and access your blog.
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That sounds like a wonderful experience for your daughter.
My son, who attends international school, is on summer holidays now. He recently attended a week long “summer camp” in Minami Boso in Chiba prefecture. He had a terrific time, but like you, my wife and I were a little worried during the week, until he came back home safe and sound (albeit with lots of mosquito bites).
They do grow us fast, don’t they.
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