This past April, a group of students from Xaverian traveled to Japan as part of a new nine-day educational and cultural experience. Led by social studies faculty members, Ms. Amy Franklin, Mr. Jake Devereaux, and Mr. Matt Cavanaugh ’96, P ’28, ’31, the trip featured stops in Tokyo, the Mount Fuji area, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. The group explored historic landmarks, experienced Japanese traditions, and learned about life and culture beyond the United States.

The journey began in Tokyo, where students visited prominent landmarks including the Imperial Palace Plaza, which offered impressive views of Nijubashi Bridge, the statue of Kusunoki Masashige, and the city’s modern skyline. The group also explored Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo’s oldest temple, strolled through the bustling Nakamise Street marketplace, and took in views from the Tokyo Tower. 

For Isaiah Nkata ’27, this trip was about more than sightseeing. “I enjoyed the trip because it allowed me to experience a completely different culture in a new way,” he said. “Although some may see the language barrier as a hindrance, I saw it as something unique. It pushed me to express myself differently and made me a better communicator.”

Mr. Cavanaugh saw that same sense of curiosity throughout the trip. “Not only were we being welcomed by the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people, but our students consistently demonstrated curiosity, thoughtful engagement, and a genuine desire to understand the world around them.”

From Tokyo, the group traveled to the Mount Fuji region, where they got a close-up view of the active volcano and tallest peak in Japan, which Mr. Cavanaugh described as “literally breathtaking and sure to be a core memory from the trip.” The group also cruised on Lake Ashi, and rode the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial cable car which offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. 

For Mr. Cavanaugh some of the most meaningful moments came when students made connections between what they were experiencing and concepts they had studied in the classroom. “The number of times students made connections to our Human Geography curriculum, particularly as it related to population demographics, migration, and statehood, really left an impression on me,” he said. 

In Nagoya, students visited the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and the Atsuta Jingu Shrine before continuing to Kyoto. There, they took part in a traditional tea ceremony, visited Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and walked through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.

The trip concluded in Nara and Osaka, where students visited Todaiji Temple, explored Nara Park, and saw Osaka Castle, a landmark that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 17th century. Beyond the scheduled itinerary, students took part in a samurai performance and wooden sword demonstration.

Isaiah also appreciated the opportunity to connect with other students throughout the trip. “I loved experiencing the culture, the food, the places we went to, and getting to know the people I was with,” he said. “I got to socialize with students from Xaverian that I never really talked to before. I would definitely recommend traveling to others because seeing just one perspective of the world can be limiting.”

Ms. Franklin believes opportunities like this help students develop a broader understanding of both themselves and the world around them. “With travel comes cultural empathy, humility in navigating new circumstances, and a better awareness of your role as a global citizen,” she said. “We hope students realize their similarities to others that transcend language, ethnicity, and religion.”