On July 25, 2025, students from Shinjuku Japanese Language School took a trip to Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture.

Their first destination was Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Admiring the intricate carvings of the Yomeimon Gate and the famous Three Wise Monkeys, “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil”, the students were deeply touched, as if they had stepped back in time.

Next, they headed to Lake Chuzenji, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters.

Even in the sweltering heat of summer, the air around the lake remained pleasantly cool. Surrounded by a calm where sky and water seemed to melt into one, the students boarded a sightseeing boat for a relaxing cruise around the lake. On the boat, they fully immersed themselves in the slowly changing scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

The final stop of the day was the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa, quietly nestled among towering cedar trees.

Used as a summer retreat by the Imperial family during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, the villa showcases the refined blend of traditional Japanese and Western architecture.
Inside, gentle light filtered through shoji screens, casting a serene glow over the rooms.

Many students sat quietly on the veranda, gazing out at the garden where the sound of water added to the stillness, absorbing the beauty of silence.

Some took photos or studied the scenery closely, hoping to preserve the memory.

This day in Nikko, filled with history, nature, and architectural elegance, became a treasured summer memory for the students. Experiencing the depth of Japanese culture with all five senses is sure to leave a lasting impression.