YIS Journey to Japan, 23 May to 3 June 2026

Logbook

Preface: This Logbook of the YIS Journey to Japan documents the daily experiences of a delegation of YIS students and teachers from 23 May 2026 to 3 June 2026. The journey gave students meaningful educational and cultural experiences beyond the classroom, broadening their global outlook through overseas travel, cultural exploration, historical heritage, contemporary society and direct observation of everyday life in Japan. Illustrated with itinerary maps, pictures and stories, the logbook shares the experience with the wider YIS community and aims to inspire future generations of students who dream of exploring the world.

Students

Grade 12: Luvenia Charlotte Debbora Bhava (Charlotte), Nadine Zahra Zeina Pringgadani (Zahra), Nandiwardhana Maitri Wikanthomo (Dhana)

Grade 11: Juhi Prem Danani (Juhi), Muhammad Vincent Rizq Wardhany (Vincent), Nawra Hayfa Putri (Nawra), Nicholas Candra (Nico), Radif Zafaranii (Radif), Reihana Sabrina Putri (Reihana)

Grade 10: Ben Damar Burmester (Ben), Evangeline Gebby Kabes (Eve), Felix Calvin Maximillian (Felix), Kasyafa Multazam Sungkar (Syafa), Nevan Keandra Putra (Nevan), Olive Khadeeja Yusuf (Olive), Sabrina Aisha Prathama (Sabrina), Alkhansa Malika Akbar (Elsa)

Tour Leaders

Jennifer Magein (Jennifer)
Benedikta Setiyani (Yani)
Elia Nugraha Ekanindita (Dindit)

Educational Objectives

Explore academic pathways through direct exposure to leading universities, museums and learning environments.
Experience Japanese culture, heritage, traditional arts, technology, design and contemporary urban life.
Connect classroom learning with real-world experiences through observation, cultural immersion and experiential learning.
Build global citizenship through intercultural understanding, independence, responsibility and respect for different perspectives.

道中安全

22 May Farewell Moment

Farewell Moment and Preparing for the Journey

On the day before the journey began, YIS students gathered on the school campus for a farewell moment with teachers, families and friends. The event was filled with a mix of excitement, last preparations and final reminders before the group would depart for Japan on 23 May 2026.

Words from the travelers: We left school feeling supported by everyone who came to say goodbye. The farewell event made the trip feel real and reminded us that we are carrying the YIS community with us when we represent our school abroad.

YIS travelers wearing caps and jackets before the Japan journey — Travelers wearing their YIS caps and jackets.

A YIS student wearing the journey cap before departure — Students discussing their upcoming journey.

YIS travelers smiling in their journey jackets — Travelers wearing their YIS Journey jackets.

YIS students wearing Japan journey jackets — Ready to represent YIS in Japan.

In our imagination, the entire YIS community travels with us.

23 May Departure and Tugu Railway Station

Departure from School Campus

The delegation of YIS students and tour leaders met on the YIS campus for final checks before their departure. Together with YIS parents, teachers, principal and board members, they enjoyed a Japanese-style udon lunch. Bags were loaded into the bus that would bring them to Tugu Railway Station in Yogyakarta for the first leg of their long journey.

Words from the travelers: The departure day was full of energy and expectations. Even though the trip ahead was long, everyone was excited to travel together and begin our Japan adventure and exploration.

Highlights

Practiced punctuality and responsibility during the first travel transition.
Managed personal belongings, passports, visas and luggage checks with growing independence.
Strengthened adaptability, resilience and readiness to represent YIS abroad.

Waiting for the Train at Tugu Railway Station

After leaving the YIS campus, the delegation traveled by bus to Tugu Railway Station in the centre of Yogyakarta. Here the students had time to take a break, share a bite and take a group photo before boarding the train that would bring them to Gambir Railway Station in Jakarta, a 7.5-hour ride with amazing views of Javanese landscapes.

Words from the travelers: The station stop made the journey feel even more real. Everyone was still close to home, but the adventure tour had already begun.

YIS travelers waiting at school before departure — Meeting together before departure.

Luggage labeled with the YIS Journey logo.

YIS students seated together before leaving for Japan — A taste of Japan before the hour of departure.

Suitcases lined up before the YIS Japan journey departure — Suitcases on wheels, lined up for departure.

YIS travelers gathered for a group photo before departure — Last picture of the travelers before leaving the school campus.

YIS travelers boarding the bus at school to begin their journey to Japan — Boarding the bus at YIS and beginning the journey to Japan.

YIS group photo at Yogyakarta Tugu Train Station — Group photo at Yogyakarta Tugu Train Station.

YIS travelers aboard the KA Tambahan Imperial train — Aboard the comfortable KA Tambahan Imperial, with luggage stored overhead.

YIS students relaxing in the station lounge — Resting together in the railway station lounge.

YIS travelers waving from inside the train — On board and ready for the next leg of the journey.

24 May Flight, Destination Cities and Tokyo Arrival

Flight from Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta to Narita Airport in Tokyo

The YIS travelers continued the journey from Jakarta to Tokyo on All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight NH0836, departing at 06:10 a.m. This approximately seven-hour flight marked the international leg of the excursion and brought the delegation closer to the start of their learning and discovery experience in Japan.

Words from the travelers: After the train ride and the transfer from Gambir Railway Station to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the flight to Tokyo made the Japan journey feel fully underway.

Highlights

Completed airport check-in, immigration and boarding procedures as a group.
Practiced patience, independence and responsibility during a long international travel day.
Prepared to enter a new social and cultural environment with curiosity and care.

Destination Cities of Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kyoto

The journey will take YIS students to four destination cities, each offering a different window into Japan. Tokyo and Yokohama will introduce the delegation to Japan's urban energy and waterfront culture, while Osaka and Kyoto will open the door to food culture, history, temples and tradition.

Words from the travelers: Seeing the destination map helped us imagine the overall route ahead, from modern city skylines to cultural landmarks.

Arrival in Tokyo and First Dinner

After arriving safely at Narita International Airport, the group transferred to Nishi-Kasai using Japan's public transportation system. The first journey through Tokyo introduced students to public etiquette, crowded train travel and the shared responsibility that keeps a large city moving smoothly. The walk from Nishi-Kasai Station to Grand Hostel LDK also gave students their first close look at the cleanliness and order of a Tokyo neighborhood. In the evening, the group gathered for a yakiniku dinner.

Words from the travelers: The train ride from the airport was our first real lesson in Tokyo life. Dinner gave us a chance to slow down, share food and talk about the first impressions of Japan.

Insights

Tokyo's rail network is one of the busiest in the world, carrying millions of passengers each day.
Students observed public etiquette such as keeping voices low and giving space for others to move efficiently.
Nishi-Kasai developed rapidly after the opening of its station in 1979 and is now a modern residential neighborhood.
Yakiniku means grilled meat and reflects a social style of dining where people cook and share food together at the table.

Highlights

Practiced cooperation, communication and mutual respect while moving through a new city.
Observed how respect for shared spaces is reflected in clean streets, orderly transport and quiet public behavior.
Built responsibility, discipline and time management through shared hostel routines, organized belongings and clean common spaces.
Connected food culture with community, sharing and everyday life in Japan.

ANA flight NH0836 route map from Jakarta to Tokyo Narita — ANA NH0836 flight from Jakarta to Tokyo.

Map of YIS Japan journey destination cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kyoto — Destination cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kyoto.

YIS students sharing yakiniku dinner in Tokyo — First dinner in Tokyo: sharing a yakiniku meal together.

Meat grilling at a yakiniku table in Tokyo — Yakiniku as a shared, hands-on dining experience.

25 May Tokyo Visits

University of Tokyo, Nezu Shrine, Ameyoko and Shibuya

The first full day in Tokyo included several different faces of the second largest metropolis in the world, after Jakarta as the largest urban agglomeration. The delegation visited the University of Tokyo and its museum, spent time around the Japanese gardens and cultural heritage of Nezu Shrine, and explored the lively streets of Ameyoko and Shibuya.

Words from the travelers: The day moved from a quiet garden on the University of Tokyo campus to the serene footpaths at Nezu Shrine, and finally to the bubbling energy of Tokyo's shopping streets. It was a first encounter with a multi-layered city with many faces.

Insights

The University of Tokyo, founded in 1877, is Japan's oldest national university and has played an important role in the country's modernization and academic development.
Nezu Shrine is known for well-preserved Edo-period architecture, with origins believed to reach back nearly 2,000 years.

Highlights

Reflected on higher education, research, innovation and possible future academic pathways.
Explored historical, scientific and cultural collections that reflect Japan's heritage and academic traditions.
Observed Shinto heritage, torii gates, shrine customs, omikuji fortune drawing and the preservation of spiritual traditions in modern Japan.

YIS students at the University of Tokyo entrance — Visit to the University of Tokyo.

YIS students standing under the red torii gate at Nezu Shrine — At the gate of Nezu Shrine.

Garden scenery at the University of Tokyo — Scenery on the campus of the University of Tokyo.

Map board of Nezu Shrine grounds — Map of the Nezu Shrine grounds.

YIS travelers on a bridge in the Nezu Shrine garden — Exploring the Japanese gardens of Nezu Shrine.

26 May Mount Fuji and Tokyo

Tour to Mount Fuji, Akihabara and Ginza

The day began with a tour of villages and scenic areas around Mount Fuji, including Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Village and Lake Kawaguchiko. Students explored gardens, lakeside views, local pathways and traditional villages before returning to Tokyo for a change of pace in Akihabara and Ginza.

Words from the travelers: Around Mount Fuji, the landscape felt wide and calm, with flowers, water, mountain air and small village scenes. By evening, Tokyo brought us back into the lights, shops and energy of a global city.

Insights

Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters and is Japan's tallest mountain. Cloudy weather reminded students that travel also means accepting the unexpected.
Oshino Hakkai is known for spring-fed ponds and traditional village scenery near Mount Fuji.
Ginza is one of Tokyo's most iconic commercial districts and a symbol of modern urban design, consumer culture and economic development.

Highlights

Explored natural scenery, flower gardens, local markets and regional food culture around the Mount Fuji area.
Learned about traditional village features, spring-fed ponds and family crests used in Japanese architecture.
Compared traditional landscapes and contemporary city life within a single day.

YIS traveler photographing flowers near Mount Fuji — Photographing flowers around Mount Fuji.

Trail map sign from a village area around Mount Fuji — Trail map in a village on the slopes of the Mount Fuji area.

Traditional house and garden near Mount Fuji — Village architecture near Mount Fuji.

Lakeside view with Mount Fuji behind clouds — Lakeside view toward Mount Fuji.

Flower field and green hills near Mount Fuji — Flowers and hills around Mount Fuji.

YIS travelers taking photos by a lake near Mount Fuji — Lakeside photo stop near Mount Fuji.

Evening buildings and lights in Ginza — Evening lights and modern architecture in Ginza.

27 May Tokyo Art and Culture

Tokyo Art and Culture, Matcha, Wagashi and Calligraphy

The day combined digital art and traditional Japanese culture. YIS students explored the immersive rooms of teamLab Borderless, then joined a matcha and wagashi learning experience that included practicing calligraphy.

Words from the travelers: We moved from glowing digital spaces to the calm rhythm of tea, sweets and brush strokes. The calligraphy activity connected our school motto, Aim High, with katakana and kanji script.

Insights

teamLab Borderless uses projection, light, sound and sensors to create artworks that respond to visitors and flow across spaces.
Matcha, wagashi and shodo calligraphy emphasize mindfulness, precision, seasonal aesthetics and disciplined practice.

Highlights

Experienced multi-sensory contemporary art where technology and creative expression meet.
Practiced traditional cultural skills through tea preparation, sweets, brush control and character formation.

Entrance signage for teamLab Borderless in Tokyo — Entering *teamLab Borderless*, where artworks move across rooms without fixed boundaries.

YIS students inside the flower projection rooms at teamLab Borderless — Immersive flowers at *teamLab Borderless*.

YIS students practicing calligraphy with brush and ink — Calligraphy practice with brush and ink.

YIS students preparing matcha during a wagashi experience — *Matcha* and *wagashi* experience.

YIS students standing among glowing light installations at teamLab Borderless — Light installations at *teamLab Borderless*.

Aim High calligraphy written in katakana and kanji — Aim High in learning *katakana* and *kanji* characters.

28 May Kimonos, Skytree and Asakusa

Kimonos, Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa

YIS students spent the day experiencing Tokyo from both traditional and modern perspectives. They dressed in kimono, explored Asakusa, went up Tokyo Skytree, and had the chance to interact with Japanese students during the visit.

Words from the travelers: Walking through Asakusa in kimono made the city feel different, almost like stepping into a living postcard. From the Skytree, Tokyo stretched out in every direction, and the conversations with Japanese students added a warm human connection to the day.

Insights

Tokyo Skytree stands 634 meters tall, a number that can be read as "Mu-sa-shi" in Japanese and refers to the historic Musashi Province.
Kimono and zori sandals offered students a direct experience of traditional clothing, design and cultural etiquette.

Highlights

Learned about the cultural significance of kimono as a traditional Japanese garment.
Viewed Tokyo's urban landscape from Tokyo Skytree and considered the city's planning and scale.
Practiced cross-cultural communication through conversations with local Japanese students.

YIS students walking through Tokyo in kimono — Walking through Tokyo in kimono.

YIS students in kimono with Tokyo Skytree behind them — Group photo near Tokyo Skytree.

YIS students in kimono exploring Asakusa — A street moment while exploring Asakusa.

YIS student in kimono speaking with Japanese students — Conversation with Japanese students.

YIS student interacting with Japanese students at Tokyo Skytree — Student interaction at Tokyo Skytree.

YIS student explaining something to classmates inside Tokyo Skytree — A student explains something inside Tokyo Skytree.

YIS travelers taking a selfie at Tokyo Skytree — Skytree selfie above Tokyo.

29 May Osaka History and Castle Grounds

Bullet Train to Osaka, Hokoku Shrine and Dotonbori

The group travelled by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, observing changing landscapes from the train window as they entered the Kansai region. In Osaka, students visited the Osaka Museum of History for hands-on exhibits and historical displays. The day continued around Hokoku Shrine and the Osaka Castle grounds before ending with leisure time in Dotonbori.

Words from the travelers: Osaka gave us a very different impression after Tokyo. The museum made history feel close enough to touch the past, the Osaka Castle grounds left an impression of open pathways and bright sunshine, and Dotonbori added the vibrant city energy that Osaka is famous for.

Insights

The Shinkansen reflects Japan's advanced technology, engineering, safety, punctuality and respect for time.
Tokyo Station's restored red-brick architecture links Japan's transport network with its modernization history, wartime damage and postwar preservation.
Osaka Castle was originally built in 1583 and remains an important symbol of Osaka's resilience and cultural heritage.

Highlights

Connected historical events with geography, urban development and the growth of Osaka.
Explored how museums, castle grounds and shrines preserve cultural memory and identity.
Observed Osaka's modern city life through the lively commercial energy of Dotonbori.

YIS students working with hands-on exhibits at Osaka Museum of History — Hands-on history at Osaka Museum of History.

YIS students viewing artifacts at Osaka Museum of History — Viewing artifacts at Osaka Museum of History.

YIS students reading a height marker around Osaka Castle grounds — Exploring details around Osaka Castle grounds.

YIS students using an interactive display at Osaka Museum of History — Interactive learning experience at the Osaka museum.

YIS students walking through the Osaka Castle grounds — Strolling through Osaka Castle grounds.

YIS students assembling a pottery activity at Osaka Museum of History — Rebuilding the past through a museum activity.

YIS student looking closely at museum artifacts in a display case — Looking closely at museum displays.

30 May Nara Park and Dotonbori

Nara Deer Park and Osaka Boat Trip

The YIS delegation began the day from Osaka International Youth Hostel before heading to Nara Park to meet the famous deer. After spending time around Nara, we ate Japanese dinner in the bright lights of Dotonbori and enjoyed a Tombori River Cruise.

Words from the travelers: The deer were curious, polite and very eager to be offered rice crackers. By night, the mood of Osaka changed completely, with canal lights, city signs and the view from the boat giving the end of the day a lively touch.

Insights

Nara Park is known for freely roaming deer that are regarded as sacred messengers in Shinto belief.
Dotonbori began as a canal area in the early 17th century and developed into one of Osaka's best-known entertainment districts.

Highlights

Observed and interacted with deer while learning proper etiquette for feeding them with shika senbei.
Connected Nara's deer with the cultural and religious history of the ancient capital.
Viewed Osaka's waterfront, lights and commercial culture from the Tombori River Cruise.

YIS students leaving Osaka International Youth Hostel for Nara Park — Leaving Osaka International Youth Hostel, our home for two nights.

Kasyafa and Ben feeding deer at Nara Park — Kasyafa and Ben meet the deer of Nara Park, who were eager to get their rice crackers.

Radif and a male deer bowing to each other at Nara Park — Radif and a male deer greet each other with respectful bows.

YIS travelers boarding the Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori — Boarding the Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori.

Osaka city lights viewed from aboard the Tombori River Cruise — Taking in the lights and city views of Osaka from the Tombori River Cruise.

31 May Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto

The second day in Osaka began around the hostel with a bit of morning energy before the group travelled onward to Kyoto. Students explored the cool, shaded paths of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then returned to the platform for the Shinkansen high-speed train from Osaka to Tokyo.

Words from the travelers: The day moved from playful hostel moments to the quiet green area of the Arashiyama bamboo gardens, then back to Tokyo by high-speed train.

Insights

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto's most famous natural landmarks.
In Japanese culture, bamboo is often associated with strength, resilience and prosperity.

Highlights

Explored one of Japan's celebrated natural and cultural landscapes.
Considered environmental conservation, sustainable tourism and the place of natural spaces in urban life.
Experienced a quieter side of Japan before returning to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

Radif carrying bags and giving Vincent a bicycle lift near the hotel — Radif as “Gojek” driver, carrying his friends’ bags and giving Vincent a lift.

Dhana, Nevan and Radif racing bicycles around the hotel grounds — Morning exercise: Dhana, Nevan and Radif ride bicycles around the hotel grounds.

YIS students walking through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Exploring the cool, shaded paths of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

YIS students walking along a shaded path at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Walking through the shade and tall bamboo of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

YIS students among the tall bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — More moments among the bamboo in Arashiyama.

YIS travelers waiting on the platform for the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo — Back at the station platform, waiting for the Shinkansen high-speed train from Osaka to Tokyo.

1 June Tokyo Disneyland

Our Last Full Day in Japan at Tokyo Disneyland

For the final full day of the journey, the delegation had chosen to spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland. It was a bright, energetic way to close the trip, with time to explore the park, enjoy the sunshine and share a few last moments together in Tokyo.

Words from the travelers: After days of trains, temples, city streets and cultural experiences, Disneyland gave us space to relax, laugh and enjoy one more day in Japan before heading home.

Insights

Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 as the first Disney park built outside the United States.
The park shows how a global brand can adapt to local language, service culture and visitor expectations.

Highlights

Observed globalization and cultural adaptation in a familiar entertainment setting.
Managed time, planned activities and collaborated within small groups.
Closed the journey with creativity, storytelling, technology and shared enjoyment.

YIS student arriving at Tokyo Disneyland on the last full day in Japan — Last full day in Japan: the group begins a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland.

YIS travelers walking through Tokyo Disneyland in the sunshine — Soaking up the sunshine and the lively atmosphere of Tokyo Disneyland.

Syafa, Nevan and Felix walking near the castle at Tokyo Disneyland — Syafa, Nevan and Felix wander near one of Disneyland's most iconic sights.

YIS students pointing toward the next attraction at Tokyo Disneyland — Pointing the way to the Haunted Mansion and choosing the next adventure.

YIS travelers smiling together during a Tokyo Disneyland ride — A cheerful ride moment near the end of the journey.

A colorful Tokyo Disneyland attraction scene with boats and lights — Storytelling, music and color inside one of Tokyo Disneyland's attractions.

2-3 June Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound and Reflecting on a Journey of Discovery

The final stage of the YIS Journey to Japan marked the conclusion of an enriching educational and cultural experience. After checking out, the delegation spent the last morning in the Nishi-Kasai area before departing for Narita International Airport. The group completed check-in procedures and departed Japan aboard ANA Flight NH835 at 17:50, bringing home not only souvenirs and photographs, but also new knowledge, broader perspectives and meaningful memories.

After arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 23:30, the group continued by overnight transfer to Gambir Station, then boarded the Argo Semeru Executive Train to Yogyakarta at 06:20. They arrived in Yogyakarta at 12:45 and returned to YIS at 14:00. The long return journey required patience, cooperation and resilience, and it became one final lesson in responsibility before the students returned to school.

Only one day after the group's departure, Japan was affected by severe weather associated with a powerful tropical storm. Looking back, the safe completion of the journey became a reminder that travel depends on preparation, flexibility and gratitude for factors beyond our control.

Words from the travelers: The journey home gave us time to think about everything we had seen and learned. Japan was no longer just a destination on a map, but a collection of people, places, habits, ideas and memories that we carried back with us.

Insights

International travel depends on preparation, flexibility and factors beyond our control, including weather and transport conditions.
The return journey showed how students had grown in independence, patience and cooperation across the whole program.

Highlights

Completed the final airport, train and bus transitions safely as a group.
Reflected on how history, culture, technology, public behavior and daily life shaped the learning experience.
Returned to YIS with a stronger sense of global citizenship and lifelong learning.