今回は、学習旅行2日目の様子をお届けします。
5月22日（金）、子どもたちは昨晩しっかり眠れたようで、時間通りに元気に2日目をスタートすることができました。
ホテルの朝食は、座席数の関係で男子と女子の時間帯を分けてのスタート。男子チームは、朝からステーキや餃子などガッツリしたおかずを選んでいました。一方、女子チームは、彩りや栄養バランス、盛り付けを考えながらメニューを選んでいました。男子女子ともに、エネルギーを満タンにしてホテルを出発しました。
2日目の午前中は、この旅行の大きな山場である「国会議事堂（6年生）」と「班別自主研修（7・8年生）」に分かれての行動です。
6年生は、国会議事堂の見学と皇居外苑の散策へ。
国会議事堂では、坂本竜太郎議員にお越しいただき、秘書の方と共に直々に中を案内していただくという大変貴重な時間を過ごしました。その後の皇居外苑では雨に見舞われてしまいましたが、短い時間の中でも散策やお土産購入を楽しみました。
7・8年生は、事前学習で入念に立てた計画をもとに「すみだ水族館」と「サンシャイン水族館」の2チームに分かれて行動しました。
どちらのチームも限られた時間の中、自分たちで切符を買い、電車を乗り継いで移動。水族館では海の生き物だけでなく、爬虫類など様々な生き物を観察し、それぞれの見たいポイントを絞って、充実した見学ができました。
自主研修を終えたあとは、「上野駅公園口前広場」に集合しました。
お昼は「トラットリア・イタリア 上野店」にて、豪華なイタリアンコースをいただきました。大満足のピザやパスタに「東京に来て食べたご飯の中で、1番美味しい！」と大喜びする子もいれば、「そろそろ和食、特に煮物が恋しいな……」と本音（？）を漏らす子も。
午後からは、最後の見学地である「国立科学博物館」へ。
他校の修学旅行生や多くの外国人の熱気に揉まれながら、迫力満点の恐竜の骨格標本や地球の科学の歴史にふれ、時間が足りないと感じるほど夢中で展示を見て回りました。
全てのプログラムを終え、帰りのバスの中へ。
2日間たくさん歩いて疲れが出ている子もいましたが、中郷SAを出発したあとの車内では、ぐっすり眠る子、お菓子を食べる子、テレビ画面の映画（カンフーパンダ）に夢中になる子など、最後の最後まで旅行を楽しみ尽くそうとする子どもたちの姿が印象的でした。
学校へ到着し、帰校式を行いました。
この2日間、子どもたちはマナーをしっかり守り、仲間と協力し合い、一回りも二回りも大きく成長した姿を見せてくれました。この貴重な経験を、これからの学校生活にしっかりと活かしていきたいと思います。
[School Events] Learning Trip: Day 2
Welcome to the recap of Day 2 of our Learning Trip!
On Friday, May 22nd, the children woke up feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep and kicked off Day 2 right on schedule, full of energy.
Breakfast at the hotel was staggered due to seating capacity.
- The Boys’ Team went all out from early morning, filling their plates with hearty dishes like steak and gyoza (dumplings).
- The Girls’ Team, on the other hand, carefully selected their items, keeping color variety, nutritional balance, and presentation in mind.
With both groups fully energized, we checked out of the hotel and set off.
The Main Highlights: Dividing Into Specialized Paths
The morning of Day 2 marked the biggest highlight of the trip, with students dividing into two paths: a guided tour of the National Diet Building (6th grade) and Independent Group Research (7th and 8th grade).
🔹 6th Grade: Exploring the Heart of Government & the Imperial Palace
The 6th grade students headed to the National Diet Building and the Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
At the Diet Building, we were privileged to have Representative Ryutaro Sakamoto and his secretary personally guide our students through the building—an incredibly rare and precious opportunity. Although we were caught in a sudden downpour later at the Imperial Palace gardens, the students still thoroughly enjoyed their stroll and souvenir shopping during the short time we had.
🔹 7th & 8th Grade: Navigating Tokyo Independently
Based on the meticulously detailed plans they created during their pre-trip studies, the 7th and 8th grade split into two groups targeting the Sumida Aquarium and the Sunshine Aquarium.
Operating under a strict timeframe, both teams successfully purchased their own train tickets and navigated complex Tokyo train transfers all by themselves. At the aquariums, they observed a wide variety of creatures—not just marine life, but also reptiles—focusing on their specific points of interest to make it a highly fulfilling research experience.
A Luxurious Italian Lunch & Immersive Science
After completing their independent research, everyone gathered at the Ueno Station Park Exit Square.
For lunch, we enjoyed a luxurious Italian course meal at “Trattoria Italia Ueno.” Overjoyed by the delicious pizzas and pastas, one student happily exclaimed, “This is the best food I’ve eaten since coming to Tokyo!” Meanwhile, another student shared a candid confession, whispering, “I’m starting to miss Japanese food… especially nimono (simmered dishes).”
In the afternoon, we moved on to our final destination: the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Swept up in the vibrant energy of other touring schools and international visitors, our students immersed themselves in the exhibits. From the powerful dinosaur skeleton displays to the fascinating history of Earth’s science, they were so completely captivated that they felt there wasn’t nearly enough time to see it all.
Heading Home: Celebrating Growth
With all programs successfully completed, we boarded the bus to head home.
Though some children showed signs of fatigue after walking so much over the two days, the scene inside the bus after leaving the Nakago Service Area was heartwarming. Whether they were sleeping soundly, enjoying snacks, or completely glued to the movie (Kung Fu Panda) on the screen, the children were dedicated to enjoying every last drop of the trip.
Upon arriving at school, we held our return ceremony.
Over these two days, the children demonstrated excellent manners, cooperated beautifully with their peers, and showed incredible personal growth. We look forward to seeing them apply these invaluable life experiences to their everyday school life moving forward!
