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GWA | TOKYO & OSAKA

Check out the best bits from GEMS World Academy's cultural tour of Japan.

By Trans World Educational Experiences

February 1^st, 2026

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We're in Japan this week with GEMS World Academy as they experience a cultural tour of Tokyo and Osaka.

We'll be bringing you lots of updates from the tour so stay tuned!

Exploring Asakusa

Monday 2nd Feb

The GEMS World Academy students kicked off their Japan tour in style as they visited the historic Nakamise shopping street.

With traditional Japanese food and snacks available from a wide range of stall and cafes, the students had the chance to experience authentic Japanese dining on their first full day in Tokyo.

Crowd of people walks down Nakamise-dori street in Tokyo, lined with shops under awnings, clear blue sky.

Senso-ji Temple

Monday 2nd Feb

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Senso-ji Temple, an iconic symbol of religion and prosperity in Japan’s capital city.

Large group poses in front of the Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo. The red temple has large lanterns and intricate details. The group consists of young adults in casual clothing.

Shibuya Crossing

Monday 2nd Feb

This afternoon the students visited the iconic Shibuya Crossing - with plenty of chance for selfies and shopping, the visit rounded off GWA’s first full day in Japan in style!

Tomorrow it’s time to learn how to make sushi!

Shibuya Crossing street view shows a tall building, billboards with ads, and traffic. The sky is light blue with scattered clouds. Taxis and pedestrians cross the street.

Sushi Time!

tuesday 3rd February

It’s lunchtime and the GWA students are trying their hands at making their very own sushi in Tokyo.

Under the watchful eye of some of the best sushi chefs in the business, the students prepared their own range of sushi by hand - and then ate what they made for lunch!

A group of students in chef hats sit at a long table with sushi. Two students in the foreground pose for a selfie, one giving a thumbs up. The table is set with sushi, soy sauce, and chopsticks. Warm lighting.

Shopping in Harajuku

Tuesday 3rd February

After the students experienced the sushi making class it was time for some retail therapy in the bustling shopping district of Harajuku.

With plenty to explore and lots of popular Japanese brands to browse - it was a busy afternoon for GWA!

A wall of gashapon machines at — Screenshot

A display case shows rows of triangular crepes with various sweet and savory toppings. The crepes include custard, apples, chocolate, gelato, berries, ham, and potato salad. Price tags sit in front of each crepe. — Screenshot

Two students in chef whites hold trays of sushi. Interior shot with other students in background.

Teenager in chef's hat makes sushi with instructor in Tokyo or Osaka. The student presses rice with a wooden mold over tuna and avocado.

A group of students wearing white chef hats and coats watches a chef preparing food in a Japanese restaurant.

TeamLab Planets

Wednesday 4th February

On their final day in Tokyo, GWA visited the immersive TeamLab experience, with a sensory journey through sights and sounds.

Next Stop… Osaka!

Wednesday 4th February

After a memorable three days in Japan’s capital city, it’s time for the GWA students to head west to the country’s third largest city for a mix of culinary experiences, history and a day of fun at Universal Studios!

Mount Fuji

Wednesday 4th February

As the students sped across Japan on the iconic bullet train to Osaka, one of the nation’s most natural beauties was on show out of the train window.

The majestic Mount Fuji rose high into the sky as GWA headed west for their second stop on this week’s Japan tour.

Mount Fuji rises behind a Japanese town and golden fields under a clear blue sky.

Theme Park Time!

Thursday 5th February

It’s Day 1 in Osaka and what better place to start than Universal Studios! Whether it’s Harry Potter, Nintendo or Jurassic Park - there’s plenty on offer for the GWA students as they let off some steam on their penultimate day in Japan!

Universal Studios globe stands in front of a green hedge under a blue sky. The word

Tourists walk toward Hogwarts castle replica, built on a rocky base with pine trees, under a cloudy blue sky.

Super Nintendo World's layered landscape recreates Mario's world. Green hills, brick blocks, question mark boxes, and Piranha Plant are visible. Text:

Universal Studios entrance at night glows with bright lights and crowds of people. A blue grid-like canopy covers the entrance.

Psaka Castle

driday 6 February

On GWA’s final day in Japan, the students got a history lesson as they visited the historic and beautiful Osaka Castle and its gardens.

With 8 flights of stairs to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city - the students and staff were made to work for a spectacular way to see the skyline.

Group poses in front of Osaka Castle, Japan. Students stand and kneel on a stone plaza on a sunny day. Castle has white walls and a green and gold roof.

Dotonburi, Osaka

Friday 6 February

After a tranquil morning in the grounds of Osaka Castle, the final stop of the week for GWA was the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s Dotunburi district.

Famous for its busy food and shopping vibes, what a perfect way to round off an unforgettable tour to Japan.

A huge thank you to students and staff for their attitude and efforts this week - safe journey home!

Crowd walks through covered shopping arcade in Osaka. Bright signs line both sides of the street, translucent roof overhead.

View from Osaka Castle shows a golden fish ornament atop a green tiled roof, overlooking a park with people and a city skyline in the distance.

Footnotes

For more information on how Twedex can support your school’s travel plans, visit twedex.com or email us at journeys@twedex.com.

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FootNotes

For more information on how Twedex can support your school’s travel plans, visit twedex.com or email us at journeys@twedex.com.

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