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Experiencing
the great outdoors

Karuizawa, a resort town located about 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo in mountainous Nagano Prefecture, is known throughout Japan as a summertime retreat. When summer comes around, Karuizawa comes alive with sightseers hoping to escape the heat. Kojimachi Middle School operates classes in this beautiful town twice a year: in May for seventh graders and in July for eighth graders.

The seventh graders participate in what is called the Karuizawa Mobile Classroom. They're nervous at first, perhaps because they've just entered middle school (the Japanese school year starts in April) and don't know each other well. But in the course of orientation and group activities, the students gradually open up to each other.


Hiking on the high plains, the students thoroughly enjoyed their natural surroundings. Meals are buffet-style. A meal with fellow students outside the regular lunchroom is a different experience altogether.


At the Karuizawa Highland School for eighth graders, students climb mountains, hike, and visit ranches. Another popular event is the recreational assembly, where students divide up into groups and perform skits. Students enjoy these excursions because, unlike regular classes, they take place outdoors; also, the kids are allowed to wear what they want instead of their school uniforms.


Students climb to a fairly high elevation; the summit is very close. At the evening recreational assembly, students divide up into groups and give performances. The building in the distance is the place where the students are staying. They really climbed a long way!.