Students from Narrabeen Sports High School travelled to Japan for a 13-day cultural tour that the North Narrabeen school describes as its first overseas study tour.
The spring school-holiday itinerary took in Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo. At Sanda Gakuen in Hyogo Prefecture, the school’s Japanese exchange partner, visitors joined lessons and met students who had volunteered to accompany them during the visit.
Narrabeen Sports High School at Sanda Gakuen
The Australian group arrived at Sanda Gakuen on 29 September. The Japanese school said it was the first time it had hosted Narrabeen students under an exchange arrangement that previously brought Japanese students to Australia.
After introductions and Japanese-language activities, the visitors joined English and physical education classes. They also observed extracurricular activities including kyudo, or Japanese archery, kendo and the Japanese Culture Research Club.
The NSW Department of Education reported that the Australian students shared some familiar traditions with their hosts: the Nutbush dance, Tim Tams and fairy bread. Singing and dancing also formed part of the cultural exchange at Sanda Gakuen.
On 1 October, students decorated traditional Japanese fans with ink paintings during an art workshop before returning to lessons with their buddies. The final day ended with completion certificates and a farewell takoyaki gathering proposed by the Japanese student buddies.
From Narrabeen classrooms to Japan
The partnership has also brought Japanese students to the Northern Beaches. During a visit in March 2026, Sanda Gakuen students attended classes at Narrabeen and spent time at Narrabeen Beach. Earlier exchange itineraries have included Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Taronga Zoo, as documented by the Australian school.
Away from the sister-school program, the travelling students visited Hiroshima. The NSW Department of Education said the experience included learning about war, peace and the human cost of conflict. Students also encountered everyday customs, including public transport etiquette, across the wider trip.
Narrabeen Sports High School thanked teachers Mr Foy and Mr Woodford for their work organising the tour. The school said the trip had helped students build friendships within the travelling group and strengthen relationships with their Japanese counterparts. At the end of the exchange, Sanda Gakuen held an information session about a proposed study visit to Australia in March 2027.
Published 28-October-2026
