Jessica Coble

Parent, teacher of Japanese at Western High School; Lover of language and culture learning!

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Japan Trip 2023 is stranded in Newark. Working with EF and United to try and get these kids home

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

On our way to the airport; students were awesome, on time, with their passports. We will miss these views

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

And just like that, the fun is coming to an end. Students had some last free time in Osaka and now to bed for some early departures to the airport.
This is our parent/teacher Texas/Indiana team; Charles, Joe, Matthew, Ben, Seki, Melissa, Tara, me, and Sarah.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our big stop of the day was Himeji Castle. Only 12 castles remain in their original form in Japan, and Himeji is the largest of them. Most students went all the way to the 🔝

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

We had a lunch stop before arriving in Himeji. Students were thrilled to know that gas station food in Japan equals noodles. I loved all of the signs that remind you not to lose things; most lost items in order are wallets, cell phones, clothing/shoes, bags, and keys 👛📱👟👜🔑

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Day nine begins with a four-hour drive through the mountains to Himeji castle. Most travelers are getting some much need naps 😴

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our dinner was delivered today by cat-robot who meowed if you pet its ears and said “Arigatoo~nya” (Thank you ~ meow)

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our afternoon was spent on Miyajima Island. After a ferry ride, we walked to Itsukushima Shrine where we were treated to an in-person Bugaku performance.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

During our lunch break in Hiroshima, we tried some local specialties with oysters, lemon drinks, and okomomiyaki (Hiroshima style not Osaka 😂)

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our first stop of the day was a somber walk through the Peace Park, the A-bomb Dome, Eternal Flame, and Bomb Memorial Museums.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

We got an early start to day eight because we are taking a bullet train to Hiroshima. Students were awesome and on-time, and we are riding the current fastest Nozomi Shinkansen which travels at 320 miles per hour.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our last stop of the day was Dotonbori, a local street that really gives you the “feel” of Osaka. Generally, Osaka people and businesses tend to be more loud and flashy according to our tour guide, with huge art for signs. Can you tell what these restaurants serve??

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

We walked from the first temple through deer park to Todaiji, where the largest Buddha statue is. Students were amazed at the size of the temple, and were interviewed by Japanese students for English class.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our second stop for today is in Nara. Kasugataisha is a very old temple in the original capital, but the students were mostly interested in the deer 🦌

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our first stop for day seven is Fushimi-Inari Shrine, known for its toori gates (over 1000). Inari is the goddess of rice 🌾 and there are many fox statues holding rice from her.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our fourth and final stop of the day is Teramachi Street. It’s a local place for shopping, less touristy and more “everyday, normal” style.
The sign says “Smile and …” The students were concerned about the lack of ending; smile and do what?!

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our third stop of the day is at Nijo Castle. This is the castle the Shogun would stay in when visiting Kyoto and the emperor. The floors inside “squeak” which protected the Shogun from assassins trying to sneak into the building.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our second stop in Kyoto is at Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple. It is covered in gold leaf, but the lacquer floor inside is worth more than all of the gold.

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

During free time in Arashiyama, we took a gandola style trip on the river. While on the river, we were approached by a food stall boat and a handmade hobby boat 🚤

[Jessica Coble @WHS_CobleSensei]

Our first stop in Kyoto is the Arashiyama bamboo forest 🎋 the air is so fresh and calm