修学旅行(しゅうがくりょこう)

修学旅行(しゅうがくりょこう) is an organized multi-day school trip, a major event in the lives of Japanese students.

Forms

修学(しゅうがく) (study, learning) + 旅行(りょこう) (trip, travel)

CULTURAL NOTE (common destinations):

• 京都(きょうと)/奈良(なら): historical temples and shrines
• 沖縄(おきなわ): beaches and WWII history
• 広島(ひろしま): peace memorial
• 東京(とうきょう)ディズニーランド: amusement parks

Cultural note

Held in the last year of 小学校(しょうがっこう) (elementary school) and again in 中学校(ちゅうがっこう) (junior high) and 高校(こうこう) (high school). Lasts 2-5 days. Most Japanese people have vivid memories of their 修学旅行(しゅうがくりょこう).
The trip combines educational objectives (visiting historical or cultural sites) with social bonding. Staying in a 旅館(りょかん) (traditional inn) or hotel with classmates is a highlight. It often appears as a setting in anime and manga.