Mr Minamoto, from Omura Photography Studio, is the photographer for many schools in Ikeda and goes on Sea Side Swimming Camps, Outdoor Education Camps, and 6th Grade School Trips several times a year. The has been doing this for over 45 years. His knowledge of the routes and activities make him a priceless asset to the city of Ikeda. He would take photographs of the students, but then suddenly appear a hundred meters ahead of us! I have no idea how he’s everywhere. We relied on him not only for world class photographs, but for advice and help with everything for the last 3 days. Thank you so much Photographer Minamoto.

We have arrived at Shin Osaka with a squall to greet us. We are a little wet but we on buses heading to Ikeda ES. All of the students are very much looking forward to seeing their families and sharing their stories of the school trip.

We are now on the Nozomi heading back to Osaka. Everyone seems to very tired and missing home. The students seem so much quieter on the Shinkansen than just 3 days ago. I’m sure all of the students are looking forward to a home cooked meal and a warm bath in their homes.

We are on our way to Shin Yamaguchi to catch out Shinkansen back to Osaka.
Our 4 wonderful bus drivers of 3 days will send us off at Shin Yamaguchi after an hour bus ride from Hagi.
We want to take this time to thank our fabulous bus drivers for driving us hundreds of kilometers and delivering us safely to our various destinations from Hiroshima to Akiyoshidai to Hagi and finally Shin Yamaguchi.
Thank you for driving us safely, speedily, and comfortably.

During lunch, the baked Hagi cups were brought into the dining room. The students were all so eager get their cups back. Some students had a hard time finding their cups as they look a bit different after the art has been baked in. But, all of the cups look wonderful and the children seem to be proud of their creations.

We are currently having our last meal of this trip after nearly two hours of exploring this beautiful town. I’m sure everyone has quite the appetite.

　グループ散策では、地図を頼りに、菊屋家住宅、口羽家住宅などの歴史あふれる建物を見学しました。　口羽家では係の方からの説明を聞けたグループもあり、大変勉強になりました。
　暑い中でしたが、萩の町をグループで歩く姿は、とても楽しそうでした。
　
　おこづかいで、夏みかんソフトクリームを食べたり、ジュースを飲んだりしている子どもたちは、「おいしい！」と笑顔がはじけていました。
　
　無事に全員がゴールし、ジュースをもらいました。
　また一つ思い出が増えました。

All but one group has checked in,
They are patiently listening to the history of the Kuchiba Family Residence.
The group that tries to listen to the guides, read the historical signs will take the longest.
It’s so nice to find such a serious group,

The students are now exploring the town of Hagi in their groups. They will visit historical landmarks and enjoy the beauty of the extremely well preserved town of Hagi. Hagi is also known for their citrus fruit and the students have been looking forward to a nice refreshing orange soft cream.

As we walk around the shrine, all the teachers could explained several memorials with ease and grace - not reading but paraphrasing so the memorials can be understandable. The teachers do so much work before and during the trip to be able to teach the students in a safe and entertaining way. Thank you for your hard work!

Our first stop for the day is Shoin Shrine (松陰神社, Shōin Jinja) which enshrines Yoshida Shoin, an important figure from Hagi who inspired revolutionary ideas during the twilight years of Japan's feudal age (mid 1800s). Shoin advocated learning from the west and the restoration of power to the emperor, thereby openly challenging the ruling shogunate. Although Shoin did not live to see the Meiji Restoration (1868), many of his students were pioneers of the creation of modern Japan, and Shoin is regarded by many as a patriot who sacrificed himself for the good of his country. 
His school that he made permitted everyone to attend unlike the Merinkan which only permitted the aristocracy.  Dozens of historical figures have graced his school including, the first prime minister of Nippon, Ito Hirobumi.

Last night we stayed at the hill top Hagi Kanko Hotel. It’s a modern hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding sea and mountains. They provided beautiful rooms, delicious meals, and special meals for several students and teachers with dietary restrictions. They also have a bath that for only Ikesho students use.
Although we are paying customers, we need to have an attitude of gratitude. It’s easy to forget that the staff are working by 5 AM to prepare breakfast, clean our rooms, clean our rooms, and clean the entire hotel.
Thank you Hagi Kanko Hotel.

　松蔭神社に到着し、吉田松陰について、各クラス担任の先生の説明を聞きながら周りました。

　今日も暑いです。この後、萩のグループ散策です。

　３日目の朝を迎えました。子どもたちは、今朝も元気にしています。
　朝食は、和食です。いただきますの声と同時に箸が進んでいます。

　今日も快晴です。暑さ対策をしながら、過ごしたいと思います。

　夕食の後は、お風呂と買い物に分かれて順番に買い物タイムを楽しみました。
　昨日も買い物をしたのですが、今日もまた購買意欲満々の子どもたちです。
　計算をしながら、友だちと相談しながら、悩みながら、、、時間をかけて選んでいました。
　
　明日は最終日です。明日も元気にたくさんの思い出をつくりたいと思います。
　就寝の時間が過ぎ、子どもたちは疲れて寝ています。

After dinner and a bath, the students had another chance to shop in the hotel’s gift shop. Here are just a few photos of them buying gifts for their families.

Another action packed day!
After dinner and a bath, the students are writing reflections on the day. After that, they playing cards, or talking in groups. Here are some photos of the students before the lights are turned out.

　ホテルに到着して、入館式をロビーで行いました。今回はロビーのため、代表の児童のみがあいさつをしたり、お話を聞いたりしました。
　それぞれの部屋で楽しくすごしています。
　
　夕食の会場からも萩湾がよく見えました。ステキな会場で、夜ご飯をいただきました。一日がんばったので、食事も進んでいるように感じました。
　
　食事の後は、お風呂とあ楽しみ買い物タイムです。

　夕食を終え、全員元気にしています。
　
　

Before checking into our hotel, we make on last short hike around Myojin Pond. The pond is connected to the Japan Sea so we can can interesting sea creatures like stingrays.

　明倫学舎は、長州藩の藩校であった跡地に萩市立明倫小学校が建てられ、そこが移転し明倫学舎として、観光できる場所になっています。
　昔の学校の面影が残る校舎の中に入ると、タイムスリップしたような気持ちになります。長州ファイブなど長州藩の偉人の功績などが映像などでもわかりやすく紹介されていました。また、なかなか見ることができない昔使っていた様々な道具も豊富にあり、時間が足りないくらいでした。たくさんの鉄砲が並んでいるところでは、子どもたちも興味津々でした。

　最後に訪れたのは、ホテルのすぐ近くにある明神池です。この池は、溶岩塊の隙間を通して外海とつながっていて魚もたくさんいました。風穴は、岩の隙間から涼しい風が出てきて天然のクーラーと呼ばれています。
　実際に隙間のところに手を入れると冷たい風が吹いていました。子どもたちもそこのエリアに足を踏み入れると、「涼し〜い！」と喜んでいました。