G12 Retreat — Izu Oshima (Tokyo, Izu Islands)

Just 105 km from central Tokyo lies Izu Oshima, an active volcanic island with an unspoiled coastline and a living Geopark. In this 4-day, 3-night retreat, Grade 12 students leave the city behind for an island adventure that only Oshima can offer.

Day 1 (Nov. 3): The journey begins on the evening of November 3, when students meet at Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal and board the overnight ferry to Oshima. Falling asleep as the ship crosses the sea, students set off on their island adventure.

Day 2 (Nov. 4): The day of arrival is, first and foremost, a day for camping. After arriving early in the morning and trekking 30 minutes to Umi-no-Furusato Village, students have breakfast and then learn how to pitch a tent. Working in groups, students set up their tents, lay out their sleeping bags inside, carry in their luggage and get everything ready for the night. Students who feel a little tired after the overnight ferry can rest during the morning. After lunch, students can spend time at the campsite or explore the surrounding area, including Oshima Park, one of the largest parks in Japan, and the neighboring Oshima Zoo.

Dinner is cooked outdoors, with students splitting into groups to prepare the meal. Outdoor cooking is what camping is all about! Cooking for a group takes effort, but a meal made together is sure to become a lasting memory.

Day 3 (Nov. 5): This is a full day to explore the island through elective activities. Before the trip, students choose one activity for the morning and one for the afternoon through the online sign-up form. Students can trek across the black lava fields of Mt. Mihara, the active volcano at the heart of the Izu Oshima Geopark; ride along the coast on the Sunset Palm Line; join an island tour by car that stops at the Great Cross-Section of Strata, where layer upon layer of volcanic deposits tell the story of the island's eruptions; press oil from the seeds of Oshima's famous camellia trees; make Bekko sushi, the island's local specialty; try fishing from the breakwater; or spend the time exploring the campsite at their own pace. In the evening, students cook dinner outdoors together once again and spend their last night on the island with friends.

Day 4 (Nov. 6): After breakfast, students take down their tents and leave the campsite. Before heading home, students enjoy lunch and souvenir shopping in Oshima town, then board the afternoon ferry back to Tokyo, arriving at Takeshiba in the evening.

The retreat is built around three pillars: Self-Reliance, Exploration and Reflection. It gives Grade 12 students the time and space to build deep bonds with classmates before setting off on the next chapter of their lives.