修学旅行

• Reading: しゅうがくりょこう
• Romaji: shūgaku ryokō
• Kanji breakdown: 修 (pursue/study) + 学 (learning) + 旅 (travel) + 行 (go) → educational excursion
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.ɡa.kɯ ɾʲo.koː/

Meaning

A school field trip or class excursion, typically a multi-day trip to another city or region.

修学旅行 is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Japanese school life. Middle schoolers typically visit Kyoto and Nara, while high schoolers may go to Okinawa, Hokkaido, or even abroad. The trip combines sightseeing, cultural learning, and bonding. For many students, it's their first time away from home with friends, making it a formative experience. The hotel nights — featuring pillow fights, secret snacking, and late-night confessions — are legendary.

Examples

1. 修学旅行で京都に行ったとき、夜に抜け出して怒られた。 When we went to Kyoto on the school trip, I snuck out at night and got in trouble.
2. 修学旅行の夜って絶対恋バナになるよね。 Nights on the school trip always turn into love-life gossip sessions, right?
3. 修学旅行の班決めでハブられたのトラウマだわ。 Getting left out when they picked groups for the school trip was traumatizing.

Usage Guide

Context: school, friends, family, reminiscing

Tone: excited, nostalgic

Do Say

• 修学旅行どこだった？うちは沖縄だったよ。 (Where did you go for your school trip? We went to Okinawa.)
• 修学旅行でお小遣い全部お土産に使っちゃった。 (I spent all my allowance on souvenirs during the school trip.)

Don't Say

• 「修学旅行なんて意味ない」は盛り上がってる人たちに水を差す (Saying 'school trips are pointless' dampens everyone's excitement)

Common Mistakes

• Thinking 修学旅行 is just tourism — there are educational components built in, like temple visits, peace memorial visits (especially Hiroshima), and cultural activities

Origin & History

From 修学 (pursuing learning) + 旅行 (travel). School excursions began in Japan in the Meiji era, originally with educational purposes like visiting historical sites. The tradition has evolved but remains a universal school experience.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji era origins, ongoing tradition

Generation: All ages — universal school memory

Social background: Universal (school-funded for public schools)

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Destinations vary by region: Kanto schools often visit Kyoto/Nara; Kansai schools may visit Tokyo or Okinawa.