Experiencing the great outdoors Experiencing the great outdoors K aruizawa, a resort town located about 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo in mountainous Nagano Prefecture , is known throughout Japan as a summertime retreat. When summer comes around, Karuizawa comes alive with sightseers hoping to escape the heat. T he seventh graders participate in what is called the Karuizawa Mobile Classroom. But in the course of orientation and group activities, the students gradually open up to each other. Hiking on the high plains, the students thoroughly enjoyed their natural surroundings.
Meals are buffet-style.
A meal with fellow students outside the regular lunchroom is a different experience altogether. A t the Karuizawa Highland School for eighth graders, students climb mountains, hike, and visit ranches. Another popular event is the recreational assembly, where students divide up into groups and perform skits. At the evening recreational assembly, students divide up into groups and give performances. The building in the distance is the place where the students are staying.